League of Legends Titan Shushei Passes Away at 36

After a battle with cancer, Season 1 League of Legends World Champion Maciej ‘Shushei’ Ratuszniak has passed away at 36. He died on April 28, 2025.

Shushei is known for his time with Fnatic. He also became the first player to receive an MVP award after winning the first World Championship in 2011. 

Fnatic Provides Statement

On X, Fnatic, the esports organization Shushei competed with once upon a time, released a statement: 

“Yesterday we lost a legend in Shushei.

“Shushei was part of the incredible Fnatic team that won the first ever League of Legends World Championships back in 2011 that begun the Fnatic LoL fandom for so many of our fans. 

“Our thoughts are with his friends and family,” the organization wrote. 

Numerous esports organizations, including Red Bull Gaming, Team Vitality League, SK Gaming, and others, offered their condolences in the replies. 

Shushei’s Legacy

Shushei retired in 2013 but left a massive mark on the League of Legends esports scene. 

After his 2011 World Championship, he picked Gragas to receive the personalized skin, which is still available for purchase 14 years later. 

Not only did he win the world championship, but he also won Season 6 of Intel Extreme Masters (IEM) with Fnatic in New York. He also won at IEM Hannover with MyRevenge in 2011. 

Shushei is also considered “the guy” when it comes to esports in Poland. He built up a fan base when League of Legends esports was just starting out. 

Fans Reaction

Fans across the League of Legends esports ecosystem shared their thoughts and condolences on X. 

“Back during season 2/3 I helped run a small League webcast where we had pros on as guests and we discussed the competitive scene and new champion changes. 

“Shushei came on the show multiple times and I was able to get to know him during that time both on the show and through discord. 

“He was one of the most chill, kind, and humble men I’ve met. My heart breaks in hearing this news. 

“RIP my friend,” wrote user @vanielmage. 

Another fan followed up with how he became a Fnatic fan.