Lee “Gumayusi” Min-hyeong left one of the most decorated organizations in League of Legends history. Then he went out and won anyway.

The ADC carry, now playing for Hanwha Life Esports, led his new squad to the MSI 2026 championship in July, capping a dominant run that included a statement victory over his former team T1. In his post-tournament reflections, Gumayusi emphasized that self-belief and relentless work ethic were the driving forces behind the title, a championship he pointedly noted was achieved independently from the T1 dynasty that defined his earlier career.

Proving it on a new stage

His move to HLE ahead of 2026 placed him alongside a roster built to compete at the highest level. Zeus, Kanavi, Zeka, and Delight rounded out a lineup that read like an all-star team on paper.

HLE entered MSI 2026 as the LCK’s first seed, having already proven their domestic superiority with a victory over T1 in the Road to MSI qualifier. Throughout the tournament itself, Gumayusi demonstrated adaptability, slotting into HLE’s system while maintaining the aggressive carry style that made him famous at T1.

The weight of 100 international wins

Gumayusi had already accumulated over 100 international victories before this tournament even started. His previous achievements with T1, including multiple world championship titles, established him as a generational talent. Winning on a different team, with different teammates and different systems, elevates the conversation from “great player on a great team” to something closer to “great player, period.”

What HLE’s rise means for the competitive landscape

The roster construction tells a clear story. Zeus brings elite top lane pressure. Kanavi, widely regarded as one of the best junglers in competitive play, provides early-game tempo. Zeka adds a mid lane presence capable of absorbing pressure or carrying teamfights depending on what the draft demands. Delight provides the support foundation that lets the whole machine run.