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The decision by T1 to bench Gumayusi in favor of Smash, a newcomer from the Challengers team, raised eyebrows within the esports community. Despite Smash’s promising capabilities, T1 has opted to reinstate Gumayusi to their starting lineup.
This reversal was not a straightforward decision made solely by the coaching staff. Instead, T1’s CEO Joe Marsh took a decisive role in this change, personally ensuring Gumayusi’s return to the team.
In a notable departure from typical organizational hierarchy in esports, the CEO stepped in to override coaching decisions in an effort to secure a player who has previously demonstrated his world-class abilities.
CEO Marsh Makes a Bold Call
In a recent statement to the fans, Marsh elaborated on the reasoning behind the initial roster choice, his decision to reinstate Gumayusi, and acknowledged the contributions of both players to the T1 organization.
He expressed understanding of the fans’ frustrations, citing that the lack of communication was due to ongoing deliberations among the management and coaching team rather than a disregard for the community’s input.
“My trust in our coaching staff, including ‘Becker’ and ‘kkOma’, is unwavering,” Marsh stated. “After comprehensive discussions, I felt it necessary to ensure that ‘Gumayusi’ returned to the starting lineup for the upcoming season. This choice reflects my long-term vision for the team’s success.”
While Smash’s position is not permanently diminished, Gumayusi will take the lead in the team for the foreseeable future. Marsh reiterated his commitment to selecting the player who offers the best potential for success, regardless of recent performance.
Notably, Smash’s impressive showing in the Challengers cup justified his earlier promotion to the main roster; many view his debut as one of the strongest in the League of Legends Champions Korea (LCK) history.
Despite this, Marsh’s determination that Gumayusi should be the starting ADC underscores both his belief in the player’s skills and his loyalty to the team’s legacy. “Gumayusi’s dedication to T1 has been evident, and my decision is a testament to that loyalty,” he remarked.
This roster change follows the recent surprise trade of Zeus to Hanwha Life Esports, which significantly impacted T1’s roster and emotional state within the organization.
Source
www.dexerto.com