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05 April 2025

GuMayuSi Returns As T1 Faces DRX In LCK Opener

T1's lineup sparks debate as CEO Cho Marsh supports Lee Min-hyung's return to starting role

T1's highly anticipated opening match of the 2025 LCK regular season is set to take place on April 4, 2025, at the LoL Park LCK Arena in Jongno, Seoul, where they will face off against DRX. This matchup is particularly intriguing as it marks the return of Lee Min-hyung, known as 'GuMayuSi', to the starting lineup after a three-month hiatus.

Lee Min-hyung has been selected as the starting support for T1, replacing 'Smash' Shin Geum-jae, who had been the primary support during the 2025 LCK Cup. The decision comes after T1 CEO Cho Marsh's strong backing of Lee, which has sparked considerable discussion among fans and analysts alike.

In a message directed to T1 fans, Cho Marsh emphasized the importance of including 'GuMayuSi' in the regular season lineup, stating, "As CEO, it is my duty to make decisions for the development of the company from a long-term perspective." This clear endorsement has set the stage for a season filled with scrutiny regarding player selections and management decisions.

Interestingly, Lee's last official appearance was during the LCK Cup on January 18, 2025. During that tournament, T1 opted to field Shin Geum-jae, leaving Lee on the bench. However, following the LCK Cup, Cho Marsh announced that Lee would be reinstated as a starter, paving the way for his return to competitive play.

T1's starting roster for the opening match includes some of the biggest names in the esports scene: 'Doran' Choi Hyun-joon, 'Oner' Moon Hyun-joon, 'Faker' Lee Sang-hyeok, 'GuMayuSi' Lee Min-hyung, and 'Keria' Ryu Min-seok. These players are expected to bring their A-game as they look to kick off the season with a strong performance against DRX.

On the other side, DRX is maintaining consistency with their lineup, which features 'Rich' Lee Jae-won, 'Sponji' Bae Young-joon, 'Yucal' Son Woo-hyun, 'Teddy' Park Jin-seong, and 'Andil' Moon Guan-bin. Having recently faced DN Phoenix, DRX is looking to build momentum as they enter this crucial match against T1.

The focus on Cho Marsh's involvement in player selection has raised eyebrows, with many questioning how this might affect team dynamics. Oner Moon Hyun-joon, addressing the media on the eve of the match, expressed his commitment to focusing on performance despite the surrounding controversy. He stated, "As a professional player, it is most important to do our jobs well and achieve good results," reflecting the team's determination to remain focused on gameplay.

As the match approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating how 'GuMayuSi' will perform after his long absence from the competitive scene. His return could be a pivotal moment for T1, especially given the heightened expectations following Cho Marsh's public support.

With the opening match of the LCK regular season on the horizon, the stakes couldn't be higher. T1, with their star-studded roster and the return of 'GuMayuSi', aims to make a statement against DRX, while the latter seeks to assert their dominance and capitalize on any weaknesses in T1's lineup.

This clash is more than just a game; it's a narrative filled with intrigue, potential, and the ever-present drama of esports. As fans gear up for what promises to be an electrifying encounter, all eyes will be on the players and the decisions made by T1's management. Will 'GuMayuSi' reclaim his place among the elite, or will DRX's consistency shine through? The answer lies just hours away as the teams prepare to battle it out on the LCK stage.