T1 champion merchandise sparks controversy, Gumayusi's signature removed, Peyz becomes a "champion thief"

Greetings to all LPL viewers and League of Legends summoners, this is World Game Hub.

Shortly after MSI, the competition for EWC began, with seven teams from China and Korea participating, including T1. Recently, T1's championship skins are about to be released, along with some related merchandise.

However, the official platform's announcement of the T1 gift box caused a huge uproar due to the signature issue.

T1 merchandise sparks controversy, no Guma signature

As everyone knows, T1's five winning members last year were DOFGK. At the end of the year, T1 made another roster change, with Gumayusi leaving to join HLE, and T1 signing Peyz at a low price. However, when it comes to Riot's championship skins and merchandise promotions, the core focus is still on DOFGK.

Moreover, Gumayusi won the FMVP last year and will receive two skins, including a prestige Miss Fortune one.

In the official League of Legends live stream, viewers noticed a peculiar detail: on the outer packaging of the T1 championship gift box, Gumayusi's signature was directly removed.

The five IDs listed above were correct, but the signatures above them were outrageous. Below Oner's ID, the signature was not "Oner" but "Peyz," and below Gumayusi's ID, the signature was not "Gumayusi" but "Oner." This bizarre championship gift box immediately sparked dissatisfaction among fans and viewers.

This is essentially another instance of T1 actively cutting ties with Gumayusi. The management can easily blame Riot or other merchandise operators, but considering T1's behavior over the past two years, it's clear that this team lacks human touch.

Peyz becomes a "champion thief," three people feel uncomfortable

After this absurd signature gift box was revealed, Oner, Gumayusi, and Peyz were all upset in their own ways. Peyz was made to look like a "champion thief," Oner's signature was placed in Gumayusi's spot, and Gumayusi, who earned the championship, didn't even get to keep his signature rights.

Some viewers might think this is just an accident, or believe that since Gumayusi is now with HLE, T1's skin promotions might face certain restrictions.

However, it's worth noting that T1 has done similar things multiple times over the past two years.

When Zeus left the team, T1 quickly cut ties with him in every aspect, and the owner actively stirred up public opinion, leading to Zeus's family being harassed online. Later, T1 issued an apology.

The same happened after Gumayusi left. In promotional videos and documentaries, T1 directly removed parts involving Gumayusi. In the championship season documentary of ZOFGK, only three members were given screen time. Moreover, this is not the first time they've "stolen" the championship. In T1's animated team victory video, Peyz's cartoon character was already holding the trophy, specifically the Summoner's Cup from Worlds.

Using image rights or signature rights as an excuse is unreasonable. Last year, Riot released a Braum skin gift box, and Zeus's Gnar skin came with a signature charm, which is still on sale.

Depriving honors is unacceptable; T1 disappoints its fans

In recent years, the esports community has seen a trend of cutting ties when players leave. In the LPL, the most memorable example was Uzi leaving RNG, which caused a massive division among fans. Another similar case was JKL's departure.

T1's fans are also highly aggressive, quickly treating former star players as enemies after they leave the team.

In my opinion, such fan behavior is inevitable, but it's extremely unreasonable for the club to actively cut ties or guide fans to do so. Objectively speaking, the departures of Zeus and Gumayusi should not have sparked so much controversy, but T1's actions are undoubtedly disheartening.

Zeus originally wanted to stay, but T1 was unwilling to offer a high salary. After multiple rounds of negotiations, Zeus decided to leave, and T1 reacted with anger. Essentially, they didn't want to spend that much money. The same goes for Gumayusi going to HLE for a high salary while Peyz joined at a bargain price. Gumayusi was constantly targeted by fans during his time at T1, was benched by management, and was cut off by the club after leaving.

Since they can't afford to pay that much, it would be best to part ways amicably. However, T1's operational behavior continuously disgusts players and fans. Such a club operation will eventually face severe backlash.