LCK Winter Transfer Window Sees Eight Teams Replace AD Carries as T1 Parts Ways with Gumayusi

Key facts

• T1 replaced Gumayusi with JDG's Peyz, a move decided internally by T1 management mid-year.
• GEN saw Canyon depart and signed DRX jungler Sponge, a rookie with limited international experience.
• DK retained its top-jungle-mid trio but acquired Smash from T1 for the bot lane and is choosing between Career and Cloud as support.
• NS signed former LPL mid laner Scout, reportedly at a reduced salary, and WE's Teayoon as AD carry.
• Kanavi did not return to LCK and is expected to remain in the LPL, possibly rejoining JDG.
• Viper is confirmed to be moving to the LPL, with JDG and BLG as potential destinations.
• Eight out of ten LCK teams changed their AD carry this transfer window.
• DRX and BRO are considered to be in a rebuilding phase with minimal competitive expectations.

T1's Calculated Breakup with a Finals MVP

T1, the reigning world champions, have parted ways with AD carry Gumayusi, a move that was set in motion by the organization's management as early as mid-year.eam's performance in 2025, the decision to replace him was firm. Gumayusi's departure comes despite his stellar showing in the recent World Championship, where he secured both the title and the Finals MVP award. His replacement is Peyz, formerly of JDG, who will take over the bot lane. The rest of T1's roster remains unchanged, signaling confidence in the core lineup that delivered the championship.

GEN Gambles on Rookie Sponge to Replace Canyon

GEN, another top contender, has undergone a single but significant change: jungler Canyon has left the team, and his replacement is Sponge from DRX. Sponge is a relatively inexperienced player, having debuted only a few years ago, and his individual skill is not considered top-tier. The decision has raised eyebrows among analysts, who question why GEN would pass over established stars like Canyon or Kanavi in favor of a rookie. While Sponge may not need to carry domestically, his lack of experience in international tournaments is seen as a potential vulnerability for a team with championship aspirations.

DK Bolsters Bot Lane with Smash Amid Controversy

DK, which faced internal bullying allegations during the season, has kept its top-jungle-mid trio intact. The team's primary change is in the bot lane: they acquired Smash from T1 to replace Aiming as the AD carry. The support position remains undecided, with Career and Cloud as the final candidates. Analysts view the swap from Aiming to Smash as a modest upgrade, noting that Smash showed promise despite last year's rotational instability. The support upgrade is considered significant, as the previous support, Beryl, had been underperforming; the new choice is expected to be a clear improvement.

Scout's Return to LCK with NS Heralds a Potential Dark Horse

NS has emerged as a team to watch after signing mid laner Scout, a former world champion who spent recent years in the to have taken a salary cut to join NS, as no top-tier LCK team made him an offer. He will pair with AD carry Teayoon, formerly of WE, while the top lane and support positions remain unchanged. If Scout can regain his form, NS could become a dark horse in the upcoming season. The team's new roster, which also retains top laner DuDu and jungler Pyosik, has the potential to surprise, though it is still considered slightly weaker than other revamped squads like NS's own predecessor.

Kanavi and Viper Opt for LPL, Shaping the Competitive Landscape

The transfer list reveals that Kanavi, a top-tier jungler, will not return to the LCK and is expected to continue his career in the LPL, with a possible return to JDG. Viper, another star AD carry, has also confirmed his move to the LPL, with JDG and BLG emerging as the most likely destinations. Their decisions underscore the LPL's continued financial pull and competitive appeal, even as LCK teams undergo significant roster changes. The absence of these players from the LCK transfer market has forced teams to look elsewhere for talent, contributing to the high turnover in the AD carry position.

A League-Wide Shift: Eight Teams Replace Their AD Carries

The most striking statistic of this transfer window is that eight of the ten LCK teams have changed their AD carry. This sweeping change reflects a league-wide recognition of the importance of the bot lane in the current meta, as well as a desire to refresh rosters after a season that saw T1 dominate. Teams like DRX and BRO, however, have largely stood pat, signaling a continued rebuilding phase with little expectation of immediate success. The full list of transfers is expected to be officially announced in the coming days, as teams finalize their rosters for the 2026 season.

Outlook: New Faces, Familiar Ambitions

As the LCK enters its 2026 season, the landscape has shifted dramatically. T1 remains the team to beat, but the loss of Gumayusi introduces an element of uncertainty. GEN's gamble on Sponge could either pay off or leave them vulnerable on the international stage. DK's bot lane upgrade might be the key to unlocking their potential, while NS's acquisition of Scout could make them a playoff contender. The decisions of Kanavi and Viper to stay in the LPL have reshaped the balance of power, ensuring that the LCK will have a different look in the coming year. With the transfer window closed, the focus now shifts to how these new rosters will mesh on the Rift.

The bottom line

• T1's decision to replace Gumayusi was premeditated and independent of his Finals MVP performance.
• GEN's reliance on rookie Sponge is a high-risk strategy that could backfire in international competitions.
• DK's bot lane overhaul, including the acquisition of Smash, is expected to be a net positive.
• Scout's return to LCK with NS at a reduced salary could make NS a dark horse if his form improves.
• Kanavi and Viper's moves to the LPL highlight the league's continued ability to attract top talent.
• The unprecedented turnover of AD carries across eight teams signals a league-wide strategic pivot.