TES’ ZUIAN could miss Worlds 2026 after visa denials

Top Esports top laner Cheng “ZUIAN” Zi-Hao could miss the 2026 League of Legends World Championship after two U.S. visa denials. Bai “369” Jia-Hao will return to the starting lineup while ZUIAN and TES seek a third visa interview.

TES confirmed the situation Tuesday, Oct. 6, in a post on Weibo. ZUIAN cannot travel to the United States with the rest of the roster for now. The team has adjusted its practice schedule and tactical preparation around 369’s return.

ZUIAN became TES’ starting top laner during the 2026 season and played 97 games for the main roster, recording 55 wins and 42 losses. He started all four games in TES’ 3-1 win over Invictus Gaming in the LPL Regional Finals on Sept. 17. The result secured TES’ place at Worlds. ZUIAN finished the series with 19 kills, 13 deaths and 26 assists.

369 began the season as TES’ starting top laner before losing his place to ZUIAN. His most recent LPL appearance came March 2, when TES lost to Weibo Gaming in the Split 1 playoffs. He has not played for the team since.

Posts on Weibo indicate that mid laner Lin “Creme” Jian was denied a visa during his first interview before receiving approval on his second attempt. Unconfirmed reports also involve coach He “BoBo” Wen-Bo and staff member Li “Leo” Yu-Ming. TES has not confirmed those reports.

TES will not compete in the Worlds Play-In Stage, scheduled for Oct. 15-18 in Los Angeles. The team is scheduled to begin the Swiss Stage on Oct. 23 in Allen, Texas. TES will use the time before the Swiss Stage to seek another interview for ZUIAN.

If ZUIAN does not receive visa approval in time, 369 will start for TES at Worlds 2026.

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