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TES Player Could Miss Worlds 2026 After Visa Denial
Top Esports has already had to alter its lineup for Worlds 2026 before traveling to the United States. Top laner Cheng “ZUIAN” Zi-Hao had his visa denied in two interviews, so Bai “369” Jia-Hao will return to the starting lineup for now ahead of the League of Legends World Championship.
TES confirmed the situation on Tuesday, October 6, in a post on Weibo. According to the organization, ZUIAN cannot travel with the rest of the roster for now, but both the player and the team are still trying to secure a third visa interview. In the meantime, TES has begun adjusting its practice schedule and tactical preparation around 369's return to the lineup.
ZUIAN Played the Series That Sent TES to Worlds 2026
ZUIAN took over as TES' starting top laner during the season and played 97 games for the main roster in 2026, recording 55 wins and 42 losses. He was also in the lineup for the series that ultimately secured the organization's place at Worlds.
On September 17, ZUIAN played all four games of TES' 3-1 victory over Invictus Gaming in the LPL Regional Finals. The result qualified Top Esports for Worlds 2026.
ZUIAN finished the series against IG with 19 kills, 13 deaths, and 26 assists. With his visa situation still unresolved, the starting spot now goes back to 369, who began 2026 in the lineup before making way for the younger top laner.
369's most recent LPL match came on March 2, when TES lost to Weibo Gaming in the Split 1 playoffs. He has not appeared in the lineup used by the team across the major stages of the season since then.
Visa Issues May Have Affected Other TES Members
ZUIAN may not be the only TES member to run into problems during the US visa process. Reports posted on Weibo claim mid laner Lin “Creme” Jian was also denied in his first interview before receiving approval on his second attempt.
There are also unconfirmed reports involving members of the coaching staff. Coach He “BoBo” Wen-Bo reportedly received a second rejection, while Li “Leo” Yu-Ming is reportedly still waiting for another interview. TES has not publicly confirmed either situation.
TES Does Not Begin the Swiss Stage Until October 23
TES still has some time to resolve ZUIAN's situation. The team will not compete in the Worlds 2026 Play-In Stage, which runs from October 15 to 18 in Los Angeles, and will instead begin its campaign directly in the Swiss Stage on October 23 in Allen, Texas.
That leaves a little over two weeks between Tuesday's announcement and the start of the Swiss Stage, which runs through October 31. During that window, the organization will try to secure a third interview for ZUIAN. If he cannot obtain the visa in time, 369 will be TES' option to start Worlds 2026.
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Featured image credit: Riot Games
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