Visa Denial Forces Top Esports to Dust Off 369 for Worlds

In professional esports, the most expensive ticket is not the one bought at the arena gate. It is the stamp from a government agency in a foreign country that decides if you can even walk onto the stage. For Cheng "ZUIAN" Zihao, that stamp is currently missing. The Chinese top laner failed his second US visa interview, a bureaucratic hiccup that has thrown his team into chaos less than two weeks before the 2026 League of Legends World Championship kicks off.

This is not a story about mechanics or macro play. It is about the fragile logistics of a globalized industry where talent does not matter if you cannot board the plane. ZUIAN had a breakout season, securing his spot in the starting lineup and helping Top Esports reach the LPL Split 2 Grand Final. Now, his trip to Allen, Texas, is stalled. The organization confirmed on October 6 that he cannot travel, and they are already activating their backup plan.

The clock is ticking. The Swiss Stage begins on October 23, and the entire event runs from October 15 to November 14. The window for roster registration is closing. Top Esports is still trying to get a third interview for ZUIAN, but they are not counting on it. They are preparing for the worst, which means bringing back a veteran who has not played a competitive match since earlier this year.

The Backup Plan: 369 Returns

Bai "369" Jia-Hao is stepping back into the starting lineup. It feels like a full circle moment for the LPL. He is one of the most experienced top laners in the league, having seen the high end of the sport from every angle. His return is a safety net, but it also signals a shift. Top Esports is prioritizing stability and experience over the fresh energy that ZUIAN brought this season.

369's history at Worlds is defined by near misses. He was part of JD Gaming's 2023 roster that made a deep run before falling to T1 in the semifinals. He faced the same Korean giant again in 2025 with Top Esports, only to be swept out in the semifinals. If TES meets T1 again in 2026, 369 gets a chance to settle a score that has haunted him for three years. That is a personal stake ZUIAN, who has never played at Worlds, does not carry.

Bringing 369 back is not just about filling a roster spot. It is about managing the pressure of a global stage where mistakes are magnified. Experience can be the difference between advancing and going home. Top Esports is betting on a player who has been in this exact situation before, who knows the weight of expectations, and who has the mental fortitude to deliver under pressure. It is a pragmatic choice, but it leaves a question mark over the team's long-term trajectory.

A Pattern of Bureaucratic Hurdles

This is not the first time visa issues have threatened the integrity of Worlds rosters. Before the 2022 tournament in North America, GAM Esports and Saigon Buffalo both faced delays and initial denials before eventually securing visas for their full lineups. The difference this time is the timing. The 2026 event is starting in just under three weeks, and there is no guarantee that a third interview will be granted or approved in time.

The situation is compounded by the fact that it is not just ZUIAN who is facing problems. According to reports from LPL content creator Summoner Park, two of Top Esports' coaches have also run into visa issues. Coach He "BoBo" Wen-Bo has reportedly failed his second interview, while Li "Leo" Yu-Ming is scheduled for his second interview on October 8. If both coaches are affected, Top Esports will be fielding a team with a completely new staff for the most important part of the year.

This adds another layer of complexity to an already stressful situation. Coaches play a vital role in preparing a team for international competition, and having to replace them at the last minute can disrupt the rhythm and strategy of the roster. Top Esports has not announced if both coaches will be temporarily replaced, but the possibility is a real concern. The team is now dealing with potential changes in both the playing and coaching staff, a double whammy that few teams are prepared for.

The Broader Impact on the LPL

This incident highlights the vulnerability of the LPL's reliance on international travel for its global competitions. The league has produced some of the most talented players in the world, but the logistical challenges of getting them to the tournament can be just as daunting as the competitive ones. The visa process is not something that can be controlled by the team or the player, and it can derail a season's worth of hard work in a matter of days.

It also raises questions about the timing of the World Championship. Holding a major international event in the United States means that all non-US players are subject to the visa process, a process that is known for its unpredictability and delays. The 2026 event is no different, and the fact that a star player like ZUIAN is stuck in this process is a reminder of the risks involved. It is a problem that the League of Legends community has faced before, but it continues to have a significant impact on the sport.

For Top Esports, the next few weeks will be defined by uncertainty. They are trying to secure a third interview for ZUIAN, but they are also preparing for his absence. It is a dual strategy that requires them to be ready for both outcomes, a task that is easier said than done. The team has to manage the expectations of their fans, the pressure of the competition, and the uncertainty of the visa process all at once. It is a test of their resilience, and one that will be watched closely by the entire LPL.

What Comes Next

The immediate future for Top Esports is unclear. They will likely announce their final roster for Worlds soon, and that announcement will reveal whether ZUIAN is able to travel or if 369 will be starting the tournament. The decision will have a significant impact on the team's performance, as both players bring different strengths and styles to the top lane. It is a gamble that Top Esports has to make, and one that will be scrutinized by analysts and fans alike.

Regardless of the outcome, this incident serves as a cautionary tale for the esports industry. It reminds us that the competitive landscape is not just about skill and strategy, but also about the logistical and bureaucratic challenges that come with international competition. The players are the stars, but the systems that support them are just as important. If those systems fail, even the best teams can be derailed. Top Esports is now navigating that failure, and the world will be watching to see how they respond.