ZUIAN's Visa Woes Force Top Esports to Recall 369 for Worlds 2026

Top Esports is scrambling to fix a roster hole that threatens to derail their entire World Championship campaign before it even begins. The team officially announced on October 6 that Cheng ZUIAN Zihao cannot travel to the United States for the upcoming event, forcing them to turn back to a veteran player who has not competed in months.

This is not a minor scheduling hiccup. ZUIAN had two visa interviews rejected, and while the team is still pushing for a third attempt, the clock is ticking. The tournament starts in just over a week, and the reality is that they are preparing to play without their current top laner.

A Breakout Star Stuck at the Border

ZUIAN had a remarkable year. He moved into the starting lineup early in the season and helped Top Esports reach the LPL Split 2 Grand Final. He also made his international debut at MSI, proving he could handle the pressure against the best in the world. This would have been his first time competing at Worlds, a major milestone for any player.

The team has not disclosed exactly why his visa applications were denied. That lack of transparency adds to the frustration. It is one thing to have a player fall ill or get injured, but this is a bureaucratic hurdle that feels entirely outside the team's control. Yet here they are, having to pivot their strategy based on a government decision.

369 Steps Back In

Bai 369 Jia-Hao is the man they are bringing in to fill the void. He is one of the most experienced top laners in the LPL, and his return is a direct response to the crisis. He has not played a competitive match since being replaced by ZUIAN earlier this year, so there is a question mark over his current form.

However, experience matters at this level. 369 knows the pace of international competition better than almost anyone on the roster. He was part of JD Gaming's 2023 roster that went on a historic run, and he faced T1 at Worlds in 2025. His familiarity with the stage could be exactly what Top Esports needs to stabilize things.

The T1 Factor

There is a specific narrative thread here that cannot be ignored. T1 ended 369's previous two Worlds runs. In 2023, they beat JD Gaming in the semifinals. In 2025, they swept Top Esports in the semifinals. If TES and T1 meet again this year, 369 will have a personal chance at revenge.

That kind of motivation can be a double-edged sword. It can sharpen a player's focus, or it can add unnecessary pressure. But in the high-stakes environment of Worlds, having a player with a direct history against the reigning champions is a tactical advantage. 369 knows how T1 plays, and he knows what it takes to beat them.

A Broader Problem

It is not just ZUIAN who is facing visa troubles. According to reports from LPL content creator Summoner Park, two of Top Esports' coaches are also in trouble. Coach He BoBo Wen-Bo reportedly failed his second interview, and Li Leo Yu-Ming is scheduled for his second interview on October 8.

This suggests a systemic issue with the visa process for Chinese esports personnel entering the United States. If the coaches cannot make it, the team will be operating with a reduced support staff during a critical period. This is a significant logistical headache that goes beyond just the player roster.

Looking Ahead

Visa issues have threatened Worlds rosters before. In 2022, GAM Esports and Saigon Buffalo faced delays and initial denials before eventually securing visas for their full lineups. Top Esports is hoping for a similar outcome, but the timeline is much tighter this time.

The Swiss Stage begins on October 23 in Allen, Texas. That leaves less than two weeks for the team to either resolve ZUIAN's situation or fully integrate 369 into the lineup. The next few days will be crucial for Top Esports, and the outcome could define their entire tournament.