Top Esports and Invictus Gaming have both had different top laners this year. 369 started in Split 1, but ZUIAN replaced him in Splits 2 and 3. He came back for Worlds 2026. TheShy did not play in Splits 1 or 2. He rejoined the roster for Split 3 and has stayed since. Of the four LPL teams, not many expected these two to inspire hope for China. They performed well in the Swiss Stage, but can they translate that to the international stage?
Worlds 2026: Player Head-To-Head
Top Lane – 369 Versus TheShy
369 was not meant to be here. He stepped down after an emotional Split 1. ZUIAN replaced him, but he could not get his Visa. 369 stepped up. Expectations for him were low. The Swiss Stage did not stretch his champion pool. That could become a problem, especially against TheShy. While he has played mostly standard champions, he can always turn to his pocket picks. In a longer series, TheShy has the advantage.
Jungle – Tian Versus Wei
The jungle matchup played a significant part when these teams met in the LPL. Both are the engines for their teams. Their early game hinges on Wei. His invade against Hanwha Life Esports put Kanavi behind. He contended with Inspired, even making him look weak in game one. The matchup is even, and both players have the same Total Apex Rating so far.
Mid Lane – Creme Versus Rookie (Featured Matchup)
Creme and Rookie have been exceptional at Worlds. Even after Rookie found himself behind against Team Secret Whales, his Shockwaves were instrumental. Creme struggled against Knight, and that could be a concern. He has faced strong mid laners so far. However, both Shanks and Caps underperformed in their matchup. Rookie has the slight edge in the matchup.
Bot Lane – JackeyLove Versus JiaQi
JackeyLove, the former IG AD Carry. He won Worlds 2018 with Rookie and TheShy. Now, 8 years later, he must stop them. In his way is the up-and-coming AD Carry, JiaQi. In many ways, JiaQi is similar to a young JackeyLove. An AD Carry that fights for everything and forces you to outplay him. JackeyLove has the experience, but JiaQi has performed better recently.
Support – Zhuo Versus Meiko
In his first international, Zhuo plays against a Veteran support. Meiko is a former Worlds and MSI winner with EDward Gaming. He even had a brief stint on Top Esports before joining IG. Zhuo has been impressive, but defeating Meiko is another ballgame. Meiko has the edge thanks to experience.
Predictions
Top Esports 2-3 Invictus Gaming
TES’ recovery victory over Bilibili Gaming was impressive. However, BLG’s implosion dampens the result. TES has defeated good opponents to get here. All of them had disappointing performances. There is also 369’s champion pool. Can he keep up with TheShy in a longer series? He has proved everyone wrong so far. Is there a reason to doubt him? TES’s international struggles are a non-factor in this series. Playing against LPL competition is a different beast. They have beaten BLG twice in the last two Worlds. IG has looked more comfortable, but anything can happen on the day. Either team can win this series. The team that remains calm in the crucial moments should have the edge.
A Guaranteed LPL Team in the Semi-Finals
The LPL fans felt doomed after day one of the Swiss Stage. All four LPL teams lost. But now at least one is guaranteed in the Semi-Finals. Not many would have predicted these two. Last year, TES were the last LPL team left. Anyone’s Legend lost to T1 in the Quarterfinals. They eliminated BLG in the Swiss Stage. They could be the last hope again. Both teams lost to T1 in best-of-five series last year.
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