The countdown to Worlds 2026 has begun. To start the hype for the international event, we are looking at every team in the tournament. CTBC Flying Oyster was the best non-LPL or non-LCK team last year. They qualified for every international event. They lost one series domestically. They qualified for the Worlds Bracket Stage. After many roster changes, CFO is finally back on the international stage.
CTBC Flying Oyster’s Roster
- Hsu “Rest” Shih-chieh – Taiwanese Top Laner
- Zhao “Shadow” Zhiqiang – Italian/Chinese Jungler
- Han “Pout” In-woong – Korean Mid Laner
- Chiu “Doggo” Tzu-chuan – Taiwanese Bot Laner
- Wu “Kino” Hsin-jung – Taiwanese Support
CFO lost four members after their quarter-finals at Worlds last year. Shen “Driver” Tsung-hua, Tsai “hongQ” Ming-hong, Yu “JunJia” Chun-chia, and Ling “Kaiwing” Kai Wing all left the roster. They brought in Shadow, Lee “Pungyeon” Jong-hyuk, and Chiu “2274” Chang-an to the roster. The team struggled. Halfway through Split 2, Pout and Kino replaced Pungyeon and 2274.
The Ravaged Roster Returns
CFO dominated the LCP last year. However, the region lacks the funding to entice their players. Players will always take the better contract. That happened to most of the 2025 roster. JunJia and hongQ went to JD Gaming. CFO let Driver go, and Kaiwing moved to Vivo Keyd Stars in the CBLOL. The team struggled to find form in 2026. After a weak Split 1 and a horrible start to Split 2, they made changes. Pout and Kino did not hit the ground running. The team slumped to another 5th-6th place finish.
It started to click in Split 3. The team went 2-1 in the Swiss Stage, only losing to Team Secret Whales. They won the next series against TSW 3-2. That earned them the first seed in the playoffs. However, they faltered against TSW in the playoffs. They lost 3-0 in the Upper Bracket Final and the Grand Final. The team is not near the level of the 2025 roster. However, with more time under their belts, they could peak at the perfect time.
Key Player – Chiu “Doggo” Tzu-chuan
Doggo surprised everyone last year. After languishing in the LPL, he returned to the LCP. He had middling success on a dominant roster domestically. However, internationally, he transformed. Many remember his dominance as Draven against the eventual World Champions, T1. With the roster struggling this year, Doggo had to step up. Even before CFO’s resurgence, Doggo was the primary carry. Once Shadow joined him in high-quality performances, they snowballed.
Doggo is the closest the roster has to a world-class player. They will need to rely on him. Rest and Shadow’s international performances have not impressed. Pout is unproven, and Kino is a middle-of-the-pack support. If they are to surprise, Doggo will be the X-factor. He did it internationally last year. However, his team will need to play around him.
CTBC Flying Oyster’s Expectations
They are nowhere near last year’s roster. The competition is tighter than ever. They should not reach the Bracket Stage. Wins against top seeds or LPL/LCK teams will come as a surprise. If they finish 2-3 in the Swiss Stage, they can view the tournament as a success. No team is weak. Their best chance will be against other LCP teams. Even the CBLOL teams look deadly heading into Worlds.
Swiss Stage Beginnings
By reaching the Grand Final, CFO qualified as the second seed. They avoided the Play-In stage. They will start the Swiss Stage in Pool 4. Their first match will be tough.
Potential Opponents
They will play against Pool 1 teams in Round 1. Those are: Gen.G Esports, Anyone’s Legend, G2 Esports, and Team Liquid.
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