Frankie "Zamudo" Lin is set to rejoin LYON Gaming for the LCS 2026 season, according to sources close to Sheep Esports. This move comes after a turbulent year marked by transfer complications and visa issues that prevented the Canadian toplaner from competing in the United States in 2025. Zamudo is poised to make his debut on the major North American stage after being closely followed on the NACL circuit during his rise. Toplaner Jeong "Impact" Eon-young was also considered for the position.

Initially signed by LYON Gaming before the Summer 2025 split, he was unable to compete due to complications with his U.S. work visa. Following this, LYON loaned him to South American team Isurus to conclude Split 3 and participate in the Promotion Tournament, where he helped secure their place in CBLOL 2026.

Rising star with strong potential

Zamudo is considered one of the biggest young talents to emerge from the NACL in recent years. During his time with DarkZero (Maryville), he helped the team finish second in Split 1. He clinched the CLOL 2025 title alongside Ganbat "Yuuji" Ulziidelger, another standout player who was competing in the LTA North with Team Liquid. His standout performances earned him the Most Valuable Prospect Award, a prestigious honor often signaling a bright future in professional North American League of Legends — Niship "Dhokla" Doshi, Alan "Busio" Cwalina, and Fahad "Massu" Abdulmalek.

The challenges Zamudo faced with visa issues last year limited his playtime, but his subsequent loan to Isurus allowed him to gain valuable competitive experience. Alongside midlaner Kim "Keine" Joon-cheol, who was also loaned to Isurus in a similar arrangement, Zamudo played a key role in helping the team retain its spot ahead of the CBLOL 2026 season. He played only a total of 16 games with the team and managed to be very deadly on several meta champions, such as Ambessa and Renekton, but also stood out with Jayce and Udyr.

LYON aiming to be the kings

LYON Gaming is making significant moves in the 2026 offseason to build a highly competitive roster. The acquisition of Kacper “Inspired” Słoma, one of the most decorated junglers in the West and a two-time LCS MVP, signals the team’s serious intent. According to sources close to Sheep Esports, Inspired chose LYON over offers from FlyQuest, Team Liquid, and a potential return to Europe, attracted by both the promise of a competitive roster and one of the highest player salaries in the LCS. The roster also includes midlaner Kang “Saint” Sung-in, and the organization is reportedly pursuing a strong South Korean AD Carry to round out their starting lineup.

After a disappointing 2025 season and the departure of key players and coaches, including head coach Gabriel "Khynm" Roussy and strategic coach Tobías "Pointless" Riscica, LYON is aiming to return to its winning ways reminiscent of their championship successes in 2023 and 2024. With the combined talents of Zamudo, Inspired, and Saint, along with fresh additions, the Mexican organization is setting its sights on climbing to the top ranks of the LCS and capturing its first title as Kings of the North.

LYON’s reported 2026 Winter roster:

For more roster changes, check out our Transfers Hub and Offseason Live Tracker.