Worlds 2026 Swiss Stage Day 4 opens with tribute to former Fnatic jungler Cyanide

The fourth day of Worlds 2026 opened in a subdued manner on Monday, October 26, 2026, with heartfelt words from Eefje “Sjokz” Depoortere following the passing of Lauri “Cyanide” Happonen. The jungler reportedly passed away on July 31 at the age of 31, Finnish media outlet Ilta-Sanomat reported a few hours earlier. A player for Fnatic during the early years of League of Legends, Cyanide had earned an almost legendary status, both for his achievements and for the players he inspired, many of whom paid tribute to him on social media.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Lauri ‘Cyanide’ Happonen, a Season one world champion who meant so much to the history of our sport,” Sjokz began as she opened the broadcast for the new day of Worlds. “He inspired an entire generation of junglers and helped build the League into what it is today,” she added, reminding viewers that “besides being a force on the rift, [Cyanide] was one of the kindest, warmest people in our scene, who charmed the hearts of so many League fans gone far too soon.”

“You will never be forgotten. Please join us in a moment of silence as we honor his legacy,” she concluded, before the broadcast cut to a minute of silence, accompanied by an image of the Finnish player and his Jarvan IV skin, which was added following his victory at the first World Championship.

This is the first time Riot Games' production has paid such a direct tribute to a player or personality from its competitive scene. In 2025, through the music video for that year's Worlds anthem, “Sacrifice,” featuring artist G.E.M., the North American publisher had already paid tribute to Maciej “Shushei” Ratuszniak through the work of French animation studio Eddy. Shushei was Fnatic's midlaner when the team won the 2011 World Championship alongside Cyanide. He had passed away a few months earlier, on April 28, 2025, at the age of 36, following a battle with cancer.