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Former Worlds Champion Cyanide Passes Away at 31
26 Oct, 2026, 10:41
|Last updated: 26 Oct, 2026, 11:18
In 2011, Lauri "Cyanide" Happonen made history with Fnatic by winning the only League of Legends Worlds title the European region has had to date.
The Finnish player, who was known for pioneering Gangplank in the jungle, has passed away at 31, as confirmed by the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV).
Cyanide at Worlds 2011
Cyanide remains the youngest player to ever win a World Championship. Just 16 years old at the time, he delivered one of the most memorable jungle performances in the tournament's early history. Following the victory, Cyanide chose Jarvan IV as his champion for the team's Worlds-winning skin.
During his time with Fnatic, the jungler also reached the World Championship semi-finals in 2013 and won three consecutive European titles between 2013 and 2014.
Cyanide continued playing League of Legends until 2015, when he parted ways with Fnatic. He then announced his retirement from competitive play and continued streaming for several years.
According to the Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV), Cyanide passed away at the age of 31. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Cyanide recently took part in the EU LCS League of Legends Classic showmatch. He passed away on July 31, just days after the event, although the news was not made public at the time.
Fans and players from around the world have begun paying tribute to Cyanide, sharing their memories of him and reflecting on the moments they shared together.
In an X post, Fnatic also paid tribute to Cyanide, reflecting on the four years he spent with the organization and the lasting legacy he left behind.
Tragic years for Fnatic
In 2025, Fnatic mourned the loss of another member of its historic first Worlds-winning roster. Mid laner Maciej "Shushei" Ratuszniak tragically passed away from cancer. Fnatic has since honored his legacy by adding him to the team's Hall of Legends.
Players had the opportunity to claim several in-game rewards in his memory, including a title and his Gragas skin, both available for free.
Shushei was also featured in the music video for Sacrifice, the official anthem of the 2025 World Championship. He appeared in the final moments of the music video, holding the World Championship trophy.
The Strafe Esports team extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Cyanide and Shushei, as well as everyone whose lives they touched.
Follow Strafe Esports for the latest League of Legends news, and our X account for the latest content and coverage. Be sure to check out Strafe's YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, press conferences, and more.
Featured image credit: Riot Games
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