Worlds 2026 Pays Tribute to Cyanide With Moment of Silence

Worlds 2026 opened its Monday (October 26) broadcast with a tribute to Lauri “Cyanide” Happonen, the former Fnatic jungler who won the first League of Legends World Championship in 2011. The broadcast honored the Finnish player, who died earlier this year at the age of 31, with a message about his legacy and a moment of silence.

The tribute recognized both Cyanide's influence on competitive League of Legends and the impact he had on fellow players and fans. The official LoL Esports account shared a video of the moment on X.

Worlds 2026 Remembers Cyanide's Legacy

"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. He inspired an entire generation of junglers and helped build League into what it is today.

Besides being a force on the Rift, he was one of the kindest, warmest people in our scene, who charmed the hearts of so many League fans. Gone far too soon, Lauri. You will never be forgotten."

Cyanide's skin also made an appearance at Worlds 2026. Bilibili Gaming jungler Peng “Xun” Lixun selected Fnatic Jarvan IV on Monday (October 26), the same day news of the former player's passing became public. The skin commemorates Cyanide's 2011 World Championship victory with Fnatic:

Fnatic Honors Cyanide With Jarvan IV Tribute

Fnatic also paid tribute to Cyanide on October 26. In a statement, the organization recalled his four years with the team and highlighted the record he set in 2011, when he became the youngest player ever to win Worlds at just 16 years old.

“He leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten,” Fnatic wrote, extending its condolences to his family, friends and everyone who knew him.

Fnatic also changed its X profile picture to Fnatic Jarvan IV, the World Championship skin associated with Cyanide. Jarvan IV was the champion selected to represent the jungler in the skin collection celebrating Fnatic's Season One title.

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Featured image credit: Riot Games

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