LPL Match-Fixing Scandal: TOP Esports Jungler Naiyou Admits to Fixing Games

China’s professional League of Legends scene has come under scrutiny once again, this time due to a major competitive integrity controversy. The LPL match-fixing scandal emerged after TOP Esports jungler Yang “Naiyou” Zi-Jian reportedly admitted to fixing games during the league’s playoff stage.

The allegations surfaced following TOP Esports’ elimination from the LPL playoffs, raising serious concerns about competitive integrity within the region.

Suspicious Performance in the Series Against Weibo Gaming

TOP Esports was eliminated from the playoffs after losing their series against Weibo Gaming. However, Naiyou’s performance during the match quickly drew attention from fans and analysts.

Following the team’s elimination, TOP Esports launched an internal investigation into the jungler after concerns were raised by the team’s mid laner Lin “Creme” Jian.

During the series, Naiyou — playing Skarner — built magic resistance items despite the opposing team dealing primarily physical damage. The questionable itemization sparked immediate speculation from viewers.

Additional concerns arose when the jungler purchased duplicate item components whose effects do not stack, effectively wasting gold and leaving the champion significantly weaker during crucial moments of the match.

TOP Esports Coach Confirms Match-Fixing Admission

TOP Esports head coach Chang “Poppy” Po-Hao later addressed the situation during a livestream, revealing that Naiyou had admitted to fixing games during the playoff stage.

“This makes me very angry. Think about our results. How far could we have gone?” Poppy said during the broadcast.

The statement intensified discussions within the League of Legends esports community, as match-fixing allegations threaten the credibility of competitive play.

Naiyou’s Career and the LDL Controversy

Naiyou joined TOP Esports from China’s secondary league, the LDL (League of Legends Development League). His promotion reignited debate about the league’s ongoing issues with competitive integrity.

Several LDL players have previously been involved in match-fixing scandals, leading many organizations to approach promotions from the developmental league with caution.

As of now, neither Riot Games nor the LPL has released an official statement regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, TOP Esports is reportedly searching for a replacement jungler ahead of the next competitive split.

LPL Faces Renewed Scrutiny Amid Ongoing Controversies

The LPL match-fixing scandal has once again brought attention to controversies surrounding China’s professional League of Legends ecosystem.

Despite consistently strong international performances, the league has faced several issues in recent years, including match-fixing investigations and allegations of misconduct involving professional players.

LPL Teams Prepare for First Stand 2026

While the controversy continues to unfold, the competitive League of Legends scene is preparing for the first international tournament of the season.

JD Gaming and Bilibili Gaming will represent the LPL at First Stand 2026, where they will compete against champions from other regions.

Both teams will aim to bring the title back to China as the league deals with the fallout from the ongoing scandal.