After TES launched a match-fixing investigation into jungler naiyou, the player admitted to intentionally losing all of the Playoffs games.
The jungler from Top Esports (TES), Yang “naiyou” Zi-Jian, is under investigation for match-fixing. Rumors suggest that some teammates raised concerns about his actions. On March 7, the team’s head coach, Chang “Poppy” Po-Hao, revealed that naiyou had confessed to the allegations.
Think about our results. How far could we have made it if he didn’t matchfix? I can’t even imagine.
Poppy, Top Esports Head Coach
TES naiyou under investigation for match-fixing
On March 6, Top Esports announced a new investigation into “abnormal in-game behavior” involving their new jungler, naiyou. Naiyou began his career with TES Challengers before moving on to Rare Atom, LGD Gaming, and Ninjas in Pyjamas, returning to Top Esports during the 2025 off-season.
According to the team’s statement, he was suspected of violating competitive integrity and was subsequently reported to the League of Legends Pro League (LPL). Rumors suggest that the team’s mid laner, Lin “Creme” Jian, was the one who proposed opening the new investigation. Other players reportedly shared similar concerns soon after, but the rumors were not confirmed.
On the same day, the LNG Esports manager said, “There have been leaks circulating among small groups early this morning. As more evidence accumulated, the situation eventually went public.” Even his teammate, Bai “369” Jia-Hao, who first came to defend him, later posted a message on Weibo saying, “I’m such a clown…”
The accusations were confirmed on March 7, when the TES head coach came on his stream to talk about the investigation. “Naiyou admitted that he matchfixed every game TES lost in the Playoffs,” he said. “This makes me really upset. Think about our results. How could we make it if he didn’t matchifixed? I can’t even imagine.”
In the Bracket stage, Top Esports lost against JD Gaming, winning then against Team WE. In the Loser’s Bracket, they ended up losing against Weibo, losing their chance to qualify for The First Stand.
Coach Poppy apologizes for early comments on the investigation
A few hours later, head coach Poppy published an apology post regarding his comments on the investigation. “I’m sorry I got carried away when costreaming with my former teammate. I intended to say that I felt really upset about what happened in Split 1,” he wrote. “I currently do not know the latest results of the investigation or its details. So please refer to the LPL investigation results. I sincerely apologize for my ignorant remarks.”
Article 3.14 by Riot Games
Esports Professionals may not match-fix or otherwise manipulate the outcome of any match or competition or request, encourage, or instruct others to manipulate it. “Manipulation” is defined as the unlawful or undue influencing or alteration (including failing to give best efforts), directly or indirectly, by an act or an omission, of the course, result, or any other aspect of a match (i.e., spot-fixing) or a competition, irrespective of whether the behavior is committed for financial gain, sporting advantage, or any other purpose. Teams may be sanctioned for the actions of their team owners, players, coaches, and any other employees or members of their organization. Any attempt to manipulate any competition, even if done unsuccessfully, will be deemed a violation of this rule.
Article 3.14, Riot Games
So far, neither the LPL, Riot Games, nor Top Esports has made any statements regarding potential sanctions against the Chinese player or head coach Poppy’s comments.