Worlds 2026 Swiss Stage Day 3: Chovy, 369 and Smash shine while HLE and G2 slide

HONOR ROLL: Bai “369” Jia-Hao

Nobody expected 369 to do anything but farm. But through three games, he’s not losing lanes. He plays well with the team. – Dovi

HONOR ROLL: Jeong “Chovy” Ji-hoon

Chovy's legacy as one of the most dominant LCK mid laners is often overshadowed by his lack of a Worlds title, but against LYON, he proved that he is worthy of all the praise he's received.

Gen.G's resounding victory over LYON sent them through to the knockout stage, and Chovy gets another shot at that coveted championship he's well due for. – Misa

HONOR ROLL: Shin “Smash” Geum-jae

Smash’s growth over the summer and into Worlds has been one of the key reasons why D-Plus Kia won the Esports World Cup and earned the next week off.

He had first pentakill at Worlds and is out to prove that he is one of the best bottom laners in the World. – Paul

STOCK UP: TOP Esports

Going into Worlds, TES has had one of the most questioned reputations amidst visa issues and previous international performances. Lots of speculation around the top lane role, with Zuian's visa issues and 369's lack of playtime over the last few months, led most to believe that TES was doomed.

The past few days of Swiss has blown expectations for the team out of the water, as 369 steps back into the spotlight to prove himself, taking down titans G2 and Anyone’s Legend in the process. TES is now just one series away from qualifying to Knockout stage, and LPL fans' hopes are higher than they've ever been. – Misa

STOCK UP: Invictus Gaming

It’s hard to really imagine that after the first day of Worlds that IG would emerge as one of the teams heading in the right direction.

Mid laner Song “Rookie” Eui-jin or top laner Kang “TheShy” Seung-lok are partying like it’s 2018. Bottom laner Zi “JiaQi” Jia-Qi has elevatied his game, and IG aims to continue its good run of form and sit one win away from the quarterfinals. – Paul

STOCK DOWN: Hanwha Life Esports

The defending MSI champions are on the ropes after being sent down to the 1-2 pool after a loss to IG.

The talent isn’t the question, as evidenced by how the team has performed throughout the year. The experience is there, as well, with three players with at least one World title.

The question is now whether the roster can find its championship pedigree and get back on track or will HLE end up the worst-placing LCK team? – Paul

STOCK DOWN: G2

Despite incredibly strong performances during the other international tournaments this year, G2 have yet to prove themselves at Worlds 2026.

The team has toppled giants such as Gen.G and T1 at First Stand and MSI, respectively, they find themselves in the 1-2 pool with a single loss staring them in the face as they look to claw their way back to success and find their footing. – Misa

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