Tian signs for TES, naiyou banned for life, MKOI extends Alvaro and locks coach into 2028

TES has moved quickly in the jungle market, signing Tian as their new Jungler. The addition gives TES a veteran presence in the jungle and reshapes their early-season planning, with Tian expected to slot into the starting roster.

The move comes amid a darker note for the Chinese scene, as naiyou has received a lifetime ban from all Riot-affiliated tournaments for match-fixing. The ban removes a player from competition permanently and is a stark reminder of Riot policy enforcement in competitive integrity cases.

China also saw TT add Bot Laner Ahn to their roster. Ahn joins TT as their primary carry option in bot lane, a clear signal TT wants more firepower in laning and team fights.

On the EMEA side, MKOI updated contract paperwork for Support Alvaro, with public records noting an expiry of 16 November 2027, and the organisation also confirmed an extension through 2028. That keeps Alvaro in MKOI’s support role and preserves roster continuity. MKOI further adjusted coaching continuity, updating Head Coach Melzhet’s contract in the GCD with an expiration listed as Day After Worlds 2028.

Finally, AL bolstered their coaching staff by bringing in BigWei as Head Coach. The hire gives AL a new tactical voice ahead of upcoming competitions.

Taken together these moves rework jungle and bot priorities in China, while MKOI chooses stability in EMEA with Alvaro and Melzhet under contract. TES will enter the next split with Tian in the jungle, and the scene will watch how teams adapt to the enforced absence of naiyou.