Cyanide made League of Legends history as the youngest player to lift the Summoner's Cup at just 16 years old.
The League of Legends esports community is mourning the loss of one of its earliest legends, Lauri “Cyanide” Happonen, who has died at the age of 31.
His death was first reported by Finnish publication Ilta-Sanomat on Monday (26 October), citing confirmation from Finland's Digital and Population Data Services Agency. Cyanide died on 31 July 2026, although news of his passing only became public nearly three months later. The cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed.
Both 
Fnatic and LoL Esports have since confirmed the news and paid tribute to the former world champion, remembering his historic achievement and lasting impact on competitive League of Legends.
"Season 1 World Champion. Forever a legend," LoL Esports wrote in its tribute. "We are devastated to hear about Lauri 'Cyanide' Happonen's passing."
Fnatic, meanwhile, remembered his four years with the organisation and the history he made as its youngest world champion, saying that he leaves behind "a legacy that will never be forgotten."
The former Fnatic jungler made history in 2011 when he became the youngest player ever to lift the Summoner's Cup at just 16 years old, helping his team win the inaugural League of Legends World Championship. More than 15 years later, his record still stands, making his sudden loss all the more heartbreaking for those who grew up watching him compete.
Cyanide is also the second member of Fnatic's original World Championship-winning roster to have died, following former mid laner 
Maciej “Shushei” Ratuszniak, who passed away in April 2025 at the age of 36 after a battle with cancer.
Who is Lauri “Cyanide” Happonen?
Cyanide was one of the pioneers of competitive League of Legends, having played as Fnatic's jungler from 2011 to 2014. He was part of the organisation's original World Championship-winning roster alongside Enrique “xPeke” Cedeño Martínez, Shushei, Manuel “LaMiaZeaLoT” Mildenberger, and Peter “Mellisan” Meisrimel.
The team made history at the inaugural World Championship in 2011, defeating French squad against All authority, 2-1, in the grand finals. At just 16 years old, Cyanide became the youngest player ever to win the League of Legends World Championship, a record that still stands today. His victory was later commemorated with the Fnatic Jarvan IV championship skin.
Cyanide remained an important part of Fnatic's roster as the European competitive scene developed. Alongside players such as xPeke, Paul “sOAZ” Boyer, 
Bora “YellOwStaR” Kim, and 
Carl Martin Erik “Rekkles” Larsson, he helped the organisation secure three consecutive EU LCS titles between Spring 2013 and Spring 2014.
Fnatic also reached the semifinals of the 2013 World Championship during his tenure, establishing themselves as one of Europe's strongest teams.
After leaving Fnatic in December 2014, Cyanide was later affiliated with 
Origen before eventually stepping away from professional competition. He also served as a player manager for Finnish organisation KOVA Esports in 2021.
More recently, Cyanide returned to the spotlight during the EU LCS Classic Showmatch at 
Karmine Corp's Roadtrip event on 25 July 2026, reuniting with several familiar faces from the early days of European League of Legends. It would be one of his final public appearances, taking place just six days before his death.
Former teammates and the League of Legends community pay tribute to Cyanide
Some of the most heartfelt tributes came from Cyanide's former teammates and close friends, who remembered him not only for his achievements as a player but also for the person he was outside the game.
Former Fnatic support YellOwStaR shared a particularly personal message, recalling the years they spent together and their reunion at the July showmatch.
"Lauri was so much more than a teammate. We shared our everyday lives for over two and a half years, and he became so much more than just someone I played alongside," YellOwStaR wrote.
"He was one of the kindest, most genuine souls I've ever had the privilege of knowing."
YellOwStaR also reflected on their final meeting in July, when Cyanide was still full of dreams and plans for the future. He thanked his former teammate for their memories together, ending his tribute with a final farewell to someone he considered a brother.
Former professional player and coach Alvar “Araneae” Martín Aleñar also expressed his grief, revealing how close the two had become after spending several years living together.
"I can't find words to express how I feel. We lived together for many years and shared so much more than just League," Araneae wrote. "He was one of my closest friends, and reading this breaks my heart."
Other former teammates, including Rekkles and sOAZ, also paid their respects, alongside Fnatic founder and CEO Sam Mathews. Several esports organisations, including 
G2 Esports, 
SK Gaming, and 
GIANTX, joined personalities and former players such as Fabian “GrabbZ” Lohmann, 
Andrei “Odoamne” Pascu, and Christopher “MonteCristo” Mykles in remembering Cyanide and his contributions to competitive League of Legends.
His passing marks another loss for the early generation of League of Legends esports, but his achievements as a world champion and his contributions to Fnatic's legacy will continue to be remembered.
