LGD’s TaiLung banned from TI15, Topson to replace
Santiago “TaiLung” Agüero Gustavo has been banned from The International and all future PGL after reports of alleged matchfixing were unveiled by the LGD organization.
Revealed by announcement on LGD’s Weibo page on Aug. 8, before being reposted on the organization’s Twitter page, Peruvian player TaiLung was removed from LGD and banned from all upcoming competition. The ban comes days before the start of The International 2026.
LGD’s Tailung banned for alleged match-fixing from TI and all PGL events
As per LGD’s announcement, the team initially discover “potential competitive integrity incidents involving Tailung.” LGD subsequently reported these to tournament organizers and as a result TaiLung was banned from participating at The International 2026, and all subsequent PGL events. It’s unknown if other tournament operators will follow suit, but it’s expected to be the case.
LGD went on to state its commitment to integrity within competition:
“Fair competition and competitive integrity are fundamental to professional esports and remain core principles that LGD is committed to upholding. Whenever potential competitive integrity concerns arise, the club will take appropriate and timely action based on facts and evidence, proactively report relevant information to the appropriate tournament organizers, and cooperate fully with any subsequent review and related proceedings.”
The banning and reveal of more match-fixing allegations against SEA players comes just weeks out from the dramatic sanctions placed against PlayTime players after the Esports World Cup. It’s unknown currently if these two pairs of allegations are connected, but rumors have surfaced suggesting the two are linked.
TaiLung, for his part, was one of the most promising up and coming players in the scene. After the announcement of his ban, many community members expressed their shock and disappointment. Team Liquid’s coach William “Blitz” Lee revealed that TaiLung had been at the center of a potential TL rebuild in a post on his Twitter.
“When nisha was gonna take a break or quit from our team idea was to grab tailung and rebuild around him, really disappointing. What a fucking waste, kid literally lost on millions. Sad for LGD, as shit as it is for the scene good on them for refusing to play with a matchfixer” – Blitz on TaiLung
TaiLung shot back later in the day (Aug. 8), with his own statement on an Instagram story. In the post he explained he wouldn’t go into details, but defended his position stating he’d address the situation with his Lawyers.
“My silence does not constitute an admission, acceptance, or acknowledgment of any of the accusations, claims, or speculation currently circulating.
TaiLung’s statement. Image credit: TaiLung
“I am waiting to be able to address this situation with my lawyer, and I will handle any related matters through the proper channels. Thank you for understanding and respecting my decision not to provide further statements at this time.” – TaiLung via Instagram.
Topson to replace TaiLung on LGD for TI15
Image credit: EWC/Esports Foundation
Despite it being just four days from the start of TI15 on Aug. 13, LGD were granted special dispensation to find a substitute player:
“Under the special roster adjustment approved by the tournament organizers, the club is currently finalizing changes to the mid-lane position and completing the required procedures. The new mid-laner and LGD’s final roster for The International 2026 will be announced as soon as they are confirmed.”
While rumors swirled of who could replace TaiLung with such short notice, one name kept surfacing, Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen, two-time TI-winner with OG, and semi-retired pro. Topson had joined special last-minute rosters for TI before – in fact he did exactly that for OG and T1 in previous TIs – but the last minute nature made things doubtful.
However, later in the day LGD’s official Weibo confirmed the rumors: Topson would play for LGD.
Now the TI veteran joins LGD and changes the face of TI predictions entirely. It’s not quite time to tear up the table entirely, but it’s also hard not to get excited about LGD now the Finnish superstar has joined them.
Michael is a eight-year veteran of the games writing space, but has being playing them for as long as he can remember. With bylines across the internet, he’s used his expertise to cover esports, prediction markets, mainstream gaming, streamers, and more besides.
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