LGD TaiLung Responds to Match-Fixing Allegations Following TI 2026 Suspension

Santiago “TaiLung” Aguero Gustavo, the talented mid laner from LGD Gaming, has firmly rejected allegations of match-fixing and gambling, asserting that he never accepted any betting proposals or agreed to manipulate a Dota 2 match.

In a detailed statement shared on social media, TaiLung recounted the circumstances surrounding his removal from LGD Gaming—an action he claims occurred without an official announcement—and his subsequent ban from The International 2026, along with a permanent suspension from all future PGL events. He expressed regret for discarding his phone during the investigation, explaining that his actions were driven by fear and pressure.

The 17-year-old Peruvian player, who was replaced by two-time TI champion Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen ahead of TI 2026, urged LGD and PGL to reveal the evidence behind his suspension and expressed his willingness to undergo a comprehensive investigation.

TaiLung mentioned that LGD had informed the team about an account allegedly placing bets ranging from $20,000 to $40,000 on their matches. As suspicions grew, his teammates Yuma “Yuma” Langlet and Matheus “KJ” Santos Jungles Diniz confronted him regarding the allegations.

He denied any wrongdoing, stating he felt “singled out, pressured, and constantly under suspicion.” TaiLung claimed that on August 6, LGD initially communicated that their review found no suspicious activity in their matches. However, the following day, they requested to inspect his phone, which he consented to.

During the investigation, an old Discord chat with a friend was reportedly uncovered. TaiLung clarified that it was from a different tournament and involved joking about money. While he admitted that continuing the conversation was a misstep, he maintained it did not indicate a betting agreement.

He also addressed the incident where he discarded his phone during the investigation. An unknown number had sent a message claiming to be from his mother and mentioning a sum of money. TaiLung explained that the number was not hers, and he feared the message could be misconstrued as evidence against him.

“My mind went blank, and I reacted impulsively: I grabbed my phone and threw it away,” he recounted. He acknowledged that this reaction was a mistake and apologized to his teammates, but insisted it was not an admission of guilt.

TaiLung expressed his readiness to have his accounts, financial records, and relevant transactions scrutinized as part of a full investigation. “I have no objection to the facts being investigated. On the contrary: I want them investigated thoroughly.”

He called on LGD and PGL to clarify the specific allegations and provide the evidence supporting his suspension. He stated he would accept the consequences if an investigation proved he had engaged in match-fixing or related misconduct.

TaiLung revealed that LGD had requested he voluntarily resign and withdraw from TI 2026 while the investigation was ongoing, but he refused, insisting on a full inquiry. He was later informed of his permanent suspension by PGL, which barred him from participating in this year’s TI.

Despite his removal, TaiLung expressed that he still views his LGD teammates as family and apologized for the impact his absence has had on them. “I sincerely hope they do well at The International and achieve a good result.”

The “322” allegations have also caught the attention of several Dota 2 coaches. Brazilian coach Filipe “Astini” Ribeiro shared a document containing alleged transaction records linked to matches involving TaiLung.

Prominent TI-winning coach and player Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling, along with mentor Lee “SunBhie” Jeong-jae, shared clips of plays they deemed suspicious.

TaiLung contended that individual mistakes or questionable decisions should not be interpreted as evidence of match-fixing without a thorough review of his gameplay.

“Many people are drawing conclusions from rumors and third-party accounts without really knowing what happened. That’s why I think it’s important to separate rumors from facts,” he emphasized.

“I’m still waiting to find out exactly what I’m accused of and what evidence supports a decision that could so seriously affect my career and reputation. I want to make something very clear: in every game I played, my goal was always to win,” he concluded.