Topson Signs with LGD for TI 2026 Following TaiLung’s Ban

LGD Gaming has brought on board two-time The International champion Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen as their new mid laner for Dota 2 ahead of TI 2026, stepping in for Santiago “TaiLung” Agüero Gustavo, who was banned from the tournament due to a competitive integrity issue.

The announcement of Topson’s signing came on August 10, just days before the tournament kicks off in Shanghai, China. With this addition, LGD secures a seasoned mid laner for this year’s Dota 2 world championship, joining a South American core that achieved a top-six finish last year.

Topson is making his return to professional Dota 2 after nearly two years away from the competitive scene. The 28-year-old Finnish player last competed at The International 2024 with Tundra Esports, where he helped the team secure a third-place finish.

Before his time with Tundra, Topson made a name for himself as one of the most accomplished players in Dota 2 history with OG, clinching back-to-back Aegis of Champions in 2018 and 2019. His unique hero selections and innovative builds, like the mid Gyrocopter with Diffusal Blade at TI9, along with his distinctive playstyle, have made him a standout figure in the mid lane.

After TI 2024, Topson announced his retirement from competitive Dota, citing family commitments and the need to fulfill mandatory military service in Finland. Now, with his move to LGD, he has the opportunity to chase an unprecedented third TI title, representing the organization he and OG famously defeated in the grand finals of TI 2018.

Topson joins the South America-based LGD squad, which features the former HEROIC core of Yuma, Wisper, and KJ, who achieved a top-six finish at last year’s TI, marking the highest placement for a South American team in the tournament’s history. LGD dominated the TI 2026 South America Qualifier after finishing as runners-up at BLAST Slam VII. However, the team had mixed results at the Esports World Cup and 1win Essence II, the last two tier-1 events before TI.

Topson’s signing comes in the wake of LGD needing to find a replacement for TaiLung shortly before TI 2026. Just a day earlier, LGD announced that they had received information regarding a potential competitive integrity violation involving TaiLung. The organization initiated an internal review and reported the situation to the relevant tournament organizers.

Following an investigation, officials determined that TaiLung would not be permitted to compete at TI 2026. Additionally, PGL has permanently banned the 17-year-old prodigy from all of its events.

While LGD did not disclose the specific actions that led to the punishment, they expressed their respect for the decision and commitment to following tournament protocols.

TaiLung addressed the situation through an Instagram story, stating that his “silence does not constitute an admission” of any accusations.

“My silence does not constitute an admission, acceptance, or acknowledgment of any of the accusations, claims, or speculations that have been circulating,” TaiLung wrote.

“I am waiting to address this situation with my lawyer and will handle any related matters through the appropriate channels,” he added.