The Dota 2 community discussed the lifetime ban of midlaner Santiago "TaiLung" Aguero Gustavo from LGD Gaming following accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct. Professional players, coaches, and analysts shared their thoughts on the situation, which has prevented the 17-year-old esports player from participating in The International 2026.
Streamer Jan "Gorgc" Stefanovski was one of the first to react to the situation. He noted that TaiLung was considered one of the most promising young players on the scene, and his disqualification might become one of the greatest unrealized potentials in Dota 2 history.
TaiLung got banned from TI and possibly the whole pro scene. He's the most promising talent we've lost due to 322. This will be the biggest "what if..." in the game's history.Jan "Gorgc" Stefanovski
Former Dota 2 caster Michelle "Moxxi" Song also expressed disappointment with the situation. She emphasized that the player had significant fan support and a high potential for career development.
This guy [TaiLung] had so much potential. He had so many fans who wanted him to succeed. Very disappointed by this news.Michelle "Moxxi" Song
Coach Lee "SunBhie" Jeong-jae highlighted the potential long-term consequences of participating in match-fixing. In his opinion, even a small violation can impact a player's entire future career.
Doing 322 for $500 means potentially signing up for 322 for the rest of your career. Because, most likely, the "nice guys" you did the fixed match with won't conveniently forget your involvement when you join a tier-1 team. They'll start blackmailing you, demanding you participate in even bigger 322s.Lee "SunBhie" Jeong-jae
Team Liquid coach William "Blitz" Lee shared that TaiLung was considered a potential player for the team's new roster. He described the situation as a significant loss for the esports player himself and noted LGD Gaming's decision to forgo the player's participation in The International 2026.
When Nisha was considering taking a break or leaving the team, we wanted to take TaiLung and build a roster around him. Very disappointing. What a loss, the kid literally missed out on millions. Sad for LGD. As shitty as it is for the scene, it's good they refused to play with a match-fixer.William "Blitz" Lee
LGD Gaming player Matheus "KJ" Diniz stated that he feels relieved after the organization's decision, as he previously had doubts about the situation surrounding TaiLung. He also commented on the issue of match-fixing and the community's reaction to such players.
I'm sure there's not a single Dota 2 fan right now who isn't disappointed. Me? I don't know how to explain it. I feel relieved that we still have a real chance to play at The International 2026. Relieved that I was right in what I was sure of and believed in, even if it meant missing The International 2026.
But, to be honest, what else can you expect from a community that idolizes those involved in match-fixing? Applauds them on KICK, gives them money and fame. That's all some cocky little punk needs to see before deciding to become one of them. 322 happens all the time, and unfortunately, it's very hard to track.
After everything that's happened, I can't say we're lucky in the end. All I can say is that I feel relieved.Matheus "KJ" Diniz
Alexander "TORONTOTOKYO" Khertek noted that he feels sorry for the young player who might have lost great prospects in professional Dota 2. However, the esports player stated that it's difficult to assess the entire situation without additional investigation details.
I feel sorry for him, to be honest. It's hard to say. Just a shame he lost his future like that. I don't know how long they'll investigate this; maybe they'll grant him some amnesty.
It's a pity, the kid is 17. He was... is an effective player. We'll see what happens next. Is this proof that 322 exists at tier-1? I can't understand that.Alexander "TORONTOTOKYO" Khertek
Anton "dyrachyo" Shkredov also commented on the situation with TaiLung. The player spoke about the consequences of the midlaner's decision to participate in alleged match-fixing.
How could he mess up so badly)) maybe at least he made some good money. But joking aside, the guy turned out to be not too bright.Anton "dyrachyo" Shkredov
On August 9, LGD Gaming announced suspicions of unsportsmanlike conduct by TaiLung. The 17-year-old player was disqualified from The International 2026 and received a lifetime ban from PGL tournaments. Later, messages and correspondence emerged online indicating possible involvement of the esports player in fixed matches.
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