PGL Issues Life Time Ban For TaiLung

LGD has just announced on Weibo that their Dota 2 midlaner, Santiago "TaiLung" Agüero Gustavo, has been banned from competing at The International this year and issued a lifetime ban by PGL. This news comes four days before the team competes at The International.

It's a dark time for fans of South American Dota 2 players, as this news comes less than a month since Gonzalo "DarkMago" Herrera was also banned from competitive play.

LGD suspects TaiLung of foul play

While specific details of the alleged misconduct haven't been revealed, LGD has shared that TaiLung was suspected of committing integrity misconduct. After sharing that information with PGL and an investigation, the org concluded that he was in fact guilty and would be banned from competing.

"Recently, LGD Gaming was informed of competitive integrity concerns involving TaiLung, a player in our Dota 2 division.

Upon learning of this information, the club immediately launched an internal investigation and proactively reported the details and findings available at the time to the tournament organisers. Since then, LGD has continued to cooperate fully with the organisers in their follow-up investigations and communications, providing all required information.

Following the investigation and review process, the tournament organisers have reached a decision: TaiLung is banned from competing in The International 2026, and PGL has issued a lifetime ban against TaiLung for all PGL events."

Information on what misconduct or when it was done hasn't been shared. The most likely answer is the player might have intentionally thrown a game or helped secure some sort of gambling bet at his most recent tournament appearance. That would be any of Games of the Future 2026, 1win Essence II, or the Esports World Cup 2026.

How will LGD proceed from here?

With only four days to go, LGD Gaming must secure a mid laner for the team. Whoever they pick must be able to secure a visa to China on very short notice, though as this investigation took some time, it's likely LGD had reached out to potential candidates some time before making this announcement.

From South America, Jean "PiPi" Valente and João Gabriel "4nalog" Giannini Santos are solid mid-lane options for the lineup. LGD could also bring in Abed "Abed" Yusop, who recently shone in Games of the Future 2026. 

Regardless, there are options for LGD, assuming the players are able and willing to compete, while also securing their transport in time. We expect news of their mid laner to be released shortly, so check out Strafe for more info on LGD and Dota 2.

READ MORE: Strafe's International 2026 Fantasy Guide

Featured Image Source: LGD