LGD Gaming’s mid lane prodigy Santiago “TaiLung” Aguero Gustavo has denied allegations of match-fixing and gambling, saying he never accepted a betting proposal or agreed to manipulate a Dota 2 match.
In a lengthy statement posted on Facebook, TaiLung explained the events that led to his removal from LGD Gaming (which he claimed but no official announcement yet) and ban from the Dota 2 The International 2026 as well as his permanent suspension in all future PGL events. He also apologized for throwing away his phone during an investigation, saying he reacted out of fear and pressure.
The 17-year-old Peruvian mid laner, who was replaced by two-time TI champion Topias “Topson” Taavitsainen ahead of TI 2026, called on LGD and PGL to disclose the evidence behind his suspension and said he is willing to undergo a full investigation.
TaiLung denies ‘322’ allegations
TaiLung said LGD informed the team about an account that had allegedly bet between $20,000 and $40,000 on their matches. Suspicion later turned toward him, with teammates Yuma “Yuma” Langlet and Matheus “KJ” Santos Jungles Diniz confronting him about the allegations.
TaiLung denied any involvement, saying he felt “singled out, pressured, and constantly under suspicion.” He claimed LGD initially told the team on Aug. 6 that its review had found no suspicious activity or abnormalities in their matches. The following day, the organization asked to inspect his phone, which he agreed to.
During the investigation, an old Discord conversation with a friend was reportedly discovered. TaiLung said it was from a different tournament and involved jokes about money. While acknowledging that continuing the conversation was a mistake, he denied that it represented a betting agreement.
TaiLung also addressed the incident in which he threw away his phone during the investigation. He said an unknown number sent a message claiming to be from his mother and mentioning a sum of money. He further explained that the number did not belong to her and that he feared the message would be interpreted as evidence against him.
“My mind went blank, and I reacted impulsively: I grabbed my phone and threw it away,” he said. TaiLung acknowledged that his reaction was a mistake and apologized to his teammates but maintained that it was not an admission of wrongdoing.
TaiLung calls for full investigation, apologizes to LGD teammates
TaiLung said he is willing to have his accounts, financial records, and relevant transactions examined as part of a full investigation. “I have no objection to the facts being investigated. On the contrary: I want them investigated thoroughly.”
He also asked LGD and PGL to explain the specific allegations, and provide the evidence supporting his suspension. He added that he would accept the consequences if an investigation proved he had participated in match-fixing or related misconduct.
LGD Dota2 division announcement pic.twitter.com/lwa4FS4UIU
— LGD Gaming (@LGDgaming) August 9, 2026
TaiLung said LGD had asked him to voluntarily resign and withdraw from TI 2026 while the investigation continued, but he refused and instead requested a full investigation. He was later informed that PGL had suspended him permanently and that he would be barred from this year’s TI.
Despite his removal, TaiLung said he still considers his LGD teammates as his second 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 drawn attention from several Dota 2 coaches. Brazilian coach Filipe “Astini” Ribeiro shared a document containing alleged transaction records linked to matches involving TaiLung.
My last post about the case and lets enjoy some TI.
— Filipe Astini (@astinidota) August 11, 2026
Here is all the info that can be publicly checked and tracked on the Tailung matchfixing case. Maybe can help someone get to the guy that is organizing all of this.
There was more info on my report. But is removed because has…
TI-winning coach and player Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling and mentor Lee “SunBhie” Jeong-jae also shared clips showing plays they considered suspicious.
https://t.co/OQ46uleYCC
— Aui 2000 (@Aui_2000) August 10, 2026
A couple months ago I didnt understand how malrine solo killed in slardar vs kotl mu. I guess he was 322.
We also tried to find out if he was scripting/using a macro because he had only frame perfect huskar toggles during games, but his team said they…
— SunBhie (@SunBhieDota) August 11, 2026
TaiLung argued that individual mistakes or questionable decisions should not be treated as proof of match-fixing without a thorough review of his games.
“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,” the young player stressed.
“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 added.
