TaiLung banned for match-fixing: community reaction

The lifetime ban imposed on Santiago TaiLung Olivos Aguero sparked a strong reaction from members of the professional Dota 2 scene. Players, streamers, and coaches noted that the seventeen-year-old midlaner had great potential and could have built a successful career, but put it at risk for quick money.

Former professional player Felipe NS-ART Costa called the situation particularly sad given the player's age. According to him, Santiago chose a risky path despite having the opportunity to earn a stable income through his career.

The seventeen-year-old Peruvian "diamond" has just ended his career prematurely. This dirty culture in Peruvian esports is destroying its own idols.

It is madness to think that money from schemes like these could be worth more than the salary, prize money, and entire career that a player of his level could still have built.

Streamer Alexander Nix Levin also called the ban a major loss for Dota 2. He noted that TaiLung was one of the most notable young players on the professional scene and, in his opinion, was among the strongest midlaners in the world.

Overall, this is a huge loss for Dota. There is practically no influx of young players left. And now, for the first time, there was someone who was genuinely enjoyable to watch.

TaiLung is a midlaner who, in my opinion, is one of the top three midlaners in the world. It is sad. But you always have to think about the consequences. Because you can always lose your career.

Later, Nix also discussed how the situation may have developed. According to the streamer, following a similar incident involving Wits and DarkMago, members of the alleged group may have approached TaiLung. According to Levin's version of events, it was after this that the young midlaner was caught in a similar scheme.

DarkMago was supposed to throw the EWC match against Team Liquid. There were some heavy bets placed on that game, but Wits delivered an ultra-high-level performance and won 17-0. DarkMago was shocked by this. He didn’t even have time to feed, because Liquid just called ”GG" at the 30-minute mark. They lost hundreds of thousands of dollars on that match, based on the screenshots I saw. After the match, DarkMago offered to collude with Wits. But Wits just ratted him out to the organizers, which DarkMago didn’t expect.

Now the match-fixing organizers needed to recoup their losses, and at the EWC — following Playtime’s disqualification — LGD was the only South American team left. TaiLung had been involved in match-fixing for a very long time, dating back to his days with Amaru Gaming and TaiLung Mafia. Because of this, he couldn’t refuse when they offered him fixed matches — he was vulnerable to blackmail. He was at their mercy, since they could expose his involvement in 322.

And so, on their first map against BetBoom Team, there were heavy bets again. This included bets from new accounts, with average bets of $1,000–3,000, but $80,000–100,000 was wagered on this game alone. Afterward, these accounts drew attention, and it turned out that for several years, large bets had been placed from them specifically against teams where TaiLung played.

Team Liquid coach William Blitz Lee also commented on the situation. According to him, when Michal Nisha Jankowski was considering taking a break or leaving the team, the organization considered TaiLung as his replacement and planned to rebuild the roster around him.

When Nisha was going to take a break or leave our team, the idea was to get TaiLung and rebuild the roster around him. What a loss, this guy literally lost millions.

I feel bad for LGD Gaming. As bad as this is for the scene, it is good that they refused to play with a match-fixer.

LGD Gaming captain Matheus KJ Jungles Diniz also commented on the situation, admitting that he feels relieved after what happened, as his team still has a chance to compete at The International 2026.

The player also spoke harshly about the culture surrounding match-fixing and said that, in his opinion, such violations happen constantly.

I am sure there is not a single Dota 2 fan right now who is not disappointed. I feel relieved that I was right about what I was sure of and believed in.

Although, what else can you expect from a community that idolizes people who engage in match-fixing? They applaud them on KICK, give them money and fame.

Following PGL's decision, TaiLung will no longer be able to compete in the organization's tournaments. LGD Gaming will now have to find a replacement for the midlane position as soon as possible and prepare an updated roster for the championship.

The International 2026 will take place from 13.08.2026 to 23.08.2026 in Shanghai, China. The tournament will feature 16 teams, while the prize pool has already surpassed $2,500,000.

Earlier, Cyberscore reported that the The International 2013 champion announced his return to the pro scene.