Topson joins LGD Gaming for The International 2026 after TaiLung's ban

In an unexpected turn of events, just days before The International 2026, LGD Gaming announced that the one who defeated them in one of the most dramatic TI finals in history, Topson, will now be joining their side in what now becomes a quest for the third Aegis for him.

At The International 2018, Topson was just a Finnish pubstar who had never played a LAN event before. He was recruited to OG just months before the tournament, after the team's roster imploded, losing two key players. OG had to grind their way to TI8, fighting through open qualifiers. They made it up to the grand finals, where standing in their way to the Aegis of Champions were PSG.LGD, the heavy favourites representing China. The rest is history.

Eight years later, the script has flipped. LGD, the team that once fell to Topson's OG, is welcoming him as their saviour for TI 2026. He returns to competitive play after fully retiring in the aftermath of The International 2024, where he placed third with Tundra Esports.

TaiLung’s ban

LGD revealed earlier today, August 9, 2026, that they had initiated an internal review after learning of "information concerning a potential competitive integrity violation" involving the 17-year-old Peruvian prodigy. The organisation reported the matter to tournament organisers, who subsequently ruled that TaiLung would not be permitted to compete at TI 2026. Additionally, PGL has imposed a permanent ban on TaiLung from all of their events.

While neither LGD nor PGL nor Valve disclosed the specific nature of the violation, prominent figures in the Dota 2 scene reacted with disappointment, with some referencing match-fixing concerns. Team Liquid coach William "Blitz" Lee called it "a f*cking waste," while popular streamer Janne "Gorgc" Stefanovski described TaiLung as "the most promising talent we've ever lost to 322"

In response to the crisis, LGD announced via Weibo that Topson has officially joined the team after "friendly communication and consultation."

As one of the iconic players in the Dota 2 professional arena, he has repeatedly demonstrated an outstanding competitive level in the highest level of competitions, bringing countless classic performances to the audience with his unique hero pool, excellent on-the-spot judgment and highly creative playing style.

LGD roster for TI 2026

• Yuma "Yuma" Langlet
• Topias "Topson" Taavitsainen (stand-in)
• Adrián "Wisper" Dobles
• Thiago "Thiolicor" de Oliveira Cordeiro
• Matheus "KJ" Santos
• Coach: Igor "kaffs" Estevão

The International 2026 is set to unfold from August 13–23 in Shanghai, with a prize pool exceeding $2.67 million.