Arthur on The International 2026: “Topson coming in as a substitute for LGD is the best plot twist imaginable.”
Team Nemesis coach Leon “Arthur” Lee took to his personal X page to discuss Topias “Topson” Taavitseinen’s impact on the professional Dota 2 scene and his participation in The International 2026 as part of LGD Gaming.
I remember seeing a bunch of pro players with Topson’s streams on during lunch or dinner, or just watching his highlights on TikTok at the Games of the Future 2026. That was the first time I truly felt his influence in real life. The phrase “he shapes the meta” almost seems to underestimate him—it feels to me like he’s building an entire culture. As sad as the situation with TaiLung is for our community, I believe that Topson stepping in for LGD is the best plot twist possible. It’ll make watching TI way more interesting. I, for one, definitely know who I’ll be rooting for this year.
Earlier, Anton “dyrachyo” Shkredov commented on the replacement of Santiago Gustavo “TaiLung” Olivares Agüero with Topson at LGD Gaming: “I think this is the best possible option—you simply can’t find a better one. Topson plays in public matches, and he’s a versatile player.”
Photo by Sarah Bolt, EWC Foundation.
