T1 Targets $1 Billion Valuation As Faker And EWC Shape Next Growth Phase

The figure would represent a major jump from T1’s current self-valuation, which sits around $200 million based on Ahn’s own comments. The target comes after a strong 2025 business year for the organization, with T1 leaning on global brand growth, multi-title expansion, and the long-running commercial power of Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok.

The timing is notable. T1 remained one of the most-watched esports organizations in the world throughout 2025, continuing to dominate viewership rankings across major events and international competitions. That level of sustained audience reach has strengthened T1’s position not only as a competitive team, but as one of the most commercially valuable brands in esports.

T1 is no longer positioning itself as only a League of Legends powerhouse. The organization is now looking at a wider esports model, with the Esports World Cup playing a major role in how it plans to reach new markets and attract sponsors.

Faker Remains Central To T1’s Global Strategy

Faker remains the face of T1’s business ambitions.

Ahn described Faker’s reach in direct terms, saying, “Faker has an aura that goes beyond the boundaries of esports.” He added that T1’s role is to use that influence to bring new audiences toward the Esports World Cup.

That is not just marketing language. Faker is still one of the few esports players whose name carries weight outside his own game. For T1, that gives the organization a rare advantage. League of Legends success brings the trophies, but Faker brings a level of recognition that can help open doors with sponsors, investors, and markets that may not closely follow esports yet.

T1’s recent League of Legends run only strengthens that position. The organization won the 2025 World Championship after defeating KT Rolster in the final, completing the first three-peat in tournament history.

Esports World Cup Becomes A Business Expansion Point

The Esports World Cup is now a major part of T1’s growth plan.

Ahn said T1’s last two EWC campaigns were a “testing period,” and the organization now intends to focus on titles where it can achieve stronger placements. He also pointed to Team Falcons and Team Liquid as examples of clubs that have performed well under the EWC structure.

The EWC Partner Program has also helped T1 look beyond League of Legends. Ahn said the Esports Foundation helped T1 expand its title portfolio, strengthening its image with potential sponsors and investors. He added that EF support has been an anchor for considering new titles such as Counter-Strike and Dota.

That matters because the old single-title model has limits. League of Legends remains T1’s core identity, but a $1 billion valuation likely requires more than one elite roster. It requires broader reach, more sponsorship inventory, more fan markets, and stronger year-round presence across major esports.

Vietnam And New Markets Are Part Of The Plan

T1 is also looking closely at international growth, with Vietnam identified as one priority market. The organization is working to expand its presence there, including country-specific merchandise.

That direction makes sense. T1 already has a global fanbase through League of Legends, but turning fandom into revenue requires localized products, regional campaigns, and stronger market-specific engagement.

For T1, the next step is not simply being popular. It is building a business structure that can convert global recognition into long-term revenue.