South Korean esports powerhouse T1 Entertainment & Sports has announced plans to raise $35 million in funding to support its most ambitious expansion to date. CEO Joe Marsh shared that the funding will be allocated to expanding the T1 Base Camp gaming café, enhancing live event operations, and other growth initiatives.
T1 Base Camp Expansion
The T1 Base Camp, a PC gaming café launched in Seoul earlier this year, has quickly become a standout success. Marsh described gaming cafés as a “profitable and cash flow-generating business,” and T1 plans to leverage its recognizable brand to open new locations in Japan, Vietnam, Singapore, and China. According to Marsh, the café is already the most popular of its kind in South Korea.
Enhancing Live Events
Building on the success of its T1 Home Ground events, the organization plans to expand its live event offerings. Earlier this year, T1 hosted official League of Legends matches at the Goyang Sono Arena, drawing an audience of 6,200 and generating over $1 million through ticket sales, food and beverage, and merchandise.
Looking ahead, T1 aims to explore hosting similar live events outside South Korea, subject to Riot Games’ approval. The organization is also considering selling naming rights for these events. One upcoming initiative hinted by Marsh is a special live event centered on Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok, though details remain under wraps.
A Historic Milestone for T1
This funding effort marks T1’s first significant capital raise since its rebranding in 2019. Previously known as SK Telecom T1, the organization emerged from a joint venture between SK Telecom and U.S.-based Comcast Spectacor.
With these ambitious plans, T1 seeks to cement its legacy not just as a competitive force in esports but also as a global leader in gaming culture and live entertainment.
Final Toughts
The future looks bright for T1 as it embarks on its largest expansion yet, blending innovation with the power of a legendary brand.
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