In the wake of the championship performance by T1 in the 2024 League of Legends World Championship (LoL Worlds), SK Group Chairman Chey Tae‑won issued a warm congratulatory message and reaffirmed the group’s long-term backing of T1. Meanwhile, the esports powerhouse is showing signs of financial turnaround and is widely expected to move into profitability this year.

Congratulations from SK Group

T1 clinched the LoL World Championship title with a thrilling 3–2 series win over BLG, a moment celebrated not only by fans but also by SK Group at the highest level. According to the media, Chairman Chey conveyed his admiration: “The boldness and team spirit you displayed brought tremendous emotion and pride to fans around the world — including myself.”

He added that when the team faced difficult moments, the players supported one another and pulled through together — making this victory all the more meaningful. He further expressed hope that this championship would mark a new chapter in Korean esports history and encouraged the organization to embrace even greater challenges ahead.
SK Group’s subsidiaries — such as SK Telecom and SK Square — also issued a joint statement congratulating T1 on its 20th-anniversary founding year, coinciding with the world title, and pledged continued support for T1’s ambition to become the global esports leader.

Financial Turnaround: T1’s Path to Profitability

Beyond the competition stage, T1 is making visible strides in its business model and financial health. While the organization has not yet officially declared it will definitely turn a profit this year, multiple analyses suggest the trajectory is positive.

• In 2024, T1 reported record revenues — approximately ₩50.95 billion (around US $37.7 million), a 47% year-on-year increase.
• At the same time, its net loss has been significantly reduced — net loss in 2024 is reported to be around US $4.7 million (≈₩63.6 billion), compared to a much larger loss in the preceding year.
• Analysts note that this is the first time in years that T1 has taken such a leap toward improved bottom-line performance, combining competitive success with brand building and cost discipline.

Given this momentum, many in the esports investment community view T1’s profit-turning as “within reach”, with the hope that the organization has laid the groundwork to shift from loss-making to profit-making in the near future.

Outlook & Strategic Implications

The dual themes of sporting glory and financial transformation place T1 at a pivotal moment. Key points to watch include:

• Global expansion & brand leverage: T1 is leveraging its world-championship status and SK Group backing to expand beyond Korea, engage new markets and monetize content, sponsorship and merchandising.
• Cost structure & sustainability: Having demonstrated revenue growth, the next challenge is converting it into consistent profit. Sustaining top-tier player contracts, roster investments, and global operations requires balance.
• Ecosystem & support: SK Group’s public backing signals confidence in T1’s long-term vision. The chairman’s praise and commitment reinforce that this is not a short-term play but a strategic investment in esports infrastructure and global presence.

If T1 can convert its improved revenue and improved loss profile into net positive earnings, it would mark a meaningful milestone — not just for the team, but for the broader Korean esports ecosystem.

Conclusion

The message from SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won to T1 is more than congratulations on a world title. It is a signal of confidence in the team’s future — one where sporting success and financial viability go hand in hand. With its 2024 performance improving the foundations, T1 is positioned on the threshold of profitability. The next phase will test whether that promise can be realized, but with strong backing and momentum, the prospect of turning a profit this year appears increasingly credible.

The above content is compiled by ModeZone, a fashion and entertainment magazine.