T1 COO Ahn: We want to have a Faker and T1 event in the PH

Could T1 and Faker finally come to the Philippines?

That question came up during a recent conversation involving T1 Chief Operating Officer Josh Ahn and certain members of Filipino media, who spent part of the discussion trying to understand what a Philippine event would actually look like.

“There are fans of T1 all around the world and we would like to come to them and meet them wherever possible,” Ahn said. The challenge, he added, is determining whether it makes economic sense for the organization to do so.

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Rather than talking about a specific event, venue, or timeline, Ahn focused on understanding the audience. How many people would attend? Could a T1 Home Ground-style event work in the country? Would Filipino fans pay to see Faker and the team in person?

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The questions are notable because they suggest T1 is at least examining the possibility instead of dismissing it outright.

“Bringing T1 here for an event is not going to be cheap.” Ahn added, “So it has to be worth it.”

Ahn acknowledged that T1’s fanbase extends far beyond South Korea. The organization has built one of the largest followings in esports, helped in no small part by Faker’s status as the most recognizable player in League of Legends history. Bringing that fan experience overseas has become increasingly important, but each destination presents different challenges.

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The Philippines presents an especially interesting case.

League of Legends, even PC gaming in general if you think about it, no longer dominates the local esports conversation the way it once did. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has become the country’s biggest competitive title, producing world champions and filling arenas on a regular basis. Even so, League retains a loyal following, particularly among fans who grew up during the game’s peak years.

That was one of the points raised during the discussion. While the local League scene may not be as prominent as it once was, Faker’s appeal is not limited to League players alone. His reputation extends across esports, making him one of the few figures in gaming capable of drawing attention from audiences outside his own title.

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Ahn also spoke positively about the Philippine gaming scene, expressing curiosity about local gaming culture and how players interact with games. The conversation eventually expanded beyond League itself, touching on the country’s broader esports landscape and the strength of its communities.

No announcement was made. There were no dates, venues, or promises.

What emerged instead was a picture of an organization trying to understand whether the conditions are right.

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For years, the conversation around bringing T1 to the Philippines has largely come from fans. This time, the questions were coming from one of the people responsible for deciding whether it can happen. And from the way Josh Ahn spoke about the possibility, it is clear that the idea is at least on the table. If it does happen, you know many people from around Southeast Asia and even the entire Asian continent will be trying to make a flight to Manila happen because it is still Faker after all.