A'TIN, the devoted fandom of the global P-pop group SB19, has achieved a historic milestone by winning Billboard's Fan Army Face-Off 2023.
Organized by Billboard, the Fan Army Face-Off is an annual online polling competition to “find out whose fan base is the strongest.”
In this year’s edition, which started last July 5, 2023, a total of 64 fan armies vied for the crown. SB19's ATIN engaged in a polling showdown against supporters of Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, Lana del Rey, and EXO in the competition.
Read: SB19 on Philippines' burgeoning idol group industry: We can't do it alone
Progressing to the quarterfinals alongside SB19's A'TIN were the loyal fans of Cardi B, EXO, Selena Gomez, Nicki Minaj, SEVENTEEN, Shakira, and TWICE.
For the final round, A'TIN faced off against CARATs, the fandom of the K-Pop group SEVENTEEN. Ultimately, SB19's A'TIN emerged victorious after securing 51.1% of the votes, narrowly surpassing the 48.9% contribution from SEVENTEEN's CARATS.
Shortly after A'TIN's historic win, members of SB19—Pablo, Ken, Stell, Justin, and Josh—conveyed their congratulations to their fans via a video message featured on Billboard.
In the video, Justin shared his elation, stating, "Congratulations A'TIN for becoming this year's ultimate fandom!"
Ken chimed in, "Your win is ours as well."
For his part, Josh expressed his gratitude, saying, "You never fail us with your dedication."
Pablo added, "And we look forward to conquering more heights with all of you.
Stell concluded, "Maraming salamat sa pagboto at sa patuloy na pagsuporta po sa amin."
Read: SB19 nagkuwento ng nakakatawang fan encounters
Over the years, K-Pop groups have consistently held sway in Billboard's fan-army face-off.
In 2022, Stray Kids' STAY emerged as the victor of the Billboard Fan Army Face-Off. Former winners of this competition also include Super Junior's E.L.F. (two-time winners), T-ara's Queens (three-time winners), and BIGBANG's VIPs.
SB19 created history as the first OPM group to hit Billboard's Next Big Sound and Billboard Social 50 charts, reaching No. 2 in August 2020.
In January 2022, their song "Bazinga" also made history by staying at No. 1 on Billboard's Hot Trending Songs chart for seven consecutive weeks.
Currently, the group is busy with the North American leg of their PATATAG concert tour, which will be heading to Canada from August 11 to 19, 2023.
They've also live appearances on American TV shows like Good Day New York and KTLA 5 Morning News.
READ MORE:
- Chito Miranda, bilib na bilib kay Stell ng SB19; Stell, nagsalita na tungkol sa copyright issue
- SB19 recalls being bashed for their looks: "Sobrang daming pangungutya..."
- SB19 makes it to Teen Vogue list of 'Favorite Boy Bands of All time', joins BTS and The Beatles
- SB19's "Bazinga" is now the longest-staying track at No. 1 in BillBoard's Hot Trending Songs chart