The GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC) has quickly risen to become the Philippines’ premier digital tournament for classic card game lovers.
What began in 2024 as a humble event focused on Tongits has since evolved into a full-blown, esports-style showdown that not only entertains but also uplifts Filipino families and communities.
This past June 2025, GTCC: Summer Showdown set a new benchmark in the world of online card competitions.
With a total prize pool of PHP 10 million, nationwide qualifiers, a televised grand finale, and stories of perseverance and hope, the tournament became more than just a game—it became a movement.
Let’s dive deeper into what made the latest GTCC so special, from its format to its champions, and why this tournament continues to be a source of pride for Filipino gamers everywhere.
What is the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup?
The GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup, or GTCC, is an elite card game competition hosted by GameZone Philippines.
It’s a celebration of Filipino card game heritage with a modern, competitive twist.
The GTCC was originally introduced as the “Tongits Champion Cup” in 2024 but has since expanded into a multi-event tournament series, drawing thousands of hopefuls per season.
At its core, GTCC is about giving skilled players a platform to shine while advocating for responsible gaming, bayanihan values, and Filipino cultural pride.
Tournament Format: A Game of Grit and Strategy
GTCC 2025 followed a structured five-day tournament format that filtered thousands of participants into just a handful of elite contenders.
Here’s how it unfolded:
- Online Qualifiers (April to May): Thousands of players joined through the GameZone app, with only the best advancing.
- Group Stage (Day 1): 135 players were divided into three groups of 45, each playing three games of 20 rounds.
- Promotional Rounds (Days 2–3): The top 63 players were placed into upper and lower brackets, which then narrowed the field to semifinalists.
- Semifinals (Day 4): Nine players engaged in a grueling 60-round match, testing their endurance and strategy.
- Grand Finals (Day 5): The top three battled it out in a 100-round showdown to determine the ultimate champion.
What made the GTCC stand out was not just the scale and intensity of the games but the human stories behind each finalist.
Meet the Champions of GTCC 2025
Grand Champion—Benigno “Tatay Benigno” De Guzman Casayuran
At 62 years old, Tatay Benigno from Candelaria, Quezon, emerged as the GTCC 2025 Grand Champion.
A retired fisherman, his return to competition was inspired by a higher calling: his wife’s battle with breast cancer and his son’s educational needs.
With PHP 5 million in winnings (half the total prize pool), Tatay Benigno’s victory was both emotional and transformational.
Backed by his bayanihan-driven community, he plans to fund his wife’s medical recovery, take her on a healing journey, and invest the rest wisely.
But beyond the money, Tatay Benigno used his moment to remind the country of an important message: “Play responsibly. This is a game of skill, not a financial fix.”
1st Runner-Up—Ryan Dacalos
Ryan Dacalos, 38, from Lipa City, Batangas, showcased steely determination and strategic brilliance to secure the 1st Runner-Up position.
With PHP 1 million in winnings, he plans to build a better life for his family—sending his eldest to college, building a house, and opening a sari-sari store.
A devoted father, Ryan’s GTCC journey was deeply rooted in the hope of giving his children a brighter future.
His story is a testament to how digital tournaments like GTCC can be a gateway to real-life transformation.
3rd Place—Cesha Myed A. Tupas
Hailing from Rizal Province, Cesha Tupas, 37, claimed third place and walked away with PHP 488,000.
Her gameplay was defined by discipline and strategic calculation—qualities that reflect the cerebral nature of Tongits.
Cesha plans to use her winnings to settle debts and renovate her home, showing how GTCC rewards can create tangible, long-term improvements for Filipino households.
Other Prize Winners: Recognizing More Than Just the Top 3
GTCC’s generous prize pool extended well beyond the podium, ensuring that even lower-tier finishers were rewarded for their efforts:
- 4th–9th place: PHP 168,000 each
- 10th–18th place: PHP 98,000 each
- 19th–27th place: PHP 70,000 each
- 28th–37th place: PHP 38,000 each
- 38th–47th place: PHP 27,900 each
- 48th–63rd place: PHP 9,000 each
This inclusive prize structure showcases GameZone’s commitment to recognizing dedication at every level.
A Tournament with Cultural and Humanitarian Impact
Beyond fierce gameplay, the GTCC is anchored in values that resonate deeply with Filipino culture.
Bayanihan and Community Support
Many of the finalists shared stories of how their barangays and neighbors helped them join the tournament, financially and emotionally.
The GTCC wasn’t just about personal glory; it was about representing your community.
Charity and Disaster Relief
Through BingoPlus Foundation, GameZone donated PHP 1 million to Gems Heart Outreach Dev’t., Inc., aiding the Buso-Buso community affected by Super Typhoon Kristine.
This humanitarian contribution reflects GTCC’s bigger mission: to uplift lives both inside and outside the gaming arena.
Live Entertainment
The GTCC finals also featured live performances by local artists such as Queen Monica Money and Press Hit Play, turning the event into a true Filipino celebration complete with music, joy, and cultural flair.
Game Preservation and Modernization
By turning traditional Filipino card games like Tongits into digital competitions, GTCC helps keep these games alive for younger generations.
It bridges the gap between tradition and modern tech.
Responsible Gaming at the Forefront
One of the most admirable elements of the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup is its emphasis on responsible gaming.
All three top winners, especially Tatay Benigno, used their platform to remind players that Tongits is not a get-rich-quick scheme but a game of skill, patience, and discipline.
This message is reinforced by GameZone through all of its promotions and educational campaigns.
Final Thoughts: Why GTCC Matters
The GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup is more than just an esports-style Tongits tournament. It is a celebration of Filipino grit, culture, and unity.
Whether you’re an aspiring champion, a casual player, or someone who simply enjoys watching strategic card play, GTCC offers a powerful mix of entertainment, inspiration, and community impact.
In its 2025 edition, the GTCC didn’t just crown winners. It changed lives, elevated Filipino card gaming, and left behind a trail of hope and heartwarming stories.
So the next time you log into GameZone, remember: every card played isn’t just a move—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger.
Let the countdown begin for the next GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup. Who knows? The next Tongits legend could be you.