GTCC 2025: The Grand Stage for Filipino Card Game Champions

In the Philippines, card games like Tongits, Pusoy Dos, and Lucky 9 are not just pastimes—they’re part of the culture. 

Passed down from generation to generation and played in living rooms, neighborhood kanto spots, and town fiestas, these games are deeply embedded in Filipino life. 

But now, thanks to the GTCC (GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup), these traditional games are getting a modern twist—reborn in the digital age and elevated to competitive esports status.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes GTCC more than just an online tournament. 

We’ll recap the thrilling 2025 summer season, celebrate its champions, and show why GTCC is fast becoming the ultimate online clash for Filipino players nationwide.

A Tournament Rooted in Tradition

GTCC began as a local tournament focused solely on Tongits but has since evolved into a nationwide spectacle. 

It now features a multi-game lineup including Pusoy Dos and Lucky 9, all adapted for a competitive, online-first environment.

The heart of GTCC lies in its ability to bring Filipino tradition into the digital esports arena. 

While the strategy, excitement, and social flair of the original games remain, they are now fused with ranking systems, broadcast coverage, and big-stakes rewards. 

This digital reinvention has helped GTCC gain momentum as both a cultural celebration and a competitive sport.

GTCC 2025 Summer Showdown: Tournament Recap

Held from June 12–15, 2025, in Makati City, the GTCC: Summer Showdown was the largest online Tongits competition ever hosted in the Philippines. 

A total of 93 elite players battled it out, all having qualified through rigorous online eliminations over weeks.

The prize pool was a staggering ₱10 million, with ₱5 million awarded to the grand champion. Fans across the country tuned in via GameZone’s digital platforms to watch the action unfold live.

Event Highlights:

• Live musical acts from Press Hit Play and Queen Monica Money kept the energy high.

• The GTCC anthem, “Liga ng mga Hari”, became the battle cry of players and spectators alike.

• Crowd cheers, jeepney horns, and digital shoutouts recreated the perya-meets-concert vibe online and in-person.
  

Meet the Champions: Heartwarming Stories of Triumph

What truly makes GTCC unique is the people behind the cards. This year’s top three winners didn’t just play for glory—they played for purpose.

Champion: Benigno “Tatay Benigno” Casayuran

• Age: 62
  
• Hometown: Candelaria, Quezon
  
• Winning Moment: Outplayed rivals in a 100-round Tongits final.
  
• Prize Purpose: Fund his wife’s chemotherapy for stage 2 breast cancer.
  
• Community Support: Neighbors helped raise money for his trip to the event.
  
• Quote: “Para sa pagpapa‑chemotherapy ng misis ko.”
  

Runner-Up: Ryan Dacalos

• Age: 38
  
• Hometown: Lipa City, Batangas
  
• Plans: Invest winnings in building a home, sending his child to college, and possibly opening a sari-sari store.
  

Third Place: Cesha Myed Tupas

• Age: 37
  
• Hometown: Rizal Province
  
• Goals: Pay off personal loans and renovate her family home.
  

These players transformed card game skills into life-changing wins, proving that GTCC isn’t just a game—it’s a platform for hope and progress.

What Sets GTCC Apart?

1. National Reach & Accessibility
   

GTCC breaks barriers by being 100% online. Whether you’re in Metro Manila or remote Mindanao, as long as you have internet access, you can compete. 

This structure levels the playing field, enabling talents from far-flung areas to shine.

2. Esports-Grade Integrity
   

With robust anti-cheat systems, ranked matchmaking, and clearly enforced rules, GTCC ensures that every match is fair. 

It’s more than just a digital Tongits session—it’s a well-managed esports tournament.

3. Cultural Showcase
   

GTCC doesn’t forget its roots. From live commentaries in Tagalog to OPM performances, it mirrors the spirit of a Filipino fiesta, bringing local color to the competitive world.

4. Game-Changing Prizes
   

A ₱5 million cash prize isn’t just eye-catching—it’s life-changing. These stakes turn GTCC into a serious competitive outlet for players looking to make a difference for their families and communities.

GTCC Tournament Format: From Qualifiers to Champions

GTCC follows a multi-stage bracket structure that spans over two months of play:

• Qualifiers (April 25 – May 16):
  Players across the country compete in online ranked matches to earn leaderboard points.
  
• Main Draw (May 23 – 27):
  The top ~135 players advance into structured brackets.
  
• Preliminaries:
  Divided into groups, players face off in 20-round matches. Top scorers proceed.
  
• Semifinals:
  The remaining 9 players engage in 60 intense rounds, setting the stage for the finals.
  
• Grand Finale (June 12–15):
  A 100-round ultimate showdown determines the year’s champion.
  

This format emphasizes consistency, skill, and stamina, making it one of the most demanding yet rewarding competitions in the local gaming scene.

Why GTCC is the Filipino Digital Battlefield

GTCC isn’t just another card game app—it’s the centerpiece of Filipino online gaming. Here’s why:

• It Empowers Everyday Filipinos: From retirees to OFWs, GTCC creates opportunities for all walks of life.

• It Builds Community Pride: Local heroes like Tatay Benigno bring pride to their provinces, showing that talent knows no location.

• It Blends Entertainment & Competition: With music, shoutcasters, and live gameplay, it’s a full-blown show.

• It Has Real Impact: GTCC has donated to typhoon survivors and allowed winners to fund education, healthcare, and housing.

• It Uses Top-Tier Infrastructure: GameZone enforces reliable anti-cheat systems, mobile optimization, and livestream quality control.
  

What’s Next for GTCC?

GameZone has hinted at bigger things for GTCC’s future:

• More Games: Including more local variants like Tongits Go.

• New Divisions: Junior and Legends brackets to allow both new blood and veteran players to compete.

• Better Mobile Experience: Enhanced app performance for mid-tier smartphones.

• Larger Prize Pools: Potential for bigger sponsors and multi-million peso jackpots.
  

A Movement, Not Just a Tournament

What makes GTCC more than just a gaming competition is its emotional and social depth:

• It revives Filipino culture, showing that old-school games still have a place in the digital age.

• It elevates real stories, proving that behind every username is a person with dreams and struggles.

• It unites communities, not just in competition, but in celebration and support.
  

Will You Be the Next GTCC Legend?

GTCC 2025 proves that card games are no longer confined to fiestas or living rooms. They’ve become the foundation of a new kind of digital Filipino heroism—one played out in high-stakes battles with national pride on the line.

Whether you’re a casual player from the province or a seasoned strategist from the city, GTCC is your arena.

So, the next time you shuffle a deck, ask yourself—are you ready for the big leagues? Because in GTCC, one game can change your life.

Join the movement. Play with purpose. Rise with pride. GTCC 2025 awaits.