The month of June 2025 was nothing short of sensational for the Filipino online gaming community. The much-anticipated GameZone TableGame Champions Cup (GTCC) once again took center stage, turning up the heat with intense battles, high-stakes gameplay, and stories of passion and perseverance that captured hearts nationwide. Known as the ultimate arena for the beloved Filipino card game Tongits, the GTCC Summer Showdown not only redefined traditional gameplay in the digital age but also set a new standard for competitive spirit, prize stakes, and meaningful triumphs.
With a total prize pool of ₱10,000,000 and thousands of spectators eagerly following the tournament online, the GameZone TableGame Champions Cup held last June from the 12th to the 28th became the biggest online Tongits event in Philippine history. Fans around the country witnessed every thrilling moment of this fiercely contested championship that electrified GameZone’s platform and raised the bar for competitive card gaming nationwide. In this article, we will dive into the most memorable highlights of the tournament, unravel the intense journey of its players, and explore why GTCC is much more than just a game.
The Journey Begins: How the Summer Showdown Took Shape
Earlier this year, GameZone announced an ambitious plan — the GameZone TableGame Champions Cup. Designed as a multi-tiered competition, GTCC aimed to elevate Tongits into the esports realm, giving players the platform to compete on a national scale with significant rewards at stake. The response was overwhelming.
Thousands of contestants took part in the Tongits Free Bonanza qualifiers across April and May 2025. This open qualifier proved to be a fierce proving ground where both seasoned veterans and passionate newcomers showed their skills, vying to earn their ticket to the coveted Summer Showdown. By the end of May, after an intense qualifying round between May 23 and 25, only 135 elite players earned the right to advance to the main event — a testament to their consistency, sharp strategy, and mental toughness.
The players represented all regions of the Philippines, from Luzon down to Mindanao, showcasing the deep nationwide love for Tongits and the rising caliber of players competing in the digital space.
Tournament Structure: The Arena of Skill and Strategy
The GameZone TableGame Champions Cup was carefully crafted to test every facet of a player’s talent — from precision and nerve to tactical adaptiveness — across multiple competition phases:
- Elimination Round (June 12-15): The 135 players were split into three groups (A, B, and C). Each participated in a series of three 20-round games, focusing on sharp gameplay and scoring. Only the top 84 players, determined by points and performance, advanced to the next stage.
- Promotional Round: The competition grew more intense as the top 30 scorers entered the upper bracket, while the remaining 54 battled through the lower bracket. Groups were randomized, and players faced grueling head-to-head matches where only the top 5 from the upper bracket and 4 from the lower secured semifinal spots.
- Semifinals: The 9 remaining players engaged in a 60-round marathon designed to test endurance and tactical prowess. The top 3 contenders advanced to the grand final.
- Grand Finals (June 24-28): 3 final competitors played an epic 100-round contest — a battle of wits and willpower where the champion was ultimately decided based on total points, rewarding skill and consistency over luck.
The Players and Their Stories: Triumph Beyond the Cards
The tournament was stiff, but what truly made June’s GameZone TableGame Champions Cup unforgettable were the players’ stories — tales of courage, ambition, and heart.
Grand Champion: Benigno De Guzman Casayuran
Benigno’s story became the symbol of this year’s tournament. Despite personal hardships — including his wife’s battle with breast cancer — Benigno nearly withdrew from the competition. But with unwavering support from his family and friends, he persevered. His victory carried more than just a trophy; it was a beacon of hope and strength for his family.
Benigno took home the ₱5,000,000 grand prize, dedicating it to his wife:
“Her battle is bigger than mine. This prize gives us hope.”
His journey inspired millions, showing that beyond skill, the game is about resilience and heart.
First Runner-Up: Ryan Dacalos
Known for his quiet determination and analytical mindset, Ryan’s approach was methodical and consistent. His prize of ₱1,000,000 represents more than success — it’s a foundation for building a secure future as he plans to invest in a home and fund his child’s education.
“This win gives me a head start for my family’s future.”
Second Runner-Up: Cesha Myed A. Tupas
Focused and fearless, Cesha played every round like a mission. Her winnings of ₱488,000 will help renovate her home and clear longstanding debts.
“This wasn’t just a game — it was a mission. Every move I made was for my children.”
Strategies to Prepare for Your Own GTCC Journey
For readers inspired to join future GameZone TableGame Champions Cup tournaments, here are actionable tips from top players and community veterans:
- Master Every Rule: Beyond casual play, competitive Tongits requires flawless knowledge of draw and discard rules, points calculation, and special moves like “Tongit,” “Burn,” or “Draw.”
- Play Smart, Not Every Hand: Strategic aggression wins matches. Learning when to fold, observe opponents’ patterns, and plan several moves ahead can make the difference between victory and defeat.
- Practice Daily on GameZone: GameZone’s daily tournaments simulate true GTCC pressure, offering a valuable training ground to test strategies and adjust to varying opponents.
- Join the Community: Online forums and Facebook groups provide tips, announcements, and friendly competition to refine play and stay updated on upcoming events.
The Cards Are on the Table — Your Next Move Awaits
Whether you’re a seasoned Tongits player or an eager newcomer, the GameZone TableGame Champions Cup is the ultimate platform to test your skill, forge new friendships, and chase glory. The 2025 Summer Showdown was just the beginning — with the next tournament already on the horizon, now is the perfect time to sharpen your game and join the ranks of Filipino card champions.
The stage is set. The deck is shuffled. The next GameZone TableGame Champions Cup (GTCC) champion could be you.