GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup Summer Showdown 2025: A Joyous Celebration of Filipino Card Game Champions

Celebrate the thrill and triumphs of the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup 2025! Meet the champions and see why GTCC is the hottest digital card game.

03:26 22 July 2025

June 2025 was more than just the start of the rainy season—it was also the month when card game history was made! 

GameZone proudly concluded its most electrifying edition of the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC) yet, turning the virtual Tongits table into a digital battlefield brimming with cheers, strategies, and heartwarming stories.

Dubbed the GTCC: Summer Showdown 2025, this edition didn’t just host a card game tournament. 

It launched an esports-style spectacle that brought out the best in Filipino competitiveness, skill, and spirit. 

For five adrenaline-pumping days, players from across the country showcased their mastery of Tongits, culminating in a finale that celebrated not just winners, but heroes.

Let’s dive into this vibrant showcase of gameplay, camaraderie, and Filipino excellence.

What is the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup?

The GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup, or GTCC, is no ordinary card tournament. 

It’s a full-blown national event hosted by GameZone Philippines, combining classic Filipino games with the modern flair of digital esports.

Launched in 2024 as the Tongits Champion Cup, it has since grown into a fan-favorite spectacle, happening multiple times a year. 

The GTCC isn’t just about who wins—it’s about how the game brings people together, tells stories, and changes lives.

And with millions in prizes, wide media coverage, and thousands of players joining every season, it’s no wonder GTCC is quickly becoming the go-to online battleground for every serious card gamer in the country.

Tournament Format: How It All Unfolded

The GTCC Summer Showdown 2025 followed an exciting five-day structure:

• Online Qualifiers (April–May): Thousands battled it out through the GameZone app, all hoping for a shot at glory.
  
  
• Day 1 – Group Stage: 135 players, split into three groups of 45, faced three intense 20-round games.
  
  
• Days 2–3 – Promotional Rounds: The top 63 players were seeded into upper and lower brackets, trimming the roster down to semifinalists.
  
  
• Day 4 – Semifinals: The top 9 played a jaw-dropping 60-round marathon match.
  
  
• Day 5 – Grand Final: The ultimate three players entered a 100-round showdown to decide the GTCC Summer Champion.
  
  

Meet the Top 3 GTCC Summer Champions

Grand Champion – Benigno “Tatay Benigno” De Guzman Casayuran

Hailing from Candelaria, Quezon, 62-year-old Tatay Benigno is the heartwarming symbol of hope and resilience. 

A retired fisherman with a modest pension, he returned to competition not for fame, but for love. Motivated by his wife’s breast cancer treatment and his son's college dreams, he entered the GTCC.

And win he did—PHP 5 million, half of the tournament’s total PHP 10 million prize pool!

Tatay Benigno’s story is pure bayanihan in action. His community supported him emotionally and financially, showcasing the beauty of Filipino solidarity. 

With his winnings, he plans to travel with his wife, fund his son’s education, and live out the golden years with dignity. 

Teary-eyed on stage, he reminded everyone: play for joy, not just for money.

1st Runner-Up – Ryan Dacalos

From Lipa City, Batangas, 38-year-old Ryan Dacalos played like a warrior. 

A devoted father, he channeled his competitive spirit into every round, landing a PHP 1 million prize.

Ryan plans to use his prize money to send his eldest child to college—a dream many Filipino parents hold dear. 

He also aims to build a home and launch a sari-sari store, ensuring long-term stability for his family.

More than anything, Ryan proved that Tongits is more than just a game—it’s a life-changer. 

His quiet determination and family-first mindset made him a crowd favorite.

2nd Runner-Up – Cesha Myed A. Tupas

At 37, Cesha Tupas of Rizal Province completed the elite trio, winning PHP 488,000. 

Her calculated moves and calm, consistent gameplay showed her tactical brilliance.

Cesha plans to use her prize to settle loans and renovate her home. 

For her, the GTCC was not only a thrilling challenge but a bridge toward financial progress and family comfort.

Other Prize Winners: Everyone Wins at GTCC!

The GTCC isn’t just about the top three—it celebrates every player who makes it far.

Here’s how GameZone spread the PHP 10 million prize pool:

• 4th–9th Place (Semifinalists): 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 reward system ensures that even those who didn’t reach the top still feel celebrated and seen.

GTCC: A Platform for Culture, Community, and Giving Back

While the thrill of Tongits keeps players coming back, GTCC stands for so much more.

A Spirit of Giving

GameZone, through BingoPlus Foundation, donated PHP 1 million to Gems Heart Outreach Dev’t., Inc. to support the Buso‑Buso community affected by Super Typhoon Kristine. 

Gaming meets generosity—what’s not to love?

Live Entertainment for All

The finals lit up with music and performances from local stars like Queen Monica Money and Press Hit Play, turning the arena into a celebration of Filipino artistry and community pride.

A Modern Stage for Traditional Games

GTCC elevates beloved Filipino pastimes like Tongits into major digital events. It’s a reminder that our traditions aren’t old—they’re gold.

Economic Empowerment

From starting small businesses to funding education, GTCC prize money becomes seed money for new beginnings. It’s not just a payout—it’s a push toward a better future.

Promoting Responsible Play

GameZone and its players constantly advocate for mindful gaming. As Tatay Benigno wisely said: “It’s not about gambling; it’s about discipline and heart.”

Why You Should Join the Next GTCC

Whether you're a casual gamer or a seasoned pro, the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup is the perfect arena to test your skills, meet fellow Pinoys, and maybe even change your life.

All you need is your GameZone app, a solid strategy, and your unbeatable Pinoy spirit.

The next edition is just around the corner—will we be seeing your name on the leaderboard?

Final Thoughts

The GTCC Summer Showdown 2025 wasn’t just a tournament. It was a celebration of Filipino talent, unity, and heart. It was about ordinary people doing extraordinary things—through cards, courage, and community.

So whether you're aiming for the top prize or just want to enjoy the ride, the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup is calling.

Ready to play, connect, and make your mark?

Join GTCC—where legends are made, one card at a time.