In the Philippines, card games like Tongits, Pusoy Dos, and Lucky 9 have been household favorites for generations.
From neighborhood tambayans to family reunions, these games are deeply woven into Filipino culture.
Now, thanks to the GameZone TableGame Champions Cup (GTCC), these beloved games are entering a bold new chapter—online and esports-ready.
Let’s take a closer look at what GTCC is, what happened in 2025’s biggest tournament yet, and why it might be your ticket to a national stage.
What is GTCC?
GTCC stands for GameZone TableGame Champions Cup, an annual online tournament where the best Filipino card players compete for prestige and life-changing prizes.
It began as the Tongits Champion Cup, but with its growing popularity and reach, it evolved into a full-fledged digital competition featuring Tongits, Pusoy Dos, and Lucky 9.
GTCC brings traditional Filipino card games into the world of esports—complete with rankings, live broadcasts, and competitive structures.
2025 GTCC Summer Showdown: Highlights and Winners
The latest GTCC tournament—titled the Summer Showdown—took place from June 12 to 15, 2025, in Makati City. It was the largest and most exciting GTCC event so far.
- Total players: 93 Tongits competitors
- Total prize pool: ₱10 million
- Champion’s prize: ₱5 million
GameZone transformed the venue into a festive, tournament-style arena, combining elements of traditional perya culture with modern digital entertainment.
There were live performances from Press Hit Play and Queen Monica Money, plus the tournament anthem “Liga ng mga Hari,” energizing both the live audience and online viewers.
The Champions of GTCC 2025
The tournament concluded with three standout players rising above the rest, not just for their skills, but for the real-life stories that moved audiences across the country.
1st Place: Benigno “Tatay Benigno” Casayuran
- Age: 62
- From: Candelaria, Quezon
- Backstory: Joined GTCC to raise funds for his wife’s breast cancer treatment.
- Final Match: Defeated 2nd and 3rd place in a 100-round championship round.
- Community Help: His neighbors raised money to help him travel to Makati.
- Quote: “Para sa pagpapa‑chemotherapy ng misis ko.”
Tatay Benigno’s story captured national attention. His determination showed the heart behind every Filipino player.
2nd Place: Ryan Dacalos
- Age: 38
- From: Lipa City, Batangas
- Goals: Build a home, support his child’s college education, and open a small business.
3rd Place: Cesha Myed Tupas
- Age: 37
- From: Rizal Province
- Plans: Pay off debts and renovate her home for her family.
These winners proved that GTCC is not just about cards—it’s about improving lives.
What Sets GTCC Apart?
GTCC stands out for many reasons. It’s more than just an online card game tournament—it’s a movement rooted in culture, strategy, and community.
Nationwide Accessibility
GTCC allows players from any region to participate. Whether you’re in Luzon, Visayas, or Mindanao, as long as you have a mobile device and internet, you can compete.
The online format levels the playing field and invites talent from every corner of the country.
Structured Like an Esports Event
GTCC uses an esports-grade format that includes
- Strict rules
- Ranked matchups
- Anti-cheat protocols
- Mobile-friendly gameplay
The result is a fair and transparent system that supports both amateur and serious players.
Celebration of Filipino Culture
The GTCC merges traditional Pinoy values with modern entertainment. From music acts to community shoutouts, every tournament feels like a digital fiesta.
Players and fans alike celebrate their roots while engaging with cutting-edge gaming experiences.
Real, Life-Changing Rewards
Winners can earn millions, not just as prize money, but as the means to fund education, health care, or new livelihoods. This raises the stakes and gives purpose to every round played.
Tournament Structure: How GTCC Crowns Champions
GTCC’s tournament format is designed to test skill, endurance, and consistency over several stages.
1. Qualifiers (April 25–May 16)
Thousands of players compete in online matches to climb the leaderboard.
2. Main Draw (May 23–27)
The top 135 ranked players enter the official tournament bracket.
3. Preliminaries
Players are grouped and compete in 20-round games. The top scorers advance.
4. Semifinals
Nine semifinalists face off in a 60-round battle.
5. Grand Finals
The top three go head-to-head in a 100-round final to determine the champion.
This multi-stage system ensures only the most consistent and strategic players make it to the top.
GTCC as the Online Hub for Filipino Card Gamers
GTCC has become more than a tournament—it’s now the online battleground where talent, strategy, and heart come together.
Showcasing Everyday Heroes
GTCC has shown that anyone—retirees, OFWs, parents—can rise to fame with the right mix of skill and determination.
Community Spirit
The tournament builds more than just competition.
Players like Tatay Benigno were supported by their communities, proving that GTCC fosters a spirit of bayanihan.
Entertainment That Goes Beyond Gaming
The event features live hosts, exciting broadcasts, and musical guests. It’s part competition, part variety show, and 100% Filipino.
Giving Back
In 2025, GameZone donated ₱1 million to typhoon victims, showing that GTCC isn’t just about winning—it’s about making an impact.
What’s Next for GTCC?
GTCC is growing, and future editions promise more opportunities and bigger stages.
- New Card Games: Variants of Tongits and other Filipino classics may be added.
- Divisions: Separate brackets for juniors and returning legends.
- Mobile Optimization: Improved gameplay for budget-friendly smartphones.
- More Prizes: Bigger cash rewards, more brand sponsors, and extended play seasons.
With each season, GTCC gets closer to becoming the largest digital card gaming event in Southeast Asia.
The Bigger Picture: GTCC as a Movement
GTCC is not just about games—it’s about identity, progress, and pride.
- Preserving Traditions: By going digital, Filipino card games are being passed on to a new generation.
- Telling Stories: Each player brings a unique journey. GTCC celebrates these narratives on a national scale.
- Uniting the Country: Players from all backgrounds come together to compete and connect—one card at a time.
Will You Join the Next Chapter?
GTCC 2025 showed that skill, heart, and community can take a simple card game and turn it into a national movement.
If you love Tongits, Pusoy Dos, or Lucky 9, GTCC is your chance to shine.
You could be the next Tatay Benigno, rising from humble beginnings to become a champion known across the country.
Are you ready to go from kanto king to a national legend? Join GTCC—and let your story begin.
