The GTCC Summer Showdown 2025 was more than just a card game tournament—it was a showcase of strategy, endurance, and personal purpose.
From June 12 to 15, Makati City became the heart of competitive Tongits, as the country’s best players gathered for four electrifying days of gameplay.
With a PHP 10 million prize pool and a lineup of over 135 skilled contenders, the tournament was a culmination of months of preparation, grit, and brilliant gameplay.
In this recap, we’ll walk you through the GTCC’s format, introduce you to its remarkable winners, and help you learn how to play—and win—like a Tongits pro.
Understanding the GTCC Format: A Roadmap to Victory
The GTCC, or GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup, is a recurring tournament hosted by GameZone, designed to bring attention to Filipino card games, especially Tongits.
It began as a Tongits-exclusive event but eventually expanded to include other tabletop and digital games, including dice and slots.
Despite this growth, Tongits remains the tournament’s crown jewel, challenging players not just on skill but also on their endurance and decision-making.
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the tournament format:
1.Online Qualifiers (April 25–May 16)
Thousands of hopefuls joined daily multi-table tournaments on GameZone’s platform. Free chips were given to all players to maintain fairness and accessibility.
2. Top 135 Confirmed (by May 27)
Players accumulated leaderboard points, and the top 135 performers were selected to move forward to the live group stages in Makati.
3. Group Phase (June 12–15)
These 135 players were split into three groups of 45. Each group competed in three intense 20-round matches. Only the top 84 advanced.
4. Promotional Round
The 84 players were reorganized. The top 30 players from this phase moved into the Upper Bracket, while the remaining 54 went to the Lower Bracket.
Ultimately, five from the upper and four from the lower advanced to the semi-finals.
5. Semi-finals
The nine finalists faced off in a grueling 60-round session, testing not only their gameplay but also their stamina, emotional control, and adaptability.
6. Grand Finals
The top three semi-finalists entered a 100-round showdown to determine the Tongits Champion. The stakes were high, but so were the rewards and recognition for all finalists.
GTCC 2025 Highlights: More Than Just a Tournament
Beyond the games, GTCC 2025 created an exciting atmosphere that fused entertainment, technology, and community engagement.
Live Entertainment
Music set the tone with energetic performances by Press Hit Play and Queen Monica Money. The crowd echoed with cheers and sang along to the official GTCC anthem, “Liga ng mga Hari.”
Hybrid Setup
While the tournament was held live at Green Sun Hotel in Makati, it also had a strong digital presence.
Matches were streamed from June 24 to 28 via GameZone’s social channels, allowing fans nationwide to watch the action unfold.
Esports-Level Execution
Live Tagalog commentary, anti-cheat technologies, and interactive fan zones gave the tournament a professional edge, reminiscent of mainstream esports events.
Meet the GTCC Champions: Stories of Strength and Purpose
The 2025 GTCC finalists weren’t just exceptional players—they were inspiring individuals with powerful motivations.
First Place: Benigno “Tatay Benigno” Casayuran (62, Quezon)
A former fisherman, Tatay Benigno played not just for pride, but for love. His wife was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, and he entered the GTCC hoping to fund her treatment.
After winning the 100-round final, he secured the PHP 5 million top prize.
He shared that aside from his wife’s medical bills, he plans to use the winnings for his son’s college tuition and for future travels with his wife during her recovery.
Second Place: Ryan Dacalos (38, Batangas)
As a father of three, Ryan’s focus was to build a stable future for his family. He took home PHP 1 million, which he will use to improve their home and fund his children’s education.
He’s also planning to open a small sari-sari store to secure a steady income.
Third Place: Cesha Myed Tupas (37, Rizal)
Finishing third, Cesha won PHP 488,000. A practical player with a strong sense of responsibility, she plans to pay off loans and renovate her family’s home.
For her, Tongits became a tool to bring long-term comfort and stability to her loved ones.
Train Like a Tongits Champion: GTCC Preparation Guide
Dreaming of joining next year’s GTCC? Success in Tongits isn’t just about luck—it’s about smart preparation.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get started:
1. Master the Format
Each GTCC round has a different dynamic.
- Early rounds require patience and consistency.
- Later rounds reward risk-taking and psychological play.
Study past tournament structures and prepare for each phase accordingly.
2. Deepen Your Game Knowledge
Learning never stops in Tongits.
- Know the variations like Quick Tongits or Joker Mode.
- Watch replays from top matches to understand timing and strategy.
- Study the scoring system—burns, draws, and Tongits calls all affect your final ranking.
3. Build a Weekly Training Routine
Consistency is key. Try this simple schedule:
- Days 1–2: Practice vs. AI opponents.
- Days 3–4: Join free tourneys.
- Day 5: Watch high-level replays.
- Day 6: Play leaderboard matches.
- Day 7: Reflect and rest.
4. Engage with the Community
GTCC isn’t just a tournament—it’s a community.
- Join GameZone groups.
- Ask questions and learn from veterans.
- Participate in mock tourneys to simulate real pressure.
5. Condition Your Mind and Body
Tongits at GTCC level is mentally demanding.
- Focus sessions: Practice distraction-free gameplay.
- Hydration: Keep your mind sharp during long matches.
- Endurance training: Try full-length practice games weekly.
- Mindfulness apps: Help regulate anxiety before big games.
6. Set Up the Right Environment
Create a space that helps—not hinders—your game.
- Stable internet: Essential for online matches.
- Updated device: No lags or crashes.
- Quiet room: Fewer distractions equal better decision-making.
7. Track Your Progress
Become your own coach.
- Keep notes on plays and mistakes.
- Screenshot tough hands for future study.
- Set goals to guide your progress.
8. Define Your Purpose
Your “why” matters. It’s what will keep you going through 100 rounds of intense gameplay.
Whether it’s to support your family, represent your province, or chase a lifelong dream, let your purpose fuel your play.
GTCC 2025: A Tournament of Hearts and Minds
The GTCC Summer Showdown 2025 was a milestone for Filipino card gaming. It transformed a traditional pastime into a competitive platform that changes lives.
Players like Tatay Benigno, Ryan Dacalos, and Cesha Tupas proved that Tongits isn’t just a game—it’s a means to uplift families, chase dreams, and inspire others.
If you’ve ever played Tongits casually and thought, “I could do this,” now’s your time.
The next GTCC is on the horizon, and with the right preparation, you could be one of its rising stars.
Ready your cards. Build your skills. Play with purpose. The road to Tongits glory awaits.