Every summer has its highlights—but for Filipino gamers and card game enthusiasts worldwide, June 2025 marked a historic moment. 

GameZone’s GTCC Summer Showdown 2025—officially named the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup—concluded with a dazzling display of strategy, culture, and next-gen gameplay.

Hosted in Makati City over three intense days, the event brought together Tongits masters from across the globe. 

What began as a casual family favorite was now center stage in a world-class tournament streamed live to millions. 

Tongits, a game embedded in Filipino tradition, had officially entered the realm of professional eSports.

Let’s take a closer look at how the GTCC turned this cultural pastime into a competitive global phenomenon, and how it’s transforming the way Filipinos—and the world—see digital card games.

From Backyard Tables to Global Broadcasts: The Story of Tongits

For decades, Tongits has been a staple at family gatherings and neighborhood get-togethers across the Philippines. 

It’s a game of wit, luck, and strategy that’s as much about bonding as it is about winning. But for years, Tongits was largely confined to informal play.

Enter GameZone, a leading platform for digital entertainment in the Philippines. With a vision to elevate traditional games through technology, they’ve created the GTCC, a professional-grade competition that celebrates local heritage while embracing the future of gaming.

The 2025 GTCC Summer Showdown was the crown jewel of this initiative—and Tongits was its brightest star.

Inside the GTCC 2025: Tournament Format and Structure

The GTCC wasn’t just a one-day event—it was a months-long journey that saw thousands of players battling for the top spot. Here’s how the tournament unfolded:

1. Online Qualifiers (April 25–May 16)

Players from all over the world joined daily online matches using GameZone’s platform. The goal? Earn leaderboard points by dominating multi-table Tongits games.

To level the playing field, GameZone even handed out free platform chips, ensuring every participant could compete fairly.

2. Top 135 Players Confirmed (May 27)

After weeks of digital competition, the top 135 players emerged, earning their spot in the next phase. These elite competitors were invited to battle it out in-person in Makati City—a major upgrade from the usual online grind.

3. Group Phase (June 12–15)

These 135 players were split into groups of 45. Each group played 20-round matches, with the best performers moving forward. At the end of this round, 84 players advanced to the next stage.

4. Promotional Round

The competition tightened as the 84 players were redistributed into new groups.

• The top 30 moved into the upper bracket.
  
• The remaining 54 joined the lower bracket.
  

After more grueling rounds, only nine players remained standing—five from the upper and four from the lower tiers.

5. Semi-Finals

This round wasn’t for the faint of heart. Over 60 intense rounds, nine semifinalists tested their endurance, composure, and card mastery. The top three players would earn their seat at the ultimate table.

6. Grand Finals

The final showdown was nothing short of legendary. Three players. One table. 100 rounds of elite Tongits.

In the end, Benigno “Tatay Benigno” Casayuran emerged as Grand Champion, claiming the ₱5 million jackpot. Behind him:

• 1st Runner-Up: Ryan Dacalos – ₱1 million
  
• 2nd Runner-Up: Cesha Myed Tupas – ₱488,000
  

Their names are now etched in GTCC history, with prizes that have truly changed their lives.

A New Era for Tongits: What Made GTCC 2025 Different?

This year’s event wasn’t just about big prizes—it was about setting a new standard. GameZone introduced innovations that elevated the experience for players and viewers alike.

Key Features of GTCC 2025:

• Real-Time Digital Play: Lag-free, secure gameplay ensured that skill—not technology—decided the outcome.
  
• Tiered Matchmaking System: Players were ranked by ability, making for competitive and fair matchups.
  
• Cash and NFT Prizes: Beyond money, winners received exclusive digital collectibles that cement their victory in gaming history.
  
• Live Commentary and Analytics: For the first time, Tongits matches were broadcast with professional analysis, real-time statistics, and expert commentary.
  
• Filipino Cultural Interludes: Between games, viewers were treated to segments highlighting Filipino history, music, and the cultural roots of Tongits.
  

These enhancements didn’t just professionalize the game—they created a viewer-friendly esport event that anyone could follow and enjoy.

How GTCC is Reshaping the Future of Filipino Gaming

GTCC has done more than modernize a traditional game—it’s creating a movement. Here’s how it’s changing the landscape for players across the Philippines and beyond:

1. Legitimizing Tongits as an eSport

What was once casual fun is now a professional career path. Players train, review gameplay footage, and even attract sponsorship deals—just like in mainstream esports.

2. Democratizing Competitive Play

Thanks to GameZone’s mobile and digital platforms, players from rural provinces to major cities can enter the same tournament. 

No travel needed, no expensive equipment—just talent and a good internet connection.

3. Tracking and Rewarding Skill

Consistent performance is now measurable. GTCC uses analytics to rank players, giving top performers access to more events, partnerships, and even streaming opportunities.

4. Creating Careers Around Tongits

Beyond gameplay, GTCC’s rise has given birth to content creators, influencers, and brand ambassadors—many of whom started as casual players.

5. Standardizing Gameplay

With a unified rulebook and AI-powered oversight, the game is now easier to learn and fairer to play. It’s a key step toward international recognition.

The Bigger Picture: More Than Just a Game

What makes Tongits—and the GTCC—so special is the emotional connection it holds with Filipino culture. It’s not just a card game. It’s part of childhood memories, family traditions, and late-night bonding sessions.

By combining that cultural legacy with the power of digital innovation, GameZone isn’t just building a better platform—it’s helping create a new national identity in gaming.

Final Thoughts: A Game Reborn, A Nation United

The GTCC Summer Showdown 2025 wasn’t just a tournament. It was a celebration. Of strategy. Of community. Of Filipino pride.

As Tongits continues its journey from backyard tables to global esports arenas, it’s clear that GameZone is leading the charge—bridging tradition with technology, and spotlighting local talent on a global stage.

With every shuffled deck and every triumphant win, one thing is certain: Tongits is no longer just a game. It’s a movement.

And for the millions watching from home and the three champions holding their titles high, it all started with one unforgettable summer in Makati City.