Last June, as the Philippines endured the intense heat of the dry season, GameZone heated things up even more with the thrilling GTCC: Summer Showdown.
This exciting tournament brought together 135 of the nation’s best Tongits players from all across the country for five days of fierce competition from June 24 to 28. They battled not only for glory and pride but also for a huge prize pool of ₱10,000,000, making this event one of the most significant in Filipino card gaming history.
GTCC was more than just a card game tournament—it became a platform where inspiring stories, clever strategies, and emotional victories unfolded, drawing the Filipino gaming community closer together. What started as an online qualifying event quickly grew into one of the most intense and captivating competitions ever held in the country. Behind every played hand was a story filled with family ties, hardships, ambitions, and the power of community support.
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How It All Started: Registration and Qualifiers
The GTCC journey officially began in April when GameZone opened registration for the Tongits Multi-Table Tournament through their platform, gzone.ph. From April 25 to May 16, players nationwide—both beginners and seasoned pros—had the chance to join the competition. GameZone made it particularly welcoming by providing all registered players with free chips to participate in daily qualifying tournaments. This allowed participants to practice, develop their strategies, and compete without worrying about entry costs.
Thousands of players joined these early rounds, eager to earn points, win small cash prizes, and climb the leaderboard. But only the top 135 scorers earned a coveted spot in the Summer Showdown, a list officially announced on May 27. This revealed early on that these competitors were serious—they came not just to take part, but to win and claim their place in Tongits history.
The Challenging Tournament Format
With 135 finalists ready, GameZone designed a tournament format that would test every aspect of their Tongits mastery. The players were divided into three groups of 45—Groups A, B, and C. Each group faced a tough elimination stage where they played three games of 20 rounds each. Only the most consistent and skillful could survive this phase.
From there, 84 players advanced to the Promotional Round, but the challenges they faced became even tougher. This round was split into two important phases:
- Phase 1: Group Stage Showdowns
The remaining 84 players were placed into 28 groups of three. Here, they played quick matches testing their skill and adaptability. While this phase didn’t directly determine who progressed to the semifinals, it greatly affected their future bracket placements. - Phase 2: Bracket Determination
After the group stage, the top 30 performers moved to the prestigious Upper Bracket, where the cream of the crop battled for the best semifinal positions. Meanwhile, the other 54 players went to the Lower Bracket, where they still had a chance to move forward but faced a more difficult road.
Only nine players would reach the semifinals—five from the Upper Bracket and four from the Lower Bracket. Having proved their talent, these players prepared for the ultimate challenge.
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The Mental and Physical Endurance of Semifinals and Finals
The semifinals featured a 60-round grueling match that tested mental endurance, patience, and skill. Every decision—whether to discard a card, draw, or call “Tongits”—carried weight, and pressure mounted as fatigue set in.
The finals pushed the top three players to their limits even further. They faced an intense 100-round battle of focus, stamina, and strategy. This was more than a game; it was a test of nerves, anticipation, and mental toughness as they fought for the championship title.
Winning Strategies That Made the Difference
What set the champions apart from the rest? GTCC showcased that success required more than just basic skill—players needed to combine different strengths:
- Flexible Strategies: The best players knew when to adapt their tactics. Switching from a defensive to an aggressive style (and back) depending on the changing dynamics of the table proved vital.
- Strong Mental Fortitude: Remaining calm and focused in long, high-pressure matches separated great players from the rest. Those who lost their cool often gave up their chance to win.
- Discard Control and Card Tracking: Watching discarded cards carefully and predicting possible cards opponents held allowed sharp players to make smarter moves and control the game’s flow.
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The Players Who Captured the Nation’s Heart
Beyond the cards, the stories of the top players made the GTCC unforgettable:
- Benigno “Tatay” Casayuran – Grand Champion
At 62, Tatay Benigno’s journey inspired many. Despite his wife’s battle with Stage 2 breast cancer and personal hardships, he competed with grace and skill. Supported by friends and family who helped with his travel expenses, he triumphed and took home ₱5,000,000. His touching words after winning—“Para sa pagpapa-chemotherapy ng misis ko. Gusto ko lang gumaling siya”—resonated deeply with fans nationwide. - Ryan Dacalos – 1st Runner-Up
Ryan from Lipa City is a thoughtful, steady player who plays for his wife and three children. His consistent, careful approach earned him ₱1,000,000 and brought hope for a better future. - Cesha Myed A. Tupas – 2nd Runner-Up
Rising through the ranks with focus and discipline, Cesha’s prize of ₱488,000 will go toward paying debts and renovating her family’s home—offering a new start for those she loves.
Why GTCC 2025 Was a Landmark Summer
GTCC 2025 wasn’t just a tournament—it was a defining moment for Filipino gaming culture. With nail-biting matches, unforgettable moments, and heartwarming stories, it brought Tongits pride and attention like never before. The exc
itement and passion it sparked continue to inspire both players and fans.As this chapter closes, the next is already beckoning. Registration is now open on gzone.ph for the next season. Thousands are readying themselves to rise up, sharpen their skills, and chase the dream.
Could you be the next champion?
Visit gzone.ph, start practicing, and join the growing community that celebrates competitive Filipino card gaming. The next Grand Champion could be you.
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Carter Maddox
