GTCC 2025: The Ultimate Filipino Card Game Tournament

Nothing brings people together quite like a good card game. From friendly rounds of Tongits during family reunions to heated matches of Pusoy Dos among barkadas, card games are more than just pastimes—they’re part of our cultural DNA.

But what if these age-old traditions met the energy of digital competition?

That’s exactly what the GameZone TableGame Champions Cup (GTCC) offers: a national stage where classic Filipino games meet esports-level excitement.

Let’s take a closer look at this groundbreaking tournament and why GTCC is becoming the biggest digital card game arena for Filipinos.

A Cultural Tradition Meets the Digital Age

GTCC, short for GameZone TableGame Champions Cup, is the Philippines’ leading online-exclusive tournament for Filipino card games.

The centerpiece of the event is Tongits, but the tournament also features beloved games like Pusoy Dos and Lucky 9.

What started out as the Tongits Champion Cup has since evolved into a nationwide digital event with a professional structure.

Think of it as a fiesta, a perya, and an esports tournament all rolled into one—only this time, it’s streamed live and anyone across the country can join.

The GTCC is not just about winning—it’s about preserving tradition, bringing communities together, and celebrating Filipino culture in the modern age.

GTCC Summer Showdown 2025: A Tournament to Remember

The most recent edition of GTCC, dubbed the GTCC 2025 Summer Showdown, was held from June 12 to 15 in Makati City.

It was a milestone event with 93 top Tongits players from across the country battling it out for glory and a share of a massive ₱10 million prize pool, with ₱5 million going to the champion.

Highlights from the Event

Live Performances: Acts like Press Hit Play and Queen Monica Money lit up the venue with musical performances.
Gamemaster Anthem: The crowd roared as “Liga ng mga Hari,” the GTCC anthem, filled the arena.
Local Vibes: The energy felt like a hybrid of a barangay fiesta and an esports showdown—cheers, jeepney horns, and digital hype rolled into one.

The Champions: Stories That Inspired the Nation

The Summer Showdown was more than just a battle of skills—it was a showcase of heartwarming stories that reminded everyone why the GTCC is so special.

Champion: Benigno “Tatay Benigno” De Guzman Casayuran

Age: 62
From: Candelaria, Quezon
Winning Purpose: He joined the tournament to raise money for his wife’s stage 2 breast cancer chemotherapy.
Support: His community pitched in for his travel expenses to Makati.
Memorable Quote: “Para sa pagpapa-chemotherapy ng misis ko,” he said tearfully upon winning.

2nd Place: Ryan Dacalos

Age: 38
From: Lipa City, Batangas
Goals: Plans to build a home, fund his child’s college education, and start a small business.

3rd Place: Cesha Myed Tupas

Age: 37
From: Rizal
Goal: Pay off loans and renovate their family home.

Why GTCC Stands Out

Wondering what makes the GTCC different from your average online tournament? Here are the reasons why this competition is in a league of its own:

Nationwide Reach

GTCC breaks down barriers, letting players from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao compete from their own homes.

It’s all digital, all-inclusive, and built for accessibility.

Esports-Grade Experience

GameZone implements a professional structure—ranked formats, strict rulebooks, and anti-cheat protocols.

It’s serious gaming with a Filipino twist.

Cultural Celebration

GTCC isn’t just a tournament—it’s an event. From musical performances to commentary in Filipino, the entire experience feels like a national celebration of our shared love for card games.

Life-Changing Prizes

With prize pools reaching ₱10 million, the GTCC doesn’t just offer bragging rights—it offers a chance to change lives. Players compete for more than just trophies; they’re playing for dreams, health, education, and family.

Inside the Tournament Format

GTCC follows a multi-stage tournament structure, usually lasting around four to five weeks from qualifiers to finals.

1. Qualifiers (April 25 – May 16)

Thousands of players join multiple-table matches and collect leaderboard points.

2. Main Draw (May 23 – May 27)

The top scorers—usually about 135 players—move forward to the bracket stage.

3. Prelims & Promotions

Players are grouped for 20-round games, refining the field down to nine semifinalists.

4. Semifinals

The nine best clash in 60 rounds to determine the top three.

5. Grand Finals

A final 100-round face-off decides the GTCC champion and the ₱5 million prize winner.

GTCC: More Than Just a Game

What makes GTCC more than just an online tournament is the impact it leaves behind—on players, communities, and Filipino culture.

Empowering Everyday Filipinos

Whether you’re an OFW, retiree, or working parent, GTCC is a stage where anyone can shine. Just ask Tatay Benigno, who turned a card game into a beacon of hope.

Bringing People Together

Hometowns unite behind their champions. Friends and family cheer online. GTCC builds pride and solidarity—Filipino style.

Entertainment Meets Esports

With live streams, shoutcasters, and high-octane finales, GTCC brings the spectacle. It’s a full entertainment package you can watch, join, and cheer for.

Real-Life Impact

Beyond the game, GTCC champions often use their winnings for meaningful goals, like education, medical care, or rebuilding after disasters.

GameZone even donated ₱1 million to typhoon survivors this year.

What’s Next for GTCC?

The future is looking even brighter for GTCC! GameZone has teased some exciting additions:

New Game Titles: Expect more local favorites and maybe new Tongits variants.
Special Divisions: Junior and Legends categories could spotlight younger players and past champions.
Better Mobile Support: Smoother gameplay for budget and mid-range phones.
Bigger Sponsors = Bigger Prizes: More brands might hop on board, raising the stakes and boosting rewards.

Final Thoughts: Will You Be the Next GTCC Champion?

GTCC isn’t just a card game tournament—it’s a modern Filipino movement. It honors our culture, amplifies unheard stories, and creates new legends out of ordinary players.

From kanto champions to online phenoms, GTCC gives every Filipino a chance to compete, win big, and inspire a nation. So whether you’re in the mood to join or simply cheer from the sidelines, one thing is clear:

GTCC is where tradition meets ambition—and where your next winning hand might just change your life.

Are you ready to shuffle the cards and make your move?

Author Profile

Adam Regan

Deputy Editor

Features and account management. 3 years media experience. Previously covered features for online and print editions.

Email Adam@MarkMeets.com