Last June, while most Filipinos sought refuge from the relentless heat of the dry season, GameZone brought an even fiercer kind of fire with the GTCC: Summer Showdown. This thrilling tournament was more than just a competition; it was a celebration of the nation’s best Tongits players, a clash of minds and wills that lit up the online gaming scene. Spanning from June 24 to 28, the showdown featured 135 elite players from every part of the Philippines, each vying for a historic spot in Tongits lore and a share of the massive ₱10,000,000 prize pot.
More than a test of cards, GTCC became a compelling narrative woven with inspiring personal stories, tactical brilliance, and emotional triumphs. Originally launched as an online qualifying event, it quickly evolved into one of the most gripping national card game tournaments ever staged. Behind every hand played was a story of family, perseverance, dreams, and community — a true reflection of Filipino spirit and grit.
The Road to GTCC: Registration and Qualification
The journey to the GTCC Summer Showdown began months earlier, in April, when GameZone officially opened registrations for the Tongits Multi-Table Tournament on its platform, gzone.ph. From April 25 until May 16, the tournament welcomed players of all skill levels, encouraging widespread participation nationwide.
GameZone made it exceptionally accessible by giving every registered player free chips to compete in GTCC daily qualifiers. These early rounds became testing grounds for new and seasoned players alike to hone their strategies and build momentum. Throughout these rounds, players earned leaderboard points and small cash prizes as rewards for their consistent performance. Thousands eagerly competed, but only the top 135 scorers earned their coveted spots in the GTCC Summer Showdown — the final list was publicly unveiled on May 27, sparking excitement and anticipation.
From the outset, it became clear that these players weren’t just testing the waters. They were here to win.
Tournament Structure: Battling for Supremacy
The GTCC’s format was designed to challenge every facet of a player’s Tongits expertise. Once the finalists were confirmed, they were divided into three equal groups of 45 participants (Groups A, B, and C). Each group faced a demanding elimination stage that involved playing three intense games of 20 rounds each. Only those who exhibited a high level of consistency and strategic insight advanced.
The next phase was the Promotional Round, which pushed 84 surviving players through a more nuanced competition split into two phases:
- Phase 1: Group Stage Showdowns
The remaining 84 players were redistributed into 28 groups of three. While these matches didn’t directly decide semifinalists, they were crucial in determining seedings and bracket placement, influencing the players’ route moving forward. - Phase 2: Bracket Determination
The top 30 players ascended to the Upper Bracket — the highest tier where the most formidable competitors vied fiercely for the best positions. Meanwhile, the remaining 54 fought to survive in the Lower Bracket, a grueling road that still offered redemption but demanded resilience and tactical mastery.
Only nine players in total — five from the Upper Bracket and four from the Lower Bracket — would make it to the semifinals. Each one had to prove their mettle under mounting pressure.
The Ultimate Mental and Physical Challenge: Semifinals and Finals
The semifinal round raised the stakes with a harrowing 60-round contest that tested players’ endurance, mental agility, and nerves. Every play mattered—every card discarded, every draw made, and even the timing to call “Tongits” could tip the scales between moving forward or being eliminated. Fatigue and concentration jitters emerged as true adversaries at this level.
The GTCC grand finals elevated the challenge even further. The last three competitors faced off in an epic 100-round duel, pushing their mental stamina to the limits. This wasn’t simply a game — it was a battle of reading opponents, anticipating strategies, and maintaining razor-sharp focus over an exhausting marathon of play.
Strategies That Defined GTCC Champions
What distinguished champions from contenders was their mastery of several key strategic areas:
- Tactical Flexibility: The ability to morph one’s strategy mid-game was vital. Successful players shifted seamlessly between defensive and offensive styles depending on changing game dynamics and opponent behaviors.
- Unshakeable Mental Fortitude: Remaining composed under the immense pressure of high-stakes play was critical. Players who maintained clarity and calm even into the deeper rounds had a decisive advantage.
- Discard Control and Card Awareness: Elite players meticulously tracked discards and guessed possible opponent hands, effectively playing multiple “games” at once — not just with their own cards but by predicting rival strategies.
Beyond the Cards: The Stories of GTCC’s Most Memorable Players
The heart of GTCC came alive not just in gameplay, but through the inspiring journeys of its stars:
- Benigno “Tatay” Casayuran – Grand Champion
At 62, TatayBenigno’s story was one of resilience and hope. Despite his wife’s battle with Stage 2 breast cancer, he powered through the tournament with grace and skill, supported by friends and family who helped him travel for the competition. His victory prize of ₱5,000,000 was dedicated to his wife’s treatment, captured poignantly in his words: “Para sapagpapa-chemotherapy ng misis ko. Gusto ko langgumalingsiya.” His humble spirit and winning gameplay resonated profoundly across the nation. - Ryan Dacalos – 1st Runner-Up
Hailing from Lipa City, Ryan approached the game with a calculated and steady mindset, balancing ambition and caution. His dream is to build a home for his wife and three children, and his consistent performance earned him ₱1,000,000 in prize money. - CeshaMyed A. Tupas – 2nd Runner-Up
Coming from Rizal, Cesha climbed steadily through the competition, driven by unwavering focus and discipline. Her winnings of ₱488,000 will help her pay debts and renovate her family’s home — a fresh start made possible by her dedication and skill.
The Legacy of GTCC 2025: A Defining Summer for Filipino Gaming
GTCC will be remembered as a watershed event that not only raised the level of competitive Tongits but also united the Filipino gaming community. With electrifying matches, emotional narratives, and life-changing rewards, it firmly established Tongits as a source of national pride and cultural significance.
Are you ready to stake your claim?
Visit gzone.ph to register, sharpen your skills, and join a community where passion, strategy, and heart define the game.
GTCC has shown that great competitions create more than winners — they build legends, inspire communities, and celebrate the profound human stories behind the game. The next grand champion could be you.
