The emergence of the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC) has revolutionized competitive Tongits in the Philippines, providing players with an elevated platform where skill, strategy, and precision matter. For 2025, GTCC introduced two major tournaments designed to showcase Tongits at its peak. The first was the Summer Showdown, held in June, which brought together a vast range of competitors for an exciting battle of cards and strategy. In mid-September, the eagerly awaited September Arena will carry forward this momentum with enhanced competition and prestige.
These tournaments, however, share their roots with GTCC’s original project, the Tongits Champion Cup, hosted in December 2024. The Champion Cup established the groundwork for shaping Tongits into a competitive e-sport, enabling players and fans to see the transformative potential of card sports in the Philippines. With the Champion Cup paving the way, the Summer Showdown and September Arena embrace new heights of excellence, offering distinct formats, grand payouts, and diverse participants. Exploring their unique offerings reveals how GTCC tournaments have evolved to support the mastery of Tongits.
The lifeblood of every GTCC tournament lies in its prestigious prize pools, designed to reward excellence and elevate competitive Tongits to professional heights. The September Arena boasts a remarkable Php 10 million prize pool, with the tournament champion claiming a staggering Php 5 million in winnings. The second and third placers will receive Php 1 million and Php 500,000, respectively, while the remaining finalists share the balance.
The Summer Showdown, which took place earlier in the year, offered an equivalent prize pool. However, a noted difference lies in the allocation for third place, with the reward set slightly lower at Php 488,000. Additionally, the Summer Showdown featured a larger overall participant base, resulting in smaller consolation prizes distributed among non-finalists.
On the other hand, the Tongits Champion Cup, as the first GTCC Tongits tournament, featured a significantly smaller prize pool. A total prize of Php 1 million was split among the top competitors, with Php 333,000 going to the champion, Php 100,000 to second place, and Php 60,000 to third place. Despite its modest prize fund, the Champion Cup demonstrated how competitive Tongits could take root in the Philippines, paving the path for future tournaments with higher stakes.
Each successive tournament reflects the growing prestige of Tongits as a competitive sport. With prize pools increasing over time, GTCC participants look forward to opportunities to change their lives through elite-level play.
The participant numbers in GTCC tournaments spotlight variation and growth in each event. The Summer Showdown welcomed the largest roster so far, accommodating 93 participants from varied backgrounds, ranging from professional players to casual enthusiasts. This broad participation demonstrated the inclusivity of Tongits tournaments and their appeal across skill levels.
In contrast, the September Arena, although offering the same Php 10 million prize pool, is expected to host a leaner competition with just 36 players participating. The smaller pool suggests a streamlined event with a focus on high-intensity matchups among carefully selected competitors.
The inaugural Tongits Champion Cup was even smaller, hosting 27 participants. This event featured a unique format with 24 players emerging from qualifiers alongside three invited Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs), whose participation added visibility and prestige.
The differences in participant pools speak to the adaptability of GTCC tournaments, allowing formats to evolve based on audience preferences, scheduling, and logistical considerations. Whether welcoming large audiences or carving out tighter, exclusive showdowns, GTCC remains innovative, drawing participants from across the competitive spectrum.
One consistent feature across all GTCC Tongits lies in the structured qualification process, beginning with the Tongits Free Multi-Table Tournament (MTT). This daily online competition hosted by GameZone casino serves as the foundational stage for players striving to enter the offline Tongits championships.
Participants compete during a pre-established qualifying timeline, earning leaderboard tickets based on their performance in MTT games. These tickets act as vital passes to the online finals, which determine who makes it into the offline tournament roster.
The Summer Showdown, September Arena, and Tongits Champion Cup utilized identical qualification processes, ensuring fairness and transparency at all stages. With this streamlined approach, aspirants—regardless of their location—can compete nationally and potentially earn their spot in prestigious offline matches. The unified structure reflects Game Zone online games commitment to cultivating a fair yet challenging journey for entrants aspiring to reach Tongits stardom.
Eligibility guidelines for GTCC tournaments are firmly grounded in compliance and fairness. All participants must be 21 years old or above, aligning with industry standards set by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). Verification of online accounts through the Know-Your-Customer (KYC) process ensures that each player's personal information meets regulatory requirements.
Additional restrictions are imposed to reinforce the integrity of the tournaments. Employees of GameZone, government officials, and suspended players are prohibited from entering. These safeguards foster a level playing field, allowing competitors to focus entirely on their strategies and card mastery without external interference or concerns of unfair practices.
Through stringent eligibility checks, GTCC tournaments highlight professionalism and fairness, solidifying their position as a trusted platform for competitive Tongits.
What is GTCC?
The GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC) is the groundbreaking e-sport Tongits tournament series in the Philippines. It provides players with a competitive venue to master strategies and battle for life-changing prizes.
Who was the winner of the Summer Showdown?
The Summer Showdown crowned Benigno de Guzman Casayuran as its champion. Casayuran walked away with Php 5 million and announced plans to use the funds to support his wife’s chemotherapy treatments.
When does the September Arena begin?
The September Arena tournament is expected to start mid-September, although the formal date has yet to be announced. Players and fans await updates from Game Zone.
Who was the first champion in GTCC history?
The inaugural Tongits Champion Cup held in December 2024 saw Mark Austria claim victory. Austria now serves as a Responsible Gaming ambassador alongside fellow finalists from Tongits Champion Cup.
GTCC Legacy
From the Tongits Champion Cup to the Summer Showdown and September Arena, Game Zone casino has continued to elevate competitive Tongits in the Philippines. Massive prize pools, diverse participants, and uniform qualification processes create a platform where Tongits mastery thrives. As the September Arena approaches, fans anticipate yet another chapter in the GTCC’s journey, reflecting the rising excitement surrounding competitive e-sports in the country.
