Every great tournament builds legends, and the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup, or GTCC, did exactly that.
Held in June, this national Tongits tournament brought together the sharpest, most strategic minds from across the Philippines.
They came not just for fame or the thrill of the game, but for something more personal: the opportunity to transform their lives.
While the PHP 10 million prize pool was undeniably a powerful draw, what stood out in this year’s GTCC were the personal motivations that drove the winners.
Each card played was more than a strategy—it was a step toward a better life.
For three players, that dream came true, proving that purpose can turn ordinary players into extraordinary champions.
Let’s dive into the inspiring journeys of the GTCC Summer Showdown 2025’s top three winners.
The Three Victors of the GTCC Summer Showdown 2025
Tatay Benigno Casayuran: Wisdom, Resilience, and a Champion’s Heart
At 62, Benigno Casayuran of Candelaria, Quezon, defied expectations and proved that age is no barrier to greatness.
Affectionately called “Tatay Benigno” by the GameZone community, he emerged as the GTCC 2025 Grand Champion, taking home a jaw-dropping PHP 5 million, half of the total prize pool.
But for Tatay Benigno, this win was more than a title or a paycheck. It was a mission fulfilled.
The money would go toward two life-changing goals: funding his wife’s ongoing cancer treatment and helping his son finish college.
After retiring from decades of hard work as a fisherman, he came back—not to the sea, but to the cards he once loved. Tongits, which was once a pastime, had become his new purpose.
Remarkably, Tatay Benigno’s GTCC journey was also a community story.
His neighbors pooled funds to help cover his travel expenses to the tournament, showcasing the enduring Filipino spirit of bayanihan.
His win brought honor not only to his name but to his entire barangay.
Tatay Benigno’s story is a reminder that victory isn’t always about speed or youth—it’s about experience, strategy, and playing with heart.
His success adds a rich layer to what GTCC represents: a space where life, wisdom, and gameplay merge powerfully.
Ryan Dacalos: A Father’s Love Turned Into Victory
Ryan Dacalos, 38, from Lipa City, Batangas, claimed the 1st Runner-Up position and took home PHP 1 million in winnings.
But what truly defined his journey wasn’t his prize—it was the unwavering motivation behind it: his family.
A father of three and a hardworking construction foreman, Ryan saw the GTCC not as a game, but as a life-changing opportunity.
With bills to pay and dreams for his kids’ future, he committed himself fully to the challenge. His goal? Renovate their aging family home and secure college tuition for their eldest child.
Ryan trained like a pro. He studied game strategies, practiced religiously after work, and immersed himself in the GameZone community.
When he stepped into the GTCC arena, he wasn’t just playing to win—he was playing for his children’s futures.
His story quickly resonated with thousands online, earning him admiration far beyond the game.
The pride he brought to his family, the dedication he showed in every match, and the hope he ignited in others made his second-place finish feel like a gold medal.
Cesha Myed Tupas: A Woman’s Power at the Card Table
Hailing from Rizal Province, Cesha Myed Tupas, 37, made history by being the only woman to land in the GTCC 2025’s top three.
She placed as 2nd Runner-Up and won PHP 488,000, but more than that, she became a symbol of empowerment.
For Cesha, Tongits was more than a hobby—it was a pathway toward creating a better living environment for her loved ones.
Entering the GTCC wasn’t just a personal challenge; she declared that women have a place at the top in strategic, competitive card games.
With her winnings, Cesha plans to clear debts, renovate their home, and ensure her family’s daily needs are met.
Her gameplay was marked by focus, grace under pressure, and unwavering drive—a combination that earned her respect and recognition.
Cesha’s victory is a beacon for all aspiring female players, proving that with courage and clarity of purpose, women can thrive and lead even in traditionally male-dominated gaming spaces.
GTCC: A Stage for Purpose, Not Just Play
The GTCC Summer Showdown 2025 was more than just a competitive online event. It was a stage for transformation.
Each of the top three champions didn’t just win matches—they won the hearts of the Filipino gaming community.
They came not for fame, but for family. They weren’t driven by ego but by purpose.
And that’s the secret to GTCC’s magic.
In a digital arena inspired by Filipino card game traditions, GTCC provided a professional-grade platform for ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things.
With its esports-like atmosphere, real-time leaderboards, and community support, the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup is redefining what it means to be a champion.
Whether you’re a retired fisherman, a full-time parent, or a worker with a dream, GTCC gives you a space to compete, connect, and create a better future.
GTCC as the New Competitive Arena
By creating an esports-inspired environment for Filipino card game lovers, GameZone has given Tongits a modern makeover.
The GTCC enables players to train like professionals, compete in a fair and structured system, and walk away with life-changing prizes.
Live leaderboards, skill-based matchmaking, and practice lounges—these features make GTCC more than just a game. It’s a discipline. And it’s growing by the day.
But with great reward comes great responsibility. GameZone encourages all players to maintain balance, practice responsible gaming, and manage winnings wisely.
The Final Word: Purpose Creates Legends
In the end, the GTCC Summer Showdown 2025 wasn’t just about who had the sharpest skills or luckiest draws.
It was about the stories behind the players—stories of love, sacrifice, and perseverance.
The winners may have taken home cash prizes, but what they truly earned was a future.
Their journey showed us that when you play with heart, focus, and a higher goal in mind, you don’t just play to win—you play to change lives.
And with every new tournament, the GTCC continues to prove one thing: when the game is rooted in purpose, every hand played becomes a step toward something greater.
