Every competition has its victors, but only a few emerge as legends.
The GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC) Summer Showdown 2025 was more than a digital clash of Tongits masters.
It was a powerful reminder that games—when mixed with purpose, grit, and heart—can change lives.
Held last June, the GTCC gathered the fiercest and most strategic Tongits players from across the Philippines.
But as the dust settled, three individuals stood out—not just for their skill, but for the deeply personal reasons that propelled them to fight for victory.
This is not just a recap of their wins; it’s a story of transformation, courage, and the pursuit of a better life.
Meet the three champions of GTCC 2025 and discover how their Tongits triumph became a turning point in their lives.
Revisiting the Three GTCC Champions
Let’s take a look at the stories of the three GameZone champions and their purpose for joining and playing.
The Wisdom of a Father: Tatay Benigno Casayuran
At 62, most people slow down. But for Benigno Casayuran of Candelaria, Quezon Province, life had other plans.
Known fondly as “Tatay Benigno” in the GameZone community, he defied the odds and won as the GTCC 2025 Grand Champion, earning a staggering ₱5 million, half of the tournament’s total prize pool.
For Tatay Benigno, the GTCC wasn’t about fame or prestige. It was about love. His wife is battling cancer, and his son dreams of finishing college.
After years of braving the sea as a fisherman, Tatay Benigno came out of retirement, driven by a renewed purpose: to give his family the life they deserve.
He started playing Tongits again, and soon after, discovered GameZone and its signature tournament—the GTCC.
His victory was not just personal—it was communal. Tatay Benigno represented a community that still believes in bayanihan, proving that esports can also carry the spirit of Filipino solidarity.
Tatay Benigno also shattered stereotypes, showing that wisdom, discipline, and passion can outmatch even the youngest and most tech-savvy players in the game.
A Father’s Fight: Ryan Dacalos
Ryan Dacalos, 38, from Lipa City, Batangas, didn’t join the GTCC just to win—he joined to rebuild.
A devoted father of three and a construction foreman by trade, Ryan spent years juggling odd jobs to provide for his family. When he discovered GTCC through GameZone, it lit a fire in him.
Tongits had always been part of his downtime. But now, it has become a lifeline.
With the dream of renovating their crumbling family home and funding his eldest child’s college education, Ryan entered the tournament with laser focus.
His hard work paid off. Ryan emerged as the 1st Runner-Up, securing ₱1 million in prize money.
While it may not have been the grand prize, for Ryan, it was everything. It meant security, opportunity, and a fresh start.
His story was one of the most shared on GameZone’s community page—perhaps because so many saw themselves in him.
His win was a father’s promise fulfilled and proof that resilience always finds its reward.
A Woman’s Mission: Cesha Myed Tupas
Breaking barriers and championing representation, Cesha Myed Tupas, 37, from Rizal Province, became the only woman among the top three GTCC winners.
Her purpose? To create a better life for her family and to prove that women belong on every gaming stage, especially in Tongits, a game long dominated by men.
Cesha walked away with ₱488,000, which she plans to use to settle outstanding loans and renovate their home.
More importantly, she hopes her win inspires more women to join GTCC and believe in their ability to compete, win, and lead.
Cesha’s story added a new layer to GTCC 2025—it wasn’t just about winning; it was about representation.
GTCC: More Than a Game
Yes, the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup is packed with intense competition, massive prizes, and nail-biting showdowns.
But it’s also become a platform where real-life heroes rise.
From fathers battling poverty to senior citizens defying expectations and women breaking glass ceilings, the GTCC has proven that it’s not just about cards. It’s about character.
This year’s champions remind us that the strongest motivation isn’t always to be the best—it’s to be better for the people we love.
GTCC has elevated the humble game of Tongits to a national stage.
A digital space where skill meets story, and where players can become legends not just by playing well, but by playing with purpose.
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.
What’s Next?
With more seasonal events and growing participation, the GTCC is poised to become the biggest online Tongits competition in the country.
It’s open to everyone—from college students and working parents to retirees like Tatay Benigno.
If you’re thinking of joining, know this: GTCC isn’t just a game you play. It’s a game that can change you.
The platform is more accessible than ever, thanks to mobile-friendly features, onboarding tutorials, and a supportive community.
Whether you’re playing for fun or a future, GTCC has a seat at the table for you.
Conclusion: Purpose Turns Players into Champions
When the cards were dealt, none of the GTCC 2025 champions played just to win a title—they played to change lives. And they did.
Tatay Benigno, with his community by his side, showed that it’s never too late to chase purpose.
Ryan Dacalos, with the love of his children in his heart, proved that hard work and dedication can change fate.
Cesha Tupas, with quiet strength and fierce determination, redefined what it means to be a woman in competitive gaming.
The next GTCC season awaits. And somewhere out there, another story is about to begin.
So if you’re holding your cards, wondering whether to take the leap, know this: in the GTCC, every hand has the power to change a life.