Last June 2025, GameZone concluded its most recent edition of the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC).
Titled the GTCC: Summer Showdown 2025, the tournament painted a new era of Tongits competition by introducing an esports-like spectacle.
Among the highlights of the competition were the three champions who were armed to the teeth with their Tongits prowess.
Three days of locking horns proved them to be tabletop card game champs, thus carving their names among GameZone’s victors.
Let’s take a deeper look at these winners and how the GTCC catapulted them into life-changing paths and enduring Pinoy glory.
The 2025 GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup Summer Showdown Winners
On the last leg of the GTCC Summer Showdown, the three final players clashed in a cagey and intense play.
And while only one can take first place, all three proved to be Tongits powerhouses of the GTCC face-off.
Below is a detailed account of each of the three players who made history at the latest GameZone Tabletop Championship.
1. Grand Champion—Benigno “Tatay Benigno” De Guzman Casayuran
A former fisherman from Candelaria, Quezon Province, 62-year-old Tatay Benigno came out of retirement to compete.
Driven by is family’s present condition and his modest monthly pension, he captured the grand prize of PHP 5 million.
Tatay Benigno’s jackpot represented half of the GTCC’s tournament pool of PHP 10 million.
A huge part of his resolve to win was the unwavering support from his community.
His neighbors’ magnanimity and financial support embodied the spirit of “bayanihan,” yet another quality that defines Filipino togetherness.
In addition, Tatay Benigno plans to use a part of his winnings to travel with his wife while she recovers.
His tears on stage weren’t just because he won; his journey, sacrifices, and hope resonated with everyone.
Tatay Benigno also emphasized the importance of responsible gaming, cautioning against seeing gambling as a financial solution.
2. Runner-Up—Ryan Dacalos
Ryan Dacalos, 38 years old from Lipa City, Batangas, secured 1st Runner-Up at the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup Summer Showdown.
A father of school-aged children, Dacalos displayed ferocity and determination to be among the final duelists of the Tongits arena.
His winnings totaled PHP 1 million, a win that is a lifeline to improve his family’s living conditions.
With his winnings, Dacalos will be able to send his eldest to college next year, a milestone that every Filipino parent wishes to fulfill.
He also highlighted that he will be able to build a house for his family and start a sari-sari store with the rest of his prize.
Just like Tatay Benigno, Ryan Dacalos drew strength and inspiration from his family.
Little did he know that his exemplary Tongits skills would carve a path to a better future for his family and gain him esports glory.
3. Third Place – Cesha Myed A. Tupas (37)
Cesha Myed A. Tupas secured the third place, joining Tatay Benigno and Ryan Dacalos as the biggest GTCC champs to date.
The 37-year-old from Rizal Province took home Php 488,000, the standard third-place pot in the tournament.
Tupas’ participation hinged on strategic and disciplined gameplay.
Likewise, she plans to use her winnings pragmatically, starting with settling loans first.
She also mentioned that she will use a chunk of her prize to renovate her home and create a more comfortable family environment.
The GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup: Final Thoughts
The 2025 GTCC: Summer Showdown converges traditional gameplay, digital innovation, and community spirit.
Beyond the winners, the tournament made impactful donations, elevated Filipino culture, and promoted socially conscious gaming.
Overall, GTCC marks not just a game tournament.
It is a modern movement where card game legends are born, lives are transformed, and communities are uplifted.
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