GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC): Summer Showdown Champion

Casayuran holding his championship mock-check and trophy for GTCC: Summer Showdown.

Benigno De Guzman Casayuran, 62, of Quezon Province, broke down in tears after winning the historic GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC): Summer Showdown championship title and the grand prize of 5 million pesos during the 5-day online-to-onground Tongits tournament from June 12 to 15 in Makati City.

Benigno De Guzman Casayuran kissing his GTCC: Summer Showdown championship trophy.

The occasion was further made more thrilling by local artists' performances and sweets displayed in the studio, all of which were devoted to the players.

Head-to-head smackdown in GTCC: Summer Showdown

With a prize pool of 10 million pesos, 93 elite Tongits players from all around the country competed for the season title and the chance to win 5 million pesos. 

Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of Gamemaster Integrated Inc., game provider of GameZone, delivering his message for the GTCC: Summer Showdown.

Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of Gamemaster Integrated Inc., explained in his introductory remarks how the competition became a watershed point in the Filipino Tongits game scene.

“Just last year, we launched the Tongits Champion Cup. This was a pioneering moment, the very first esports-style tournament for the traditional card game of Tongits in the Philippines. It marked a significant milestone, bringing a new level of competition and excitement to the traditional Filipino card game. Now, in 2025, we have expanded and rebranded, and we proudly present GTCC. This is more than just a tournament.” ~Mr. Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of Gamemaster Integrated Inc.,

The competition began with the Tongits Free Multi-Table competition, which took place on the GameZone app from April 25 to May 16.

The five-day competition began with competitors randomly divided into three brackets.  Participants were rated according to the total points earned after three 20-round games.  On Day 2, the top players moved to the promotional round, where they competed in upper and lower bracket groupings.

Nine semi-finalist gracing the stage of GTCC: Summer Showdown.

On Day 3, qualifying players were randomly assigned to new groups.  The top performances from the previous round advanced to the upper bracket, while the rest of the players entered the lower bracket.  Players from both brackets competed for top spots, with just five from the upper bracket and four from the lower bracket making it to the semi-finals.  The action heated up as the nine semi-finalists faced off in the group stage during a 60-round game on Day 4.

Finalist Ryan Dacalos with his lucky coin on his forehead during GTCC: Summer Showdown championship match.

On the last day, Ryan Dacalos of Batangas, Cesha Myed Tupas of Rizal, and Benigno De Guzman Casayuran of Quezon Province competed in a 100-round championship match.  Casayuran outwitted the two contenders while leading the game, claiming his GTCC championship title.

Filipino female rapper Queen Monica Money performing GTCC official theme song “Liga ng mga Hari”.

Beyond the competition, the tournament was made even more memorable by on-site treats and live performances from the Pinoy pop group Press Hit Play and Filipino female rapper Queen Monica Money, who energized the crowd with the official tournament anthem, “Liga ng mga Hari.”

A life-changing match

Benigno De Guzman Casayuran, a 62-year-old retiree from Candelaria, Quezon Province, won this year’s GTCC: Summer Showdown. 

Casayuran on-game-mode during the finals smackdown in GTCC: Summer Showdown.

Casayuran hugged tournament runner-up Dacalos in tears after winning the final match.

Behind this success and life-changing story is the inspiring narrative of Casayuran’s efforts to turn his and his family’s dreams into reality, with the support of his community.

In an exclusive interview, Casayuran tearfully shared why he joined GTCC, said, “...para sa pagpapa-chemotherapy ng misis ko”

Casayuran is a retiree and former fisherman who lives a simple life in a humble town in Candelaria, Quezon Province. He recalled his younger years and shared that he was a high school graduate who pursued a Commerce degree in college. However, due to financial difficulties, he was unable to finish his studies.

Years later, he married and had two children.  His eldest daughter has a family of her own, and his youngest son is a second-year college student pursuing an electrical degree.

His 65-year-old wife was recently diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, which prompted his decision to join GTCC.  The family relies largely on his and his wife's monthly pension of ₱2,000.  They also own a tiny sari-sari business, which helps them meet their basic necessities.  However, it was insufficient, and they had to seek government assistance for medical expenditures.  Casayuran currently serves as his wife's full-time caretaker.

Despite his difficulties, Casayuran fondly remembered how he started playing Tongits.  In search of leisure, he began playing the game socially, placing small wagers of ₱5 to ₱10.  When neighbors introduced him to Tongits' online version, his interest skyrocketed.  He became more serious about the game and was finally exposed to GameZone, which allowed him to qualify for the GTCC: Summer Showdown.

Initially, he intended to make it to the top 84, but he was extremely fortunate to have secured a position in the championship.

When asked about his immediate reaction after outwitting his two opponents, he burst into tears of excitement.

"Napakasaya, di po ako makapaniwala. Una ko pong pinasalamatan ay si Lord. Niyakap ko pa po ang aking dalawang kalaban at nagpasalamat din po ako sa kanila. Nung inawardan po ako, kinukurot ko ang sarili ko, tinatanong ko kung nananaginip ba ako—pero hindi pala. Wag agad magexpect ng malaki. Bale, responsible gaming lamang po. At sabi nga po ni Vice Ganda, 'Gambling is not an option to solve your financial problems.' Maglaro po tayo ng responsable at wag nating iasa sa gambling ang mga pangangailangan natin sa buhay." ~Mr. Benigno De Guzman Casayuran, a 62-year-old player from Quezon Province, the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC): Summer Showdown Champion

With his life-changing winnings, Casayuran plans to allocate funds primarily for his wife's treatment and recovery, support his two children, and purchase a car for family travels around the Philippines.

He also expressed his deep gratitude to the brand and reminded fellow players to always practice responsible gaming.

Community wins 

BingoPlus Foundation Executives awarding the the 1 million pesos donation to Gems Heart Outreach Dev’t.,

In partnership with BingoPlus Foundation, GameZone donated ₱1 million to Gems Heart Outreach Dev’t., Inc. a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through sustainable community programs. The donation was made in fulfillment of the brand's commitment tied to the ongoing GTCC:Summer Showdown, dedicated to urgent needs of a community in South Luzon.

Impact of the recent  Super Typhoon Kristine in Buso-buso, Batangas.

Buso-Buso in Batangas, the community that benefited from the donation, is still dealing with the aftermath of Super Typhoon Kristine, which destroyed their poultry farm cooperative, a key source of income and food for many families.  The effort aims to restore food security, revitalize local economies, and give families hope as they begin to rebuild their lives.

The donation, was accepted on stage by BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director Ms. Angela Camins-Wieneke.

Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation Angela Camins-Wieneke delivering her message of gratitude for the 1 million pesos donation.

“Thank you so much to GameZone for the generous donation of 1 million pesos… To the players, this is an opportunity for you to make a difference. Your participation is not just about playing a game, and it’s not just about delivering entertainment to our viewers. Your participation will truly make a lasting difference in the lives of thousands of Filipinos across the country.” ~Ms. Angela Camins-Wienek, BingoPlus Foundation Executive Director

Through this collaboration, GameZone, BingoPlus Foundation, and GTCC players have proved how gaming communities can have a meaningful influence outside of the competition arena, demonstrating that true champions do more than just win games; they also help to improve people's lives.

DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. DigiPlus also operates GameZone, with more to come. For more information, visit: www.digiplus.com.ph.