GTCC 2024: How GameZone Reimagined Filipino Card Gaming with the Tongits Champions Cup
GTCC 2024: How GameZone Reimagined Filipino Card Gaming with the Tongits Champions Cup
April 16, 2025
Tongits,
a beloved card game woven into the fabric of Filipino culture,
experienced a groundbreaking transformation through the GameZone
Tongits Champions Cup (GTCC).
Taking place from December 4 to 8, 2024, this milestone event brought
together the best Tongits players from across the Philippines for an
intense offline tournament. With a massive ₱1,000,000 prize pool on the
line, GTCC marked a new era for Filipino card games, elevating Tongits
to a level of national prestige.
GameZone's Mission: Modernizing Classic Pinoy Card Games
GameZone,
a leading digital platform dedicated to Filipino card games, has long
been committed to revitalizing traditional games through digital
innovation. Known for modern adaptations of favorites like Pusoy, Lucky
9, and Tongits, GameZone sought to turn casual entertainment into
recognized competitive events.
The GTCC was their most ambitious
endeavor to date. Designed to legitimize Tongits as a skill-based,
strategic competition, the tournament reflected GameZone’s vision of
blending cultural tradition with the global rise of competitive gaming.
Tournament Design: Rewarding Skill, Strategy, and Consistency
The
event featured 27 participants—24 who qualified online and 3 Key
Opinion Leaders (KOLs). These weren’t just random players; they earned
their spots through a rigorous qualification process that tested both
strategy and consistency.
The competitors were organized into
three groups (A, B, and C), each composed of nine players—eight online
qualifiers and one KOL. Players engaged in a round-robin battle within
their groups, forcing them to constantly adapt strategies across
several matches. The top three players from each group progressed to
the finals, ensuring only the most skilled and adaptable reached the
championship stage.
Star Power: KOLs Bring Energy and New Audiences
To make the tournament even more dynamic, GameZone invited three prominent gaming personalities to join the fray: • Tisay Gaming:
A Filipina esports expert of Italian-Slovenian descent, Tisay gained
fame after winning "Warzone Heroes Showdown." Her tactical mindset made
her a strong contender. • Ephraim De Castro (GameClass): A well-respected gaming content creator under Tier One Entertainment, Ephraim brought legitimacy and energy to the event. • Yuka (Mt. Fuji):
A half-Japanese model and online streamer, Yuka added charm and passion
to the tournament, drawing in viewers unfamiliar with Tongits. These
KOLs weren't just for show—they competed seriously, helping to bridge
the gap between influencer culture and competitive gaming.
Massive Prize Pool: ₱1,000,000 in Total Winnings
The
tournament's ₱1 million prize pool elevated GTCC to one of the most
high-stakes card gaming events in Philippine history. Here's the
breakdown of the winnings: • Champion: ₱300,000 • 2nd Place: ₱100,000 • 3rd Place: ₱60,000 • 4th to 9th Place: ₱30,000 each • 10th to 27th Place: ₱20,000 each
Uniquely,
every participant walked away with a cash reward—reflecting GameZone’s
inclusive approach and commitment to player appreciation.
VIP Treatment: Pro-Level Experience for All
GameZone didn’t stop at cash prizes. They ensured all players were treated like professional athletes with the following: • All-expense-paid round-trip transportation • Full-board meals throughout the event • 24/7 on-site support and medical assistance This
level of hospitality created a stress-free environment, allowing
players to concentrate solely on their performance. It also set a new
benchmark for local tournaments in terms of participant care and
professionalism.
Regulatory Support: Backed by PAGCOR and GAB
To
guarantee transparency and compliance, GameZone collaborated with the
Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Games and
Amusements Board (GAB). Their involvement provided legitimacy and
ensured that the event followed national guidelines for skill-based
competitions.
These partnerships helped position Tongits as a
game of strategy and intelligence—not mere luck. The GTCC thus became a
symbol of how Filipino card games can evolve under proper oversight and
governance.
Livestream Experience: Tongits Goes Digital
Every
match of the GTCC was broadcasted live via Facebook and GameZone’s
official website. Thousands of fans tuned in daily to catch the action,
accompanied by expert commentary and live analysis.
Interactive
features such as live polls, giveaways, and Q&A sessions with the
KOLs turned the livestream into a virtual gathering for fans. This
elevated the event from a simple tournament to a digital celebration of
Filipino card gaming culture.
Cultural Impact: Honoring and Evolving Tongits
What
began as a casual game played during town fiestas and family occasions
is now emerging as a full-fledged competitive platform. GTCC 2024
proved that local games like Tongits could be redefined without losing
their cultural essence. GameZone’s efforts demonstrated that
tradition and innovation could coexist. The tournament honored the
game's roots while giving it the recognition and platform it has long
deserved.
Future Prospects: Building on GTCC’s Success
With
GTCC 2024 hailed as a resounding success, the future looks bright for
Filipino card games. GameZone has laid the groundwork for expanding
this format to other classics like Pusoy and Lucky 9. The platform has
proven that local games have the potential to captivate national—and
possibly international—audiences.
The annual return of GTCC
seems all but guaranteed. As interest grows, GameZone’s tournaments may
become the launching pad for professional careers in Filipino card
gaming.
Final Thoughts: A New Chapter in Filipino Esports
GTCC
2024 wasn't just a tournament—it was a pivotal moment in Filipino
gaming history. GameZone’s success in merging heritage with high-level
competition sent a clear message: Filipino card games have a place in
the modern esports arena.
With its cultural authenticity,
inclusive spirit, and competitive integrity, the GTCC redefined what
local gaming can be. Tongits has now officially stepped into the
spotlight—not just as a game to pass the time, but as a national
treasure worthy of celebration, investment, and growth.
The
GameZone Tongits Champions Cup is more than an event—it’s a movement.
And for Filipino gamers, the journey is just beginning.
