GTCC 2024: GameZone’s Tongits Champions Cup Redefines Filipino Card Gaming

Tongits, a cherished card game deeply embedded in Filipino culture, experienced a transformative moment with the inaugural GameZone Tongits Champions Cup (GTCC). Held from December 4 to 8, 2024, this landmark event brought together the nation’s top Tongits players in a high-stakes offline tournament boasting a ₱1,000,000 prize pool. Organized by GameZone Philippines, the GTCC not only celebrated the strategic depth of Tongits but also elevated it to a professional competitive platform that captured the imagination of card game enthusiasts nationwide.

GameZone’s Vision: Elevating Traditional Games

GameZone, a leading digital platform for Filipino card games, has been instrumental in transitioning traditional card-based pastimes into the digital era. Since its inception, GameZone has built a loyal community of players by modernizing classic Filipino games such as Pusoy, Lucky 9, and most notably, Tongits. With the GTCC, the platform took a bold step forward in legitimizing Tongits as a skill-based competition with real rewards and national attention.

The idea behind the GTCC was simple but ambitious: transform Tongits from a casual game played at family gatherings into a premier tournament that celebrates its competitive potential. Through this event, GameZone aimed to showcase how local traditions could thrive in the modern gaming landscape, while still respecting their cultural roots.

Tournament Structure: A True Test of Skill and Consistency

The GTCC featured 27 participants, consisting of 24 online qualifiers and 3 Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs). These players weren’t chosen by chance; they earned their spots through an intensive online qualification process designed to identify the most skilled and consistent players. Once selected, participants were divided into three groups—Group A, Group B, and Group C—each comprising nine players (eight qualifiers and one KOL).

Each group competed in a round-robin format, where players had to adapt their strategies and maintain sharp gameplay across several matches. Only the top three performers from each group advanced to the finals, making every move and every round crucial. The structure rewarded those who combined strong decision-making, psychological insight, and adaptability—qualities that define high-level Tongits play.

KOL Participation: Bridging Entertainment and Competition

To bring more excitement and engagement to the tournament, GameZone invited three high-profile KOLs to compete alongside the qualifiers. These KOLs were not only popular influencers but also passionate gamers with unique backgrounds:

• Tisay Gaming: An Italian-Slovenian esports expert raised in the Philippines, Tisay Gaming previously gained fame as the champion of the “Warzone Heroes Showdown.” Her strategic mindset and experience in competitive gaming made her a formidable participant.
• Ephraim De Castro (GameClass): A well-known content creator under Tier One Entertainment, Ephraim is celebrated for his versatility in gaming. His entry into the GTCC brought an extra layer of legitimacy and entertainment value.
• Yuka (Mt. Fuji): A half-Japanese model and streamer, Yuka is loved by fans for her engaging personality and passion for video games. Her participation attracted new audiences and helped introduce Tongits to viewers unfamiliar with the game.

Their presence helped bridge the gap between entertainment and competition, ensuring that the GTCC was not only a contest of skill but also a platform for wider community engagement.

A Million Reasons to Compete

One of the most enticing aspects of the GTCC was its massive ₱1,000,000 prize pool—a rare feat in the Filipino card game scene. This level of prize money underscored GameZone’s commitment to treating Tongits as a serious competitive endeavor.

The prize breakdown was as follows:

• 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

What stood out was GameZone’s decision to reward all participants. Even players who didn’t make it to the final round went home with cash prizes. This inclusive prize structure created a sense of appreciation and recognition for every competitor, reinforcing a positive and community-driven environment.

First-Class Treatment for All Competitors

More than just the prize money, GameZone ensured a world-class experience for every participant. All competitors were treated as professionals and provided with the following:

• Round-trip transportation to the tournament venue
• Full-board meals throughout the event duration
• 24/7 on-site support and emergency assistance

This premium treatment allowed players to focus entirely on their gameplay without distractions. It also set a new standard for local gaming tournaments in terms of hospitality and professionalism. For many, the GTCC felt less like a competition and more like a grand celebration of Filipino gaming culture.

Regulatory Partnerships: Ensuring Transparency and Legitimacy

GameZone partnered with both the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) to oversee the event. These partnerships added a layer of transparency and credibility, ensuring that the GTCC adhered to national regulations governing competitive and skill-based games.

This regulatory backing not only enhanced the integrity of the event but also contributed to the ongoing campaign to recognize Tongits as a legitimate competitive card game. With official oversight, the GTCC stood out as a credible, fair, and transparent tournament, aligning with international standards of competitive gaming.

Streaming the Action: Building a Digital Tongits Community

The entire GTCC was livestreamed on Facebook and GameZone’s official website, giving fans nationwide access to the thrilling matches. Each game was accompanied by professional commentary, real-time match updates, and in-game analysis that helped both seasoned players and newcomers appreciate the nuances of Tongits.

The livestreams also featured community giveaways, polls, and interactive Q&A sessions with the KOLs. These digital touchpoints turned viewers into active participants and helped foster a strong online community centered around Tongits. Thousands tuned in daily, making the GTCC one of the most-watched Tongits events in history.

Cultural Impact: Reviving and Redefining Tongits

What began as a backyard game played during fiestas and family gatherings has now emerged as a nationally recognized competition. The GTCC 2024 proved that Filipino card games could evolve while still retaining their cultural essence.

By giving Tongits a professional stage, GameZone didn’t just organize a tournament—it ignited a movement. Local players who had once played only for fun now had a clear path to becoming professional competitors. Tongits was no longer just a pastime; it had become a viable platform for recognition, community, and even livelihood.

Looking Ahead: A New Era for Filipino Card Games

The success of GTCC 2024 opened the door for future events featuring other classic Filipino games like Pusoy, Lucky 9, and even modern variants of Tongits. GameZone’s blueprint—combining community, competition, and cultural celebration—could serve as a model for other local gaming platforms.

With widespread praise from players, spectators, and regulators, the GTCC is poised to become an annual tradition. As interest grows and more players join the GameZone community, the possibilities for Filipino card games on the national and global stage are more promising than ever.

Conclusion: A Historic Milestone for Pinoy Gaming

GTCC 2024 was more than a tournament—it was a defining moment in the history of Filipino card games. GameZone proved that with vision, support, and community involvement, even the most traditional games could be reimagined for the modern era.

By merging digital accessibility with cultural authenticity, the GTCC set a new standard for competitive Tongits. It was a celebration of heritage, a showcase of talent, and a glimpse into the future of Filipino gaming. For everyone involved—from competitors and organizers to fans and first-time viewers—the GameZone Tongits Champions Cup was a moment to remember, and a sign of even greater things to come.