The countdown is officially underway for one of the most anticipated events in the local gaming scene.
The GTCC will return this September 2025, opening its competitive arena to both seasoned veterans and first-time players across the country.
What sets this year apart? For the first time ever, Tongits—the beloved Filipino card game—will return to the GTCC stage following its successful live debut last June, and it’s already stirring up excitement among fans and hopeful competitors alike.
For many, GTCC is not just another gaming tournament. It’s an evolving platform where card skills meet strategy and where champions are forged.
And if you’re a newcomer, now might be the best time to join the fray.
The GTCC Landscape: A Brief Overview
Launched by GameZone Philippines, the GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup is a multi-game tournament series that aims to spotlight the country’s best table game players.
It features Filipino favorites like Pusoy, Lucky 9, and most recently, Tongits.
The competition is held several times a year, combining online qualifiers and live semifinals and finals, with the September leg positioned as the year’s flagship event.
While longtime participants continue to dominate the leaderboards, GTCC’s doors remain open to newcomers willing to prove their mettle.
And this year, thanks to its evolving format and inclusive approach, it’s easier than ever to enter the competitive scene.
A Historic Shift: Tongits Enters the GTCC Spotlight
During the GTCC Summer Tournament held from June 12 to 15, 2025, players witnessed a landmark moment: It was played live in a national tournament setting for the very first time.
This move was more than a nostalgic nod to a Pinoy classic—it was a statement that local games deserve a national stage.
The upcoming September tournament will continue this momentum, with Tongits as a featured title.
Its inclusion signifies GTCC’s commitment to elevating local gaming culture and providing a structured, competitive environment for traditional Filipino pastimes.
Key Tongits Features to Watch for This September:
Live-streamed matches with dynamic in-game commentary
Standardized GTCC rules ensuring fair, competitive gameplay
A real-time leaderboard to track top performers
Breakdown segments by pro commentators analyzing strategy and upsets
For casual players used to street-side matches or friendly games at home, this is an opportunity to experience Tongits in its most electrifying form.
How to Join the GTCC September Tournament
The process for first-time tournament entrants is simple and easy to follow. GTCC has worked to make participation accessible while still maintaining competitive integrity.
Step 1: Create a GameZone Account
Visit the GameZone Philippines website and register for a free player account. Make sure to use valid personal information, as identity verification will be part of the qualification process.
Step 2: Participate in Online Qualifiers
Throughout August, It will host online qualifying matches for various games, including Tongits. These low-entry tournaments act as a filter for identifying promising players.
Strong performances here can land you on the radar for semifinal invitations.
Step 3: Climb the Leaderboard
It employs a points-based ranking system that rewards consistency, not just lucky wins. The more you play and win, the higher your ranking goes.
Your placement on the leaderboard will be critical in determining your eligibility for the September semifinals.
Step 4: Receive Your Tournament Invitation
Top players will receive official invites to participate in the semifinal and final matches in September.
To qualify for Tongits, the top 100 players will be selected based on how well they perform and engage during the online phase.
How New Players Can Prepare Like a Champion
Succeeding in GTCC requires more than luck. It demands preparation, strategy, and mental resilience.
Below are some practical steps for new players looking to make their mark.
1. Learn the GTCC-Standard Tongits Rules
While casual rules may vary, GTCC uses a strict set of standardized rules, including:
- Valid scenarios for declaring it or calling a Draw
- Proper execution of Sapaw (laying down cards on another player's melds)
- Rules for Burn (discarding a winning card)
- Specific scoring metrics used by tournament officials
A deep understanding of these mechanics will help players avoid disqualification and optimize their gameplay.
2. Study Past GTCC Matches
Watching replays of GTCC tournaments can offer valuable insights into how experienced players manage risk, read opponents, and bluff effectively.
Even if you’re new to the competitive scene, pattern recognition from observation can dramatically boost your in-game instincts.
3. Practice in Ranked and Practice Matches
It offers a ranked match system and practice lobbies. These allow new players to simulate tournament pressure in a controlled environment.
You’ll get a feel for competitive pacing, proper time management, and decision-making under duress.
4. Join the GTCC Online Community
GTCC’s Facebook and Discord communities are hubs for:
- Scrimmage arrangements
- Rules clarifications
- Sharing gameplay strategies
- Friendly trash talk and morale boosts
Being part of a community helps players stay motivated and gain informal mentorship from veterans.
5. Train Your Tournament Mindset
Winning isn’t just about cards—it’s about composure. Develop techniques for staying calm under pressure, managing frustration, and focusing round-by-round.
As one past GTCC champion put it, “You don’t win Tongits in the first hand. You win it by staying sharp till the last card.”
Prizes and Prestige: What’s at Stake?
Winning at the GTCC doesn’t just come with bragging rights. The tournament features:
- Cash prizes for top placements
- Exclusive GameZone merchandise and digital badges
- Leader recognition in GameZone’s Hall of Fame
- Opportunities for future sponsorships and media exposure
For Tongits players especially, this tournament marks a turning point: a chance to go from neighborhood legend to national competitor.
Looking Ahead: September’s GTCC Could Be Your Big Break
As September draws closer, the GTCC isn’t just preparing for another tournament—it’s preparing to elevate more players into the spotlight.
For newcomers, this could be a career-defining debut. For Tongits fans, it’s a long-awaited celebration.
And for everyone watching, it’s an event that redefines what Filipino table games can be in the modern era.
Whether you’ve been silently dominating your barkada’s game nights or just discovered your love for Tongits, this is your chance to step into something bigger.
Final Call: Ready Your Cards and Claim Your Seat
The GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup is more than a tournament—it’s a movement. And in September 2025, it welcomes everyone willing to bring their A-game.
Sign up. Play smart. Represent your skills.
Because in the world of GTCC, any player can be a champion—especially when the stakes are high and the cards are live.
