Casayuran fell to his knees in tears as he was crowned champion, clutching his trophy and expressing disbelief over the life-changing victory.
“Napakasaya. Di po ako makapaniwala. Kinurot ko ang sarili ko, iniisip ko kung nananaginip ba ako,” said Casayuran, who joined the tournament to fund his wife’s chemotherapy for breast cancer.
A Life-Changing Tournament for a Worthy Cause
The GTCC: Summer Showdown was more than just a competition—it was a platform for transformation and advocacy. Organized by GameZone, the country’s newest digital Tongits provider under DigiPlus Interactive Corp., in partnership with BingoPlus Foundation, the tournament featured a ₱10 million total prize pool and a strong commitment to community development.
In line with this mission, GameZone and BingoPlus Foundation donated ₱1 million to Gems Heart Outreach Dev’t., Inc. to aid the recovery of the Buso-Buso community in Batangas, severely impacted by Super Typhoon Kristine. The donation supports livelihood restoration and food security initiatives.
“Your participation is not just about winning games. It’s about making a lasting difference,” said Angela Camins-Wieneke, Executive Director of BingoPlus Foundation.
GTCC: Summer Showdown – A New Era of Tongits Competition
Launched in 2024, the GTCC (GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup) brought a fresh esports-style format to the traditional Filipino card game. This year’s event began with online qualifiers via the GameZone app from April 25 to May 16. The top 93 players advanced to the live finals in Makati City, grouped into three brackets for intense multi-round battles.
From 20-round elimination matches to a high-stakes 100-round grand finals, the GTCC showcased thrilling gameplay, expert strategy, and emotional moments. The top three contenders—Ryan Dacalos (Batangas), Cesha Myed Tupas (Rizal), and Benigno Casayuran (Quezon)—clashed in the ultimate match, where Casayuran outplayed his rivals to secure the win.
A Retiree’s Road to Glory
Casayuran’s humble roots made his victory all the more inspiring. A former fisherman and high school graduate, he had once aspired to earn a Commerce degree but was forced to quit due to financial hardship. Now retired, he supports his family through a small sari-sari store and relies on a ₱2,000 monthly pension shared with his wife.
His motivation to join the GTCC was deeply personal: his 65-year-old wife was recently diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. With limited resources, Casayuran saw the tournament as a chance to provide for her treatment. Initially, he only aimed to reach the top 84. Winning the entire championship exceeded his wildest dreams.
“Para sa pagpapa-chemotherapy ng misis ko,” he said tearfully during an interview.
Celebration and Community Spirit
The GTCC was also a celebration of Filipino talent and culture. Live performances from Pinoy pop group Press Hit Playand rapper Queen Monica Money, who performed the official GTCC anthem "Liga ng mga Hari", added excitement to the event.
Beyond the game, the GTCC was a reminder of the power of community, resilience, and responsible gaming. Casayuran emphasized the importance of playing responsibly, saying:
“Gambling is not the solution to life’s problems. Always play responsibly and don’t rely on it to solve your financial needs.”
A Champion’s Future Plans
With the ₱5 million prize, Casayuran plans to prioritize his wife’s medical treatment, support his children’s education, and purchase a family vehicle for future travels around the Philippines. But more than the money, his victory stands as a testament to determination, faith, and purpose-driven play.
GameZone, BingoPlus Foundation, and DigiPlus: Empowering Filipinos Through Digital Entertainment
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. continues to lead the way in Philippine digital entertainment, with popular platforms like BingoPlus, ArenaPlus, and now GameZone. Through initiatives like GTCC, the company not only revolutionizes gaming experiences but also makes tangible contributions to Filipino communities.
For more information, visit www.digiplus.com.ph.
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