Grateful and emotional after his victory, Sapo-an raised his hands to the skies and humbly shared, “Maraming maraming salamat sa lahat ng bumubuo ng GameZone. Kung hindi po dahil sa kanila, wala po ako rito. Nagpapasalamat din po ako kay God at sa pamilya ko.”
A Tailor’s Journey to Victory
Sapo-an, who hails originally from Bohol but now lives in Rizal with his wife and two children, never imagined that he would one day lift the coveted golden GTCC trophy. Encouraged by his wife—whom he fondly calls his number one fan—he decided to join the tournament despite it being his first time competing in a professional tongits event.
At first, the odds seemed stacked against him. Both Sapo-an and fellow finalist Erlinda entered the tournament as reserve players, simply motivated by their passion for the game. But destiny had different plans. In the finals, Erlinda dominated the first round, taking a 10,600-point lead. Yet, in a dramatic turn, Sapo-an displayed remarkable skill and composure, rallying back to edge out his opponent by just 500 points. With sheer determination and mastery of strategy, he sealed his place as the GTCC September Arena Grand Champion.
Sapo-an’s triumph earned him ₱5 million in prize money, alongside the golden trophy, presented by Rafael Jasper Vicencio, President of Gamemaster Integrated Inc.
More Than Just a Game
Despite the intensity of the competition, Sapo-an remained humble, attributing much of his success to luck and his simple background playing household card games and through the GameZone mobile app. He dedicated his win to his family, saying, “Inaalay ko po ang panalong ito sa pamilya ko, lalo na sa asawa ko na supportive at nag-push sa akin na sumali. Nag-pray lang po ako kay God na kung para sa akin, para sa akin.”
When asked about his plans for the prize money, Sapo-an shared his dream of providing a better life for his family: “Unang-una po, sa lupa’t bahay para sa pamilya. Bibilhin po namin ang lupa at bahay, pero di pa po namin napag-uusapan kung sa Maynila o sa Bohol.”
Despite the intensity of the competition, Sapo-an remained humble, attributing much of his success to luck and his simple background playing household card games and through the GameZone mobile app. He dedicated his win to his family, saying, “Inaalay ko po ang panalong ito sa pamilya ko, lalo na sa asawa ko na supportive at nag-push sa akin na sumali. Nag-pray lang po ako kay God na kung para sa akin, para sa akin.”
When asked about his plans for the prize money, Sapo-an shared his dream of providing a better life for his family: “Unang-una po, sa lupa’t bahay para sa pamilya. Bibilhin po namin ang lupa at bahay, pero di pa po namin napag-uusapan kung sa Maynila o sa Bohol.”
GameZone: Building Champions and Communities
Now on its third tongits tournament, GameZone continues to redefine competitive gaming in the Philippines. The GTCC: September Arena not only highlighted top-tier gameplay but also emphasized responsible gaming, community building, and public welfare.
Beyond the ₱10 million prize pool, GameZone also allocated ₱1 million for community development initiatives. During the event, the brand donated the amount to the Kalusugan Plus initiative, chosen through public voting, with the donation received by BingoPlus Foundation’s Executive Director, Angela Camins-Wineke.
GameZone also ensured that players and their companions were treated with the utmost care and hospitality. Each participant was allowed to bring one companion, both of whom enjoyed a five-day, all-expense-paid hotel stay complete with food and accommodations—a reflection of GameZone’s commitment to Filipino values of family and hospitality.
A Milestone for Filipino Gaming
The GTCC: September Arena was more than just a card game tournament—it was a celebration of passion, resilience, and purpose. With 36 players competing through grueling elimination rounds, the event showcased not just skill, but also camaraderie and sportsmanship.
For Sapo-an, the victory was life-changing. For GameZone, it was another milestone in cementing its reputation as a leader in the local gaming industry. By combining entertainment with social responsibility, GameZone is proving that gaming can be both fun and meaningful, inspiring champions not only at the table but also within their communities.
As the golden trophy was raised high, it was clear: the GTCC September Arena was not just about winning—it was about turning dreams into reality, and building a stronger, more hopeful future for Filipino players and their families.
