The GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC) Summer Showdown, held from June 11 to 15, marked a significant milestone in the world of e-sports and traditional card games. This event, which took place at the Green Sun Hotel in Makati, Philippines, brought together the country’s elite Tongits players for a high-stakes competition that captivated audiences and showcased the growing popularity of online card gaming.
The GTCC Summer Showdown stood out as the largest e-sport-style Tongits tournament ever held in the Philippines. Organized by GameZone, a leading online gaming platform, the event offered participants a chance to compete for an impressive 10 million peso prize pool. Beyond the monetary rewards, players vied for the coveted Tongits trophy and the prestigious title of GTCC champion.
Tournament Structure and Selection Process
The road to the GTCC Summer Showdown began well before the main event. From April 25 to May 16, players competed in GameZone’s daily Tongits Free Multi-Table Tournament. This online competition served as a qualifying round, with the Tongits MTT weekly leaderboard determining who would advance to the live event.
The tournament proper kicked off on June 11 with registration and opening ceremonies. The following day saw 93 players enter the knockout round, battling to secure one of 84 spots in the promotional round. GameZone introduced an innovative twist to the competition by implementing an upper and lower bracket system, ranking players based on their scores from the previous round.
As the tournament progressed, the field narrowed further. The promotional round on Day 3 determined the nine players who would advance to the semifinals. The final day of the competition showcased the ultimate display of skill and strategy, with the remaining players competing for a spot in the grand finale and a shot at the 5 million peso top prize.
The GTCC Champions
After an intense competition that whittled down the initial field of 93 players, three finalists emerged:
- Benigno De Guzman Casayuran (62 years old)
- Ryan Dacalos (38 years old)
- Cesha Myed Tupas (37 years old)
These players, hailing from diverse backgrounds, demonstrated exceptional Tongits skills, motivation, and perseverance throughout the tournament. In the final round, Benigno De Guzman Casayuran claimed the throne as GTCC champion, securing the grand prize of 5 million pesos. Ryan Dacalos finished as the runner-up, taking home 1 million pesos, while Cesha Myed Tupas claimed the third-place spot and a prize of 488,000 pesos.
GameZone’s Diverse Gaming Portfolio
While the GTCC Summer Showdown was a highlight event, GameZone casino offers a wide array of online card games beyond Tongits. The platform specializes in adapting popular card games, with a focus on Tongits, Pusoy, and Pusoy Dos. Each game features unique variations to cater to different player preferences and skill levels.
Tongits Variations:
- Tongits Plus: This version follows traditional rules using a 52-card deck. It features four tiers with varying fees: middle (10), senior (20), superior (50), and master (200), allowing players to choose based on their skill level and budget.
- Tongits Joker: This variant introduces jokers to the standard deck, offering new winning strategies. It has a simplified three-level system: newbie (1), primary (5), and middle (10), making it accessible to players of different experience levels.
- Tongits Quick: A condensed version ideal for quick sessions, it uses a 36-card deck (excluding 10s and face cards) plus jokers. Like Tongits Joker, it has three levels: newbie (1), primary (5), and middle (10), catering to those who prefer faster-paced games.
- Super Tongits: An innovative blend of Tongits and slot games, combining elements of Super Ace and traditional Tongits. This unique variation adds an extra layer of excitement for players looking for a fresh take on the classic game.
Pusoy Variations:
- Pusoy Plus: This game follows traditional Pusoy rules for 2-4 players. Each player receives 13 cards to arrange into three hands of varying strengths: front, middle, and back. The challenge lies in ensuring the backhand is at least as strong as the middle hand, which should be equal to or stronger than the front hand. Visual cues assist players, and special combinations can earn bonus points, adding depth to the gameplay.
- Pusoy Swap: This variant introduces a 30-second swapping phase at the beginning of each round, allowing players to exchange up to three cards. This adds an element of chance and quick decision-making to the game. Players can observe their opponents’ actions and choose to keep their original hand if desired, introducing a new layer of strategy to the traditional Pusoy format.
Pusoy Dos:
GameZone’s Pusoy Dos adheres to time-honored rules, accommodating 2-4 players. Each player receives 13 cards per round. The game centers on discarding cards or combinations based on their relative values, with the lowest-value cardholder making the first move.
Before dealing, players contribute twice the agreed-upon bet to a central pot. As the game progresses, a crown icon appears above the avatar of the round winners. If a player wins two consecutive rounds, they claim the entire pot, adding an extra incentive for consistent performance.
Responsible Gaming Practices
Despite operating within the online casino industry, GameZone online prioritizes responsible gaming practices. The platform discourages using its games as a means to earn money and promotes safe play among its users. Some key initiatives include:
- Spending limits: Players receive alerts when they exceed preset spending thresholds, helping them maintain control over their gaming habits.
- Responsible casino practices ambassadors: Former Tongits Champions Cup winners share their experiences to inspire and guide players, providing valuable insights into the potential pitfalls of excessive gaming.
- Educational resources: GameZone casino provides information on responsible gaming and the potential risks associated with online gambling, ensuring players are well-informed about the nature of their entertainment.
By implementing these measures, Game Zone online games demonstrates its commitment to player protection and fostering a sustainable, ethical gaming environment. This approach not only safeguards at-risk players but also enhances the platform’s reputation and appeals to customers who value a secure and mindful gambling experience.