Cards, Courage, and Compassion: A 62-Year-Old Champion Turns Victory into Hope

At 62, Benigno De Guzman Casayuran from Candelaria, Quezon Province, proved that real champions aren’t just made by skill but by heart. Dropping to his knees in tears, Casayuran clinched the historic GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC): Summer Showdown title and its ₱5 million grand prize, triumphing over 92 other top Tongits players in a gripping five-day online-to-onground tournament held in Makati City from June 12 to 15.

The tournament, organized by GameZone in partnership with BingoPlus Foundation, wasn’t only about crowning the best. In a heartfelt gesture, GameZone donated ₱1 million to Gems Heart Outreach Dev’t., Inc., to aid families in South Luzon’s Buso-Buso community devastated by Super Typhoon Kristine. This dual celebration of victory and generosity underlined how gaming can go beyond entertainment to spark real change.

The journey to the championship wasn’t easy. Players from across the country qualified through the GameZone app’s Tongits Free Multi-Table Tournament. They then braved multiple elimination rounds: from point-based group stages to tense upper and lower brackets, down to the fiercely contested semi-finals. On the final day, Casayuran faced off against two formidable contenders, Ryan Dacalos and Cesha Myed Tupas, in a grueling 100-round championship match. Outwitting his opponents, he secured the top spot, his quiet determination shining through every play.

For Casayuran, this wasn’t merely a game—it was a lifeline. In an emotional interview, he revealed he joined the GTCC to help fund chemotherapy for his wife, recently diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. Living on modest means—a ₱2,000 monthly pension and earnings from a small sari-sari store—the prize money represents more than comfort; it offers hope. Beyond covering medical expenses, Casayuran dreams of supporting his children and buying a family car for local travels—simple wishes made possible by a single tournament.

Beyond the fierce competition, the event pulsed with energy and purpose. Performances by Pinoy pop group Press Hit Play and rapper Queen Monica Money, who debuted the official anthem “Liga ng mga Hari,” kept spirits high. Yet the true highlight came not from the stage but from the heart: a ₱1 million donation presented by BingoPlus Foundation’s Ms. Angela Camins-Wieneke to rebuild livelihoods in Buso-Buso, where typhoon damage destroyed poultry farms and left families struggling for income and food security.

In his victory speech, Casayuran thanked God, embraced his fellow finalists, and reminded others to gamble responsibly, quoting Vice Ganda: “Gambling is not an option to solve your financial problems.” His humility and resolve showed that while winning brings joy, playing with purpose brings lasting impact.

In the end, the GTCC: Summer Showdown wasn’t just about cards—it was a story of resilience, family, and community. Through GameZone’s efforts and the kindness of players like Casayuran, it proved that true champions don’t just collect trophies; they help rebuild lives and inspire hope far beyond the game.