Winners are made, and champions are destined to make a change. The GameZone TableGame Champions Cup (GTCC): Summer Showdown, now rebranded as the GameZone Tour Tongits Plus Championship Cup, introduced a Tongits tournament with a new format and a prize pool of 10 million pesos in June of last year.
One player, Benigno Casayuran, also known as Tatay Igno, is a 62-year-old retired resident of Candelaria, Quezon Province. He and his family ran a small sari-sari store and relied on his pension for their day-to-day expenses. A story of sacrifice and inspiration, Tatay Igno made his way to the top by keeping a steady mindset. He initially joined the tournament as an underdog, competing against 93 elite Tongits players.
“Mga 10 years na siguro ako naglalaro. Sa baraha pang-libangan at pampalipas oras lang, ngayon dun ako naglalaro sa GameZone app,” he said in an exclusive interview with GameZone, crediting his wife as his inspiration in joining the tournament.
“Inspirasyon ko siyempre ang misis ko, para po sa medication niya kasi na-diagnose siya ng cancer. Naging problema ang pagluwas sa Maynila, medyo pahirapan kasi kulang sa budget, kaya nanghingi ako ng tulong sa kaibigan at tsaka sa aking kapatid para mabayaran ko yung accommodation ko sa hotel noon.”
Tatay Igno fought his way to the Grand Final, using his years of experience and skills to conquer the Summer Showdown.
From dropping out of college to working different day jobs until retirement, playing through the GameZone app, to making it to the tournament finals, and getting the win, Tatay Igno ultimately became the Summer Showdown’s oldest champion, forever etching his name in the list of champions in GameZone’s young history.
“Lubos lubos po yung pasasalamat ko sa Diyos, kasi hiniling ko lang po makapasok sa top 9, pero binigay niya po sa amin yung grand champion,” Tatay Igno stated.
When asked about his family’s life after the tournament, he credited his wife for the inspiration; after all, she is the reason they can now afford what they need for her treatment and healing.
“Hindi na po kami nahihirapan kung saan kukuha sa pambili ng gamot ng asawa ko, hindi na ako nahirapan sa paghatid sa kanya kasi nakakuha ako ng sasakyan.”
He showcased his veteran skills and perseverance throughout the tournament, overcoming challenges and using his family as his primary motivation. Today, Tatay Igno’s wife is cancer-free, slowly regaining her strength with the help of regular check-ups. Tatay Igno shared a message on responsible gaming, and for those joining the upcoming GameZone Tour.
“Sa mga gusto sumali, ipagpatuloy niyo lang po, pero dapat may control kayo, huwag po kayo mag sugal ng marami, kung ano po yung makayanan, huwag agresibo at pampalipas oras lang. Huwag niyo asahan na yung sugal ang magbabago sainyong buhay, kaya dapat yung masaya kayo at maging isang responsableng gamer,” he explained.
“Sa GameZone at sa DigiPlus, ako’y nagpapasalamat hindi ko po inakala na ako ay matatawagan upang makilahok dun sa tournament, hindi ko po akalain na ako’y mag-champion. At sa kapwa kong player pag patuloy niyo lang, maging humble, at maniwala sa inyong kakayanan.”
DigiPlus and GameZone are set to bring the fun to new heights this year. As the leading company in digital entertainment, the stakes are raised with the addition of more games through the seasons, with multiple prizes up for grabs. Players can join this year’s upcoming tournament through the GameZone app.
The GameZone Tour offline stage took place on March 7-8 and was one of the most exciting tournaments that new fans and seasoned gamers enjoyed, bringing the fun wherever it goes. Experience the Real GameZone, head on to https://gzone.ph to know more.
About DigiPlus
DigiPlus Interactive Corp. pioneered digital entertainment in the Philippines. It introduced the leading platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging interactive gaming and sports entertainment experiences. DigiPlus also operates GameZone, with more to come.
For more information visit www.digiplus.com.ph.
