The GameZone Tablegame Champions Cup (GTCC) is more than just a tournament—it’s a grand stage where resilience, skill, and determination win the day.
As the premier competition for Tongits players across the Philippines, it brings together contestants of diverse backgrounds who share a singular goal: to triumph as the ultimate champion. Among these remarkable competitors, certain qualities stand out, traits that separate the elite from the rest. From possessing the motivation to uplift their loved ones, to mastering their craft as Tongits wizards, GTCC tournament champions embody what it means to be driven to greatness.
While skill and preparation play key roles in their success, there’s another factor that often goes unnoticed—the role of music in keeping champions inspired, calm, and focused. Music has the power to transform the mind, whether by soothing frayed nerves or pumping adrenaline when the stakes are at their highest. The playlist of a GTCC Tongits champion tells the story of their journey, and today, we’re diving into five must-listen tracks that mirror the qualities of a true champion.
1. “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor
Anthem of resilience, grit, and determination
No song encapsulates the fighting spirit of a champion better than “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. This rock classic radiates toughness and perseverance. Just like the GTCC competitors battling through knockout rounds, the song captures the relentless drive to rise above challenges. Champions need an anthem that keeps them motivated during setbacks, and this song’s intensity fuels the will to keep pushing forward.
For someone like the GTCC: Summer Showdown winner Benigno De Guzman Casayuran, “Eye of the Tiger” mirrors his journey of resilience. With his wife battling Stage 2 breast cancer, Benigno found extraordinary motivation to claim victory—not just for himself but for her. His story of conquering all odds and securing the Php 5 million grand prize is the embodiment of fighting for something greater than oneself.
2. “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
Fueling optimism in the heat of battle
For champions who thrive under pressure, the uplifting energy of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” is a fitting soundtrack. This anthem of hope resonates with players who walk into the tournament arena with confidence, never doubting their ability to succeed. It becomes particularly meaningful during the harsh elimination or knockout rounds of GTCC Tongits tournament, when overcoming fear and self-doubt is essential.
Maintaining belief in one’s abilities is a critical quality for champions. Whether carefully strategizing a Tongits match or confronting unforeseen challenges in the game, faith in oneself is a constant ally. As players progress through the grueling GTCC Philippines format, this iconic song serves to inspire optimism in the face of obstacles.
3. “Lose Yourself” – Eminem
Channeling focus and seizing opportunities
The intensity of Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” speaks to the mindset of a competitor entering the high-stakes environment of GTCC. The lyrics emphasize being present in the moment, capturing the essence of tournaments where one wrong move can cost it all. Every GTCC Tongits match is an opportunity to make calculated decisions, outthink opponents, and execute with precision, and songs like this reinforce that laser-sharp focus.
Champions like Benigno demonstrate this skill to perfection. The ability to “play the game and not the pressure” is what sets elites apart from the average. Attuning to such powerful lyrics that echo the importance of focus helps champions rise to the occasion, regardless of the obstacles in their path.
4. “Stronger” – Kanye West
Drawing strength from every experience
Every GTCC champion knows that the journey to the top isn’t smooth. Each loss, each miscalculated move, and every mistake are stepping stones toward greatness. “Stronger” by Kanye West encapsulates this growth. With its driving beats and lyrics about gaining strength from adversity, the song resonates with competitors seeking to improve after every match.
Navigating the various stages of the GTCC Philippines tournament requires resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. From being mentally prepared during eliminations to coping with the stakes during semifinals, every moment is a learning opportunity. This song serves as a reminder to rise from challenges with renewed energy, turning the unexpected into a chance to grow stronger.
5. “We Are the Champions” – Queen
Celebrating the taste of triumph
Few songs capture the feeling of victory like Queen’s “We Are the Champions.” As the final three players face off in the ultimate GTCC battle, earning the title of Tongits champion brings a sense of accomplishment that’s unmatched. It’s a moment worth celebrating—an acknowledgment of not only the championship but the hard work and sacrifices that led to the moment.
For winners like Benigno, the triumph is deeper than personal glory; it’s about achieving something meaningful for family, community, or greater purposes. The lyrics of this timeless anthem echo the emotional rewards of perseverance and tenacity, played as a tribute to every champion’s incredible journey.
Qualities That Define a GTCC Champion
The GTCC stage is not for the faint-hearted. Champions like Benigno possess qualities that elevate them beyond the competition. Each track in the playlist above aligns with the characteristics of success: unwavering motivation, unparalleled preparation, strategic expertise, resilience, and the capacity to convert pressure into opportunity.
Being inspired gives champions a purpose that fuels their game. For Benigno, his wife’s battle with cancer was his motivation, and he turned this personal struggle into a drive to win. Being prepared empowers contestants to understand the GTCC’s stringent qualifying rounds, its layered tournament format, and the strengths and weaknesses of their opponents.
Having the expertise of a Tongits wizard ensures that each move in this intricate game is deliberate. Success stems from knowing not just how to play but how to outthink one’s competition. Lastly, the will to improve—earning strength from mistakes—drives players toward greatness.
Music as a Champion’s Secret Weapon
Champions often have rituals, and for many, music becomes one of their silent motivators. The right playlist can boost confidence, sharpen focus, and even offer comfort during moments of uncertainty. Each song contributes to the mental conditioning required to thrive in a high-stakes battle like the GTCC tournament.
Just like Tongits, music has its inherent rhythm and strategy. Songs like “We Are the Champions” celebrate the hard-fought success, while tracks like “Eye of the Tiger” fuel the gritty resilience needed to keep pushing forward. By integrating music into their preparation rituals, champions like Benigno reflect the balanced mix of intent and emotion that defines the heart of a true winner.
