Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) Vice President for Marketing Services Elvin Luciano, TGR Philippines eSports GT Championship 2025 2nd Placer Enzo Ison, Champion Victor Ancheta, 3rd Placer Matthew Ang, and TMP Senior Vice President Masahiro Haoka.
The roar of digital engines echoed through Ayala Malls Manila Bay as the sixth season of the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing (TGR) Philippines eSports GT Championship came to an electrifying close on October 12, drawing more than 20,000 spectators to witness the country’s top sim racers fight for glory—and a ticket to the Asia Finals in Thailand.
In a stunning breakout performance, newcomer Victor Ancheta clinched the 2025 national championship title after outperforming 39 other finalists through intense rounds of competition. Ancheta, who entered the tournament as a relatively unknown contender, consistently finished among the top ranks since qualifying third out of over 250 racers. His consistency and precision paid off, earning him not just the crown, but also the honor of leading Team Philippines to the regional showdown.
Joining him on the podium were familiar faces. Enzo Ison, last year’s runner-up and Asia Finals veteran, secured second place, while Matthew Ang, who finished third in 2023, completed the podium sweep—forming a formidable trio set to represent the Philippines in Thailand next month.
From qualifiers to the grand finals
The championship’s journey began with a grueling set of quarterfinals, where the top 40 racers from the qualifiers were divided into four groups. Piloting the GR Yaris High Performance ’20 around Dragon Tail Gardens, the racers faced multiple heats, reverse grids, and intense time trials that tested both skill and adaptability.
Ison emerged as the top seed from this round, followed by Ang and standout driver Jether Miole.
In the semifinals, the field narrowed to 20 drivers who battled on iconic circuits like Mount Panorama and Daytona International Speedway under shifting weather conditions. Miole dazzled with a dominant performance to top the semifinals, trailed by Ang and Ison.
Then came a surprise twist: the Wild Card Round, which reignited the hopes of eight eliminated racers. Adding to the thrill, past champions Luis Moreno and Russel Reyes joined the grid for an exhibition-style challenge. After a tense showdown, James Lopez earned his comeback moment, securing the final slot in the national finals.
Three races, one champion
The national finals put the top 11 racers through a brutal three-race gauntlet, each featuring a new track and car. From the Toyota Supra Racing Concept ’18 at Kyoto Driving Park to the GR Yaris on Colorado Springs, and finally, the GR010 Hybrid navigating Spa-Francorchamps’ unpredictable weather—every lap was a test of endurance, precision, and strategy.
Ang drew first blood by taking pole position, but Ison quickly snatched the win in Race 1. Ang struck back on the dirt course of Race 2, while Ancheta quietly built momentum through consistent finishes.
The third and final race turned chaotic—early collisions and tire strategy drama reshuffled the pack, giving Michael Velasquez a dramatic last-lap overtake over Ancheta. But when the dust settled, Ancheta’s consistency across all three races earned him the overall championship with 72 points, ahead of Ison’s 67.5 and Ang’s 61.5.
Special awards capped off the evening: Ancheta took Crowd Favorite, Miole won Best Overtake, Ison was named Smooth Operator, and Ang claimed the Pole Position Award.
“I feel happy that I won the championship and honored to represent the Philippines,” said Ancheta. “I’m excited to face Asia’s fastest and see how I measure up.”
Ison, still fired up from his second-place finish, added: “It feels great to be on the podium again. I’m looking forward to another fun experience—and hopefully a great result for Team Philippines.”
Meanwhile, Ang shared his renewed focus: “I was disappointed at first, but now I feel motivated. I can’t wait to show how much I’ve improved since 2023.”
Revving toward the Asia Finals
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines eSports GT Championship 2025 is sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and powered by partners Petron (Official Fuel & Lubricants) and GT Radial (Official Tire Partner). Supporting brands include Seiko, Toyota Financial Services, Tuason Racing, 3M, Denso, OMP, ROTA, AutoPlus, and others.
Fans eager to join next year’s championship can follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates. For all Toyota news and events, follow Toyota Motor Philippines on social media or join the Toyota PH Viber community.