Next stop Thailand: Team Philippines shines after TGR eSports GT Championship finale

The sound of engines may be virtual, but the excitement at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay last 12 October was very real as the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines eSports GT Championship 2025 crowned its new champions. Now on its sixth season, the premier sim racing tournament of Toyota Motor Philippines continues to prove that motorsports excellence thrives both on the track and on-screen.

More than 20,000 spectators flocked to the venue over the weekend to watch the country’s best sim racers battle it out for pride, prizes, and the honor of carrying the Philippine flag at the upcoming Asia Finals in Thailand this November.

From a competitive pool of over 250 participants, newcomer Victor Ancheta rose to victory after a series of intense races through the quarterfinals, semifinals, and national finals. Ancheta, who started as third overall in the qualifiers, maintained his composure throughout the event, edging out seasoned competitors with consistency and race craft.

“I feel happy that I won the championship, and I feel honored to be one of the drivers to be representing the Philippines. I am looking forward to going up against Asia's fastest drivers and see where I stand up against them,” shared Ancheta.

Joining him on the podium are two familiar names in the e-racing scene: Enzo Ison, the 2024 season runner-up, who once again finished in second place, and Matthew Ang, the 2023 third placer, who rounded out the top three. Together, the trio will form Team Philippines in Thailand’s regional finals.

The weekend races were anything but predictable. From the dramatic Wild Card round that gave eight racers a second shot at the finals, to the high-adrenaline laps at the national finals, every heat kept fans on edge. Racers took on virtual versions of iconic circuits like Kyoto Driving Park, Colorado Springs, and Spa Francorchamps using GR models such as the Toyota Supra Racing Concept ’18 and GR010 Hybrid. Tire wear, fuel consumption, and dynamic weather conditions all tested the drivers’ strategy and control.

Ancheta’s victory came down to consistency and determination, earning him 72 points to secure the national title. Ison followed closely with 67.5 points, and Ang finished with 61.5. Special recognitions were also awarded to standout drivers: Ancheta for Crowd Favorite, Ison for Smooth Operator, Jether Miole for Best Overtake, and Ang for Pole Position.

“It feels great to be on the podium and that I will have the chance to represent the country once again in Thailand next month. I’m looking forward for another fun experience and hopefully get a great result for Team Philippines at the Asia Finals!” said Ison.

Ang shared his own reflection after the competition. “I felt disappointed since I genuinely felt I could become champion this year, but now I feel grateful and empowered to perform well in the Asia Finals. I’m looking forward to representing my country again and more importantly, seeing my old competitors from 2023 and seeing how much I improved in two years.”

The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines eSports GT Championship 2025, sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines, continues to push the boundaries of virtual motorsport. With support from partners such as Petron, GT Radial, Seiko, and Tuason Racing, the event celebrates precision, technology, and passion, proving that racing excellence knows no limits, whether on the road or in the digital world.