Filipino sim racing fans now have their shot at the big leagues as the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines eSports GT Championship 2025 (TGR PH eSports GT Championship) officially kicks off. The nationwide tournament, which runs its qualifying rounds until September 14, invites local gamers and motorsport enthusiasts to test their skills on Gran Turismo 7 for a chance to represent the country at the Asia Finals in Thailand later this year.
Now in its fifth year, the TGR PH eSports GT Championship has become a launchpad for aspiring racers to transition from virtual tracks to real-world racing. This season brings a refreshed format, higher stakes, and the same high-octane energy that has made the tournament a staple in the Philippine motorsports calendar.
Participants will battle it out in sprint races using Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation, with the top three finishers not only bagging cash prizes and exclusive GR merchandise but also earning slots in the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Academy. It’s a path that has already helped past champions like Russel Reyes and Luis Moreno graduate from console racing to actual podium finishes in the TGR Philippine Cup, proving the series’ reputation as a true talent pipeline.
How to join
The tournament is open to Filipino citizens and permanent residents, with minors under 18 required to secure parental or guardian consent. Qualifiers can be done online or on-site at participating Toyota GR Performance dealerships.
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Online qualifiers: Players need a PlayStation 4 or 5 with an active PSN account, PS Plus subscription, and a copy of Gran Turismo 7.
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On-site qualifiers: Walk-ins can visit select GR Performance dealerships with a valid government-issued ID for verification. A full list of venues is available on the official TGR PH eSports GT Championship Facebook Group.
Registration is ongoing via this sign-up form, where participants can schedule their qualifying sessions. The initial rounds will narrow the competition down to the Top 40 players, who will advance to the quarterfinals.
From there, things heat up:
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Quarterfinals: October 11 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Pasay City
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Semifinals and National Finals: October 12, also at Ayala Malls Manila Bay
More than just a game
Since its debut in 2020, Toyota’s e-motorsports program has been more than a gaming competition—it’s been a springboard for racing hopefuls to enter the highly competitive motorsport world. By blending esports and real-life racing through initiatives like the Vios one-make-race (OMR) series, Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) has carved out a unique space for gamers with professional aspirations.
“As we conclude one racing series this year, we are thrilled to begin another one – now for sim racers! Although the racing will be virtual, the action will surely be felt, especially at the finals at Ayala Malls Manila Bay this October. We invite everyone to participate in this very exciting opportunity to live out their racing dreams,” said Andy Ty, TMP’s Assistant Vice President for Marketing Services.
The TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines eSports GT Championship 2025 is sanctioned by the Automobile Association Philippines and supported by a powerhouse roster of partners, including Petron, GT Radial, Seiko, Toyota Financial Services Philippines, Tuason Racing, and others.
For more details, updates, and the full list of participating dealerships, follow TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Philippines on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, TikTok, and the Viber group.
Read more:
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