Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) first introduced its eSports racing series, the Toyota Gazoo Racing (TGR) GT Cup PH, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the aim of inspiring future Filipino racers. Five years later, the company is keeping the fire alive, once again challenging those who believe they have what it takes to compete.
Rebranded as the TGR Philippines eSports GT Championship, the competition is now open for qualifiers, which will run until September 14, 2025. The tournament puts players behind the wheel in sprint races on the Gran Turismo 7 video game using PlayStation consoles.
Top finishers from the national championship will secure a slot in the Asia Finals in Thailand later this year. From there, the best will carry the Philippine flag into the regional stage against some of Asia’s strongest sim racers.
The stakes go beyond bragging rights. Winners will take home cash prizes, GR merchandise, and most importantly, an invitation to the TGR Academy. For many participants, this opportunity is the ultimate goal. The TGR Academy serves as a stepping stone into real-world racing through TMP’s one-make series, the Toyota GR Cup. The program has already proven effective, with former eSports champions Russel Reyes and Luis Moreno going on to win the GR Cup Novice Class titles in 2024 and 2025.
TMP has laid out the requirements for entry. The competition is open to Filipino citizens or permanent residents currently living in the country. Participants aged 17 and below must secure parental or guardian consent before joining.
Qualifying can be done online or on-site. Those joining online need a PlayStation 4 or 5, an active PSN account, a PS Plus subscription, and a copy of Gran Turismo 7. For on-site qualifiers, players may visit select Toyota GR Performance dealerships and present a valid government-issued ID for verification.
Registration is available through an online form. From the qualifiers, the top 40 racers will advance to the quarterfinals on October 11, 2025, at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Pasay City. The semifinals and national finals will take place the following day, October 12, at the same venue.
