The YGG Play Summit is set to welcome one of Asia’s biggest trading card game tournaments this November, as the Vibes Asian Championship heads to Manila, Philippines, on November 21–22, 2025. Organized by Yield Guild Games (YGG), the event features a $20,000 prize pool and will gather players from across the region for two days of competitive play. Registration is open to the public, with participation capped at 128 players. Those under 18 will need parental consent to join.
Developed by Orange Cap Games, Vibes is a hybrid digital and physical trading card game (TCG) based on the Pudgy Penguins brand. The game combines approachable mechanics with deep strategy, inviting both newcomers and seasoned TCG players to compete. Players construct “huddles” made up of penguin characters, action cards, and relics to face off in battles that blend collectible card gameplay with the charm of one of web3’s most recognizable IPs.
YGG Play Summit $20k Tournament
YGG Play Summit $20k Tournament
The Vibes Asian Championship will use a Swiss +1 format for its qualifiers, after which the top eight players will move on to a single-elimination finals bracket. The tournament’s top 32 finishers will receive a share of the $20,000 prize pool, rewarding both finalists and consistent performers throughout the event.
To ensure fair competition, the championship will be overseen by Sashi Balakrishnan, a certified Level 3 Magic: The Gathering Judge from Malaysia. Balakrishnan’s involvement highlights the event’s focus on maintaining professional standards similar to major international TCG tournaments.
Mike Ovecka, Head of YGG Esports and a former Hearthstone esports lead at Blizzard Entertainment, said the event marks an important milestone for the Philippines’ growing competitive gaming scene.
“We have the biggest tournaments, and the world’s best competitors, coming to the Philippines this November,” Ovecka said. “We envision the YGG Play Summit as the heart of competitive web3 gaming, and securing massive tournaments such as the Vibes Asian Championship demonstrates how serious we are about making that vision a reality.”
YGG Play Summit $20k Tournament
Making Competitive Play More Accessible
In a move to make the tournament more inclusive, YGG has announced that participants can use up to 12 proxy cards per deck. These proxy cards act as stand-ins for cards a player doesn’t own, allowing competitors to participate without needing access to rare or expensive cards. This decision supports community-driven growth and makes it easier for new players to enter the competitive scene.
Community Events and Learn-to-Play Sessions
Ahead of the championship, YGG is hosting several Learn-to-Play events and community tournaments across Manila and nearby cities. These sessions, led by YGG Pilipinas Metaversity Marshals, are designed to introduce new players to Vibes through guided gameplay, practice matches, and the use of starter decks provided at the venue.
The Learn-to-Play events continue throughout October and November, with sessions scheduled in Dasmariñas, Cavite, and Cabanatuan City, alongside weekly tournaments at Trics Circle of Hobbies in Parañaque and One Feast Cafe + Hobby Space in Cabanatuan City.
YGG Play Summit $20k Tournament
A Look at YGG Play Summit’s Role in Web3 Gaming
The YGG Play Summit serves as a gathering point for developers, gamers, and creators exploring the convergence of gaming and web3 technology. The summit features a mix of esports tournaments, a gaming expo, and panel discussions covering the future of digital ownership and blockchain-based entertainment. We will also be hosting our very own GAM3 Awards on the 21st of November.
By hosting the Vibes Asian Championship, YGG continues its effort to position the Philippines as a key destination for competitive gaming in the region, especially in the emerging web3 gaming landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the YGG Play Summit? The YGG Play Summit is an annual gaming event hosted by Yield Guild Games that focuses on the intersection of gaming and web3. It includes a game expo, esports tournaments, and discussions about blockchain-based gaming and digital ownership.
When and where will the Vibes Asian Championship take place? The Vibes Asian Championship will be held on November 21–22, 2025, in Manila, Philippines, as part of the YGG Play Summit.
What is the total prize pool for the tournament? The event features a $20,000 USD prize pool, distributed among the top 32 competitors.
Who can participate in the Vibes Asian Championship? The tournament is open to all players through public registration, with a 128-player limit. Participants under 18 years old must provide parental consent.
What are proxy cards, and why are they allowed? Proxy cards are printed substitutes for real cards that allow players to compete even if they do not own certain cards physically. Allowing proxy cards helps promote inclusivity and accessibility for new players.
Where can I learn to play Vibes before the tournament? YGG is hosting multiple Learn-to-Play sessions across Metro Manila and nearby provinces, with events in Cavite, Parañaque, and Cabanatuan City. These sessions provide hands-on tutorials and starter decks for beginners.
Where can I register for the tournament or get updates? Players can register for the championship through the official YGG Play Summit website and stay informed by following YGG Play Summit on X (formerly Twitter) for updates.
