On December 17, 2025, the Philippines witnessed a groundbreaking event as the Crypto Esports League PH hosted the inaugural finals of The Grand Cup 2025. This unique competition combined the intensity of cryptocurrency trading with the excitement of live esports, marking a significant innovation in the crypto landscape.
In stark contrast to the typical solitary nature of crypto trading, where individuals often engage from the comfort of their homes, competitors at The Grand Cup faced the pressure of a live audience. They vied for the highest Profit and Loss (PnL) percentage, turning their trading skills into a spectator sport.
A total of 36 traders registered for the event, with 32 showing up to compete. The tournament featured two elimination rounds, during which traders began with 1,000 USDT each, trading on the Hyperliquid testnet for one hour. This setup ensured that no real funds were at stake while allowing participants to place long or short positions on selected trading pairs, including BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT, and SOL/USDT.
Despite technical glitches that affected some participants during the elimination rounds, the competition proceeded with a thrilling atmosphere. The top 12 traders advanced to the final round, which unfolded under the influence of the Asian and New York stock markets. Among these finalists, Ultm8 X Gaming and DaddyEm Trader emerged as the two traders with the highest PnLs, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown.
In the final round, Ultm8 X Gaming opted for a long position, while DaddyEm Trader took a short position. As the market favored Ultm8 X Gaming, the BTC/USDT pair, along with others, experienced significant upward movement. The tension escalated as commentators speculated on potential market reversals, but ultimately, DaddyEm Trader conceded defeat just five minutes before the conclusion, recording a -10.0% PnL.
The awards ceremony crowned Ultm8 X Gaming as the champion, with DaddyEm Trader finishing as the first runner-up. Other notable performers included Ray Ray, who was recognized as the Most Valuable Trader, and Big Boss and Da”Real, who rounded out the top placements.
Looking ahead, Mj Aguilar from the Crypto Esports League announced plans for the upcoming Crypto E-Sports League Season 1, slated to launch in the second quarter of 2026. This league will introduce a franchise model, allowing teams to compete in a structured format, further integrating cryptocurrency trading into the esports arena.
The Grand Cup 2025, featuring a prize pool of $2,000 USDT (approximately ₱118,000), included stage production elements reminiscent of traditional esports tournaments, alongside interactive booths and brand activations. This event represents a significant step in merging the worlds of cryptocurrency and competitive gaming, attracting attention from both crypto enthusiasts and esports fans alike.
