The Philippine trading card game community just leveled up in a major way. Justin Cu has officially been crowned the Asia-Pacific Player of the Year for Flesh and Blood TCG, marking a historic first for both the region and Filipino competitive card gaming.
The announcement came during the 2025 World Championship weekend in Philadelphia, where over 400 of the world’s best players gathered at the Pennsylvania Convention Center to compete for $300,000 in prizes across Classic Constructed and Living Legend formats. Cu finished the main event in 17th place—a solid performance that sealed his Player of the Year victory in what turned out to be the closest regional race across all three competitive regions.
A Year-Long Grind
The APAC Player of the Year race was an absolute nail-biter from start to finish. Cu battled against fellow top-tier competitors like Gordon Koh, Nick Butcher, Shirui Wu, and Pudding Tam throughout the 2025 season, with the lead changing hands multiple times. Heading into Philadelphia, any of the top contenders could have clinched the title, making every match at Worlds crucial for the final standings.
Cu’s 17th place finish earned him the critical World Tour Points needed to edge out the competition and claim the $15,000 prize for the APAC regional championship. But more importantly, he’s now forever etched in Flesh and Blood history as the region’s inaugural Player of the Year.
The Japan Surge
Cu’s path to the championship saw a crucial turning point during his weeklong trip to Japan last September. He made the most of every opportunity, finishing 2nd at Calling: Shizuoka before capping off the week with a victory at Battle Hardened: Osaka. This back-to-back performance earned him a massive surge in World Tour Points that positioned him as a frontrunner heading into the final stretch of the season.
Sharing the Knowledge
Cu isn’t just dominating tournaments—he’s also helping elevate the entire competitive scene. He co-authored what’s currently the most popular Metafy guide for Gravy Bones alongside Jacob Clements, who had a dominant run as Europe’s Player of the Year. Talk about a championship-level collaboration. The guide, titled “What is Dead May Never Die,” has become essential reading for players looking to master one of the format’s most difficult and technical heroes.
What This Means for PH TCG
Cu’s Player of the Year achievement is a watershed moment for Philippine trading card games. While Filipino players have made waves in other TCGs, this marks the first time a player from the Philippines has claimed a major year-long championship title in Flesh and Blood’s competitive structure.
It’s validation that the growing Flesh and Blood community in the Philippines isn’t just playing catch-up—we’re setting the pace for the entire Asia-Pacific region. With the momentum from Cu’s historic win, expect even more Filipino names to appear in Top 8s and on championship podiums in 2026.
Congratulations to Justin Cu for putting Philippine Flesh and Blood on the map. Here’s to more victories ahead!
Read More:
Four Decks To Get You Started in FaB TCG’s Newest Format: Silver Age – VRSUS
Philippines Nearly Takes Calling: Shizuoka in Flesh and Blood TCG – VRSUS
Flesh and Blood Retires Battle Hardened After Six Years – VRSUS
