Toyota Gazoo Racing Asia brings 2025 Esports GT Championship Finals to Thailand

Toyota Gazoo Racing Asia is preparing for an action-filled 2025 Esports GT Championship as the competition heads to Thailand for the first time. The championship will gather 15 of Asia’s fastest sim drivers, with three representatives each from Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. They will compete for individual and team titles in one of the region’s most prominent virtual racing tournaments.

The move to Thailand signals a significant step for Toyota Gazoo Racing Asia after two editions in Malaysia. The organisation aims to strengthen ties with fans across Southeast Asia while continuing to develop the region’s e-motorsports scene. It also reinforces Toyota’s wider ambition to highlight its performance-led racing identity in a fast-changing digital landscape.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Asia Finals to Thailand for the first time as we continue to spotlight the most exciting sim-racing talents in the region,” said Preston Tan, Vice-President, Toyota Motor Asia. “This event continues to unite passionate communities, elevate competition, and inspire the next generation of drivers. Each year, the level of performance and enthusiasm grows, and 2025 will be no exception.”

New format and challenging circuits

The 2025 Finals will be held in Bangkok at the Toyota Alive venue, with drivers competing in Gran Turismo 7 on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 platforms. The competition will use an updated format and a revised points system to create closer racing and reward consistency.

While past editions featured tracks such as Sardegna Windmills, Nürburgring GP and Fuji Speedway, this year’s finals introduce more technically demanding circuits, including Suzuka, Interlagos and Watkins Glen. These tracks will test drivers’ endurance, precision and strategic judgement.

Fans can expect more intense qualifying rounds, dynamic weather changes and enhanced in-game realism. These elements are intended to bring the racing experience closer to the pressures and demands of real-world motorsport.

Prize pool and standout competitors

The 2025 Championship offers a US$31,000 prize pool, split evenly between individual and team categories. Champions will receive US$8,000, while the first and second runners-up will earn US$4,500 and US$3,000 respectively.

Each finalist secured entry through local qualifiers, ensuring that only the most consistent and fastest drivers from each market progressed to the regional finals.

Several names will draw strong attention. Malaysia’s Taj Izrin Aiman returns as the defending 2024 champion after representing his country at the Global Finals. Known for his experience and race craft, he enters the competition as a leading contender. The Philippines’ Enzo Ison, still one of the youngest racers on the grid, has built a reputation for fearless driving and fast adaptation. Indonesia’s Andika Rama Maulana, the 2024 first runner-up, brings a combination of strategic discipline and proven pace.

Together with the broader field of finalists, these drivers are expected to deliver a competitive and memorable weekend of racing.

A full weekend of racing action

The 2025 Finals will feature more than the main championship. Fans attending the event can look forward to several exhibition segments, including the TGR Asia Corporate Challenge and a Pro-Am race that pairs media representatives with finalists. A showcase featuring leading Thai esports teams will add another layer to the competitive line-up.

Attendees will also be able to participate in a Time Attack Challenge, where they can attempt to set the fastest lap on professional-grade racing simulators for a chance to win exclusive prizes. These activities are designed to highlight the community spirit, diversity and energy that define Toyota Gazoo Racing’s e-motorsports ecosystem.

The entire finals programme will be streamed live across Toyota Gazoo Racing Asia’s social channels. Hosting duties will once again be led by Victoria Cheng, with English commentary provided by Dez Corkhill and Gino Quillamor. Local-language commentary will be available as well, with James Laohongthong and Kulachart Oat Rhuvatana covering Thai audiences, and Ari Saputra and Mike Denaldi supporting Bahasa Indonesia viewers.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Asia considers the finals a key platform for inspiring new talent and promoting the intersection of virtual and real-world motorsport. By merging competitive digital racing with professional-level organisation, Toyota aims to deepen fan engagement and encourage the next generation of drivers across the region.