World Series of Beer Pong bounces back to Las Vegas

It's that time of year to decide who excels at putting pingpong balls in cups of beer.

The eighth annual World Series of Beer Pong kicks off on New Year's Day at the Flamingo Las Vegas. Almost 500 teams are expected to vie for the crown, which comes with a $50,000 prize.

Last year's winners, two guys from Illinois who play as Seek n Destroy, will be back to defend their championship.

But organizers are making a strong effort to woo audience members this year by making the event more interesting for them, says tournament spokesman Reed Allen.

"We're going to bring a lot more fun environment," Allen says, including DJs playing music and keeping the audience entertained between rounds.

VIP rooms will be set up with a beer garden feel, giving spectators the opportunity to play beer pong for fun.

Players wearing the best costumes will be awarded $5,000 in prizes.

In the past, costumes were a major part of the game. But once beer pong became more competitive, people got a little too serious about it. Reed says he hopes this will interject some of that fun back into the game.

"We're trying to rekindle that. It gives (teams) a way to win some money and be encouraged to come back for other years, without having to be (champions)."

The World Series of Beer Pong will be played from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Jan. 1 through Jan. 5, with the champions being crowned on the last day.

Admission is $20 at the door or $50 for a three-day pass. For more information, visit beerpong.com/wsobp.

Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564. Follow @StripSonya on Twitter.