The World Series of Beer Pong (WSOBP) is the largest Beer pong tournament in the world in number of participants and cash prizes offered. It has been held close to or in Las Vegas since January, 2006.
History
WSOBP I
WSOBP I, originally known only as “The World Series of Beer Pong”, was held at the Oasis Hotel and Casino in Mesquite, NV from January 2 through January 6, 2006. Approximately 80 teams from the United States and Canada competed for the $10,000 grand prize.
The two teammates met while competing as athletes at the University of Michigan. Nick Velissaris was a member of the school's varsity wrestling team, while Jason Coben was a diver on the school's varsity swimming and diving team. Jason won the 2003 NCAA Championship in Platform Diving.
Winners - Team France
2nd - Slippery Fetus
WSOBP II
The World Series of Beer Pong II, or WSOBP II, was again held at the Oasis Hotel and Casino in Mesquite, NV, from January 1 through January 5, 2007. The grand prize was doubled from the previous year to $20,000. The increased prize, along with increased public awareness of the event, helped draw 246 teams. The grand prize was won by Antonio “Tone” Vassilatos and Aniello “Neil” Guerriero of “We Own Your Face”. This team had competed in WSOBP I, going undefeated during the preliminary rounds, but dropping out early in the finals.
A documentary entitled “Last Cup: Road to the World Series of Beer Pong” was produced leading up to and at the event. The film focused on four characters and their preparations of WSOBP II: Jamie “The Champ” Clouser, Scott “Iceman” Reck, Sean Foster, and one of the eventual tournament winners, Antonio “Tone” Vassilatos. The documentary premiered at Cinevegas 2008.
Winners - We own Your Face
2nd - PWNTrain
WSOBP III
The World Series of Beer Pong III, or WSOBP III, was the first World Series of Beer Pong to be held within the limits of Las Vegas, NV. The tournament was held at the South Point Hotel and Casino from January 1 through January 5, 2008. 296 Teams competed for a $50,000 grand prize. The event was won by Jeremy Hughes and Mike Orr of the team “Chauffeuring the Fat Kid”. The final match proved to be high drama, as Chauffeuring the Fat Kid was forced to sink four consecutive cups to stay alive. They were able to do this, forcing overtime, and were able to defeat their opponents from Albany, NY - Chris Baker and Mike Hulse of “The Iron Wizard Coalition”, for the title.
Winners - Chauffeuring the Fat Kid
2nd - The Iron Wizard Coalition
WSOBP IV
The World Series of Beer Pong IV was held January 1 through 5, 2009 at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino on the Las Vegas Strip. The tournament paid out a $50,000 grand prize, and was sponsored by Pabst Blue Ribbon.
The final match was announced by veteran UFC announcer Bruce Buffer
Winners - Smashing Time
2nd - Getcha Popcorn Ready
WSOBP V
In 2010 The World Series of Beer Pong again broke its size record, with a field of 483 teams, including international competitors hailing from as far as Ireland and Japan. The event saw an unprecedented level of media and celebrity attention, with crews on hand to cover the event from Maxim, G4 and the Jay Leno Show. Bruce Buffer again returned to announce the final game, and DJ Whoo Kid, celebrity DJ to 50 Cent's G-Unit, was signed to DJ the event.
Winners - Smashing Time
2nd - Since Sliced Bread
WSOBP VI
This year's event in 2011 – the largest in WSOBP history – drew 507 teams from 48 U.S. states, six Canadian provinces and nine countries, as well as more than a thousand spectators. Some players were skilled winners of the more than 200 Satellite™ Tournaments; others simply paid the entry fee, and played for the fun and camaraderie. All had a chance at the prize money with a guaranteed 12 games over two days and the chance to advance to the finals on day three. In addition to the main competition, several side events were held at The Flamingo and O’Sheas Casino, including East vs. West, Singles, Ladies, International and Co-Ed tournaments, with prize money totaling $65,000.