LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
About 800 competitors from more than a dozen countries are participating in this year's World Series of Beer Pong at the Flamingo Hotel & Casino this week.
WSOBP owner Billy Gaines called it, "... a stupid little game. You throw balls into cups." But it's a game anyone can play, and anyone can enter the tournament.
That's why the series is so successful and in its eighth year, according to Gaines.
"These people come out here not because they like to drink but because they like to meet people, have a good time," Gaines said.
If this wasn't a competition, it'd be a dorm room party gone overboard with crazy costumes, loud music and some fantastic smack talk.
"If you wanna prove you're the best in the world, you come to the World Series of Beer Pong. You come to Las Vegas. You come to play, and I'm here to play," said competitor Pete Rawson of Brooklyn, NY.
Team entry fees are $1000 for a shot at the $50,000 grand prize.
"We're 4-0 right now, we're ready to go. We'll take on all comers no matter who they are," Rawson said.
Drinking is entirely optional. Some teams are noticeably tipsy, but many competitors say balancing the booze is the key to World Series of Beer Pong greatness.
"Drink just the right amount, not too much, not too little and have confidence," said Shane Loch of Michigan.
Gains estimates 125 to 150 kegs of beer will be used before the tournament ends Friday.
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