IF YOU GO:What: World Pong Tour TournamentWhere: Chuck’sWhen: Tonight, 7 p.m.How Much: $20, register at worldpongtour.com

About 128 people will be sinking them and drinking them Tuesday night in a test of beer pong skills.

World Pong Tour Enterprises is hosting the third annual beer pong tournament at Chuck’s Cafe on Crouse Avenue tonight at 7 p.m.

‘It’s a really good time for everyone,’ said Sam Pines, CEO of the World Pong Tour and Marist College graduate. ‘People are really competitive, and it’s a great way to meet new people.’

Forty-seven teams are currently registered and Pines expects the number to round out at 64 by tonight. Teams are competing for the grand prize of an eight-day, seven-night trip to Cancun. Other prizes include gift certificates to Chuck’s and FYE.

The growing popularity of the tour has also allowed for bigger prizes. Last year’s grand prize consisted of a weekend trip to Las Vegas.

The tournament is double elimination and costs $20 to join. Pre-registration takes place at the World Pong Tour Web site.

Co-event coordinator Peter Altholz said this part of the tour is the fourth stop in a 15-city tour.

Everyone participating must be 21 years old in order to compete, and players must sign a release saying they are aware of the dangers of drinking.

‘Drinking is actually optional,’ Pines said. ‘It’s a really controlled environment, and we’re really about promoting safe drinking.’

The World Pong Tour stopped by Syracuse last May and has garnered more popularity particularly in upstate New York, Pines said.

Scott Million, a 2007 graduate with a degree in marketing, and Alex Perlberg, a 2007 graduate with a degree in sport management, won the tournament at Chuck’s last year.

‘It’s cool that something that people play recreationally in their homes and frat houses is taking place in a bar in an organized way,’ Altholz said.

Published on October 22, 2007 at 12:00 pm