Triple to Win Entertainment

The return of Triple to Win Entertainment tournaments featured some new faces as well as regulars from around the country.  With the majority of the Midwestern states represented and multiple World Series of Beer Pong (WSOBP) place winners in attendance, the competition was top tier.  Top seeds were awarded to Your Sister, Our Stimulus Plan, Big Shot Charley, and Make 10 Up Yours.  Your Sister was made up of fourth place WSOBP finisher and third place World Beer Pong Tour (WBPT) Dane Ellis (MI) his partner, Michigan phenom Vince Bolhuis (pictured right).  Our Stimulus Plan matched Ellis’s third place finish in Atlantic City at the WBPT and is comprised of the Drunken Bear’s winningest player Andy Decaluwe (IL) and former WSOBP Champion Nick Velissaris (MI).  The third seed went to two more Michigan All-Stars, Brandon Linstrom (MI) and WSOBP regular and 13th place finisher Lester Marks (MI) to make Big Shot Charley.  The final seed went to Make 10 Up Yours comprised of Justin Cahill (IL) and a dominant player from Cincinnati with multiple WSOBP satellite wins, Zach Gilkison (OH).  Three of the top seeds began proving their worthy early as Our Stimulus Plan, Your Sister, and Make 10 Up Yours all earned a string of victories to earn spots in the semi finals.  Marks and Lindstrom of Big Shot Charley (MI) fell to an early difficult matchup with Make a Wish Foundation's Mike Velissaris (IL) and former Triple to Win Champion Mike Jesiolowski (IL).  Make a Wish Foundation fell short in the next game to Kyle Gurke (IL) and Russ Decaluwe (IL) of Irish Wrist Watch proving this to be the most difficult section of the bracket. 

In the Semi Finals, Michigan favorites Your Sister (Ellis and Bolhuis) defeated the IL and OH combination team #4 Make 10 Up Yours (Gilkison and Cahill) for the first spot in the winners bracket finals. Illinois representatives Irish Wrist Watch (Gurke and R. Decaluwe) kept running with their dominant upsets as they defeated Il/MI favorites Our Stimulus Plan (Velissaris and A. Decaluwe) and moved one step closer to earning the satellites and a entry into the fifth World Series of Beer Pong.

In the consolation rounds, the out of state teams really earned their keep as Big Shot Charley, pictured left (Marks and Lindstrom) lined up and took down a string of Illinois teams on one side as Minnesota teammates Mark Jensen and James Stokke of Prey IV Reign did the same on the other side.  Big Shot Charley (MI) defeated Becoming Green Men (IL), Drunken Bear (IL), Flounder’s (IL), and The Crash Dummies (IL) to earn a consolation final four appearance.  On the other side, Prey IV Reign (Jensen and Stokke) went on a tear of their own.  After suffering their first loss to Flounder’s in the first round, the boys from Minnesota eliminated Nice Rack (IL), Green Team (IL), Make a Wish Foundation (IL), and Skidoosh (IL) to earn their consolation final four appearance. 

Our Stimulus Plan (Velissaris MI and Decaluwe IL) ended the run of Big Shot Charley in a close game as Make 10 Up Yours (Gilkison OH and Cahill IL) proved too much for Minnesota’s Prey IV Reign to round out the Final Four teams.  These final four teams, Your Sister (MI), Irish Wrist Watch (IL), Our Stimulus Plan (IL/MI) and Make 10 Up Yours (IL/OH) would now have to fight for the promo codes and the trip to Las Vegas.  The teams left in the tournament at this point were either undefeated or had lost once to one of the undefeated teams and were looking for redemption.  Zach Gilkison (OH) and Justin Cahill (IL) of Make 10 Up Yours put on a clinic against Our Stimulus Plan as Your Sister remained undefeated against Irish Wrist Watch.  Irish Wrist Watch and Make 10 Up Yours fought to earn a spot in the finals and a little revenge against undefeated Michigan juggernaut Your Sister.  Make 10 Up Yours (Gilkison OH and Cahill IL) eliminated Irish Wrist Watch to get to the finals.

In the finals, it would be a somewhat familiar showdown between Zach Gilkison (OH) and Dane Ellis (MI) as they had met in the finals of two recent tournaments and split 1-1 for the titles.  They went at it just where they left off as all four players were shooting at championship caliber.  The first game went to Justin Cahill and Zach Gilkison of Make 10 Up Yours to set up a final match for the free entry into the World Series of Beer Pong.  With the promo codes on the line, Michigan’s Dane Ellis and Vince Bolhuis could not keep the pace with the Illinois/Ohio combination team as Justin Cahill sank last cup to earn the victory and Make 10 Up Yours joined the list of elite beer pong players who have earned the prestigious title of being Triple to Win Champions.

 Make 10 Up Yours - Zach Gilkison (OH) and Justin Cahill (IL) 

1.    Make 10 Up Yours (Zach Gilkison, Ohio and Justin Cahill, Illinois)
2.    Your Sister (Dane Ellis and Vince Bolhuis, Michigan)
3.    Irish Wrist Watch (Kyle Gurke and Russ Decaluwe, Illinois)
4.    Our Stimulus Plan (Nick Velissaris, Michigan and Andy Decaluwe, Illinois)
5.    Big Shot Charley (Lester Marks and Brandon Lindstrom, Michigan)  
5.    Prey IV Reign (Mark Jensen and James Stokke, Minnesota)

***On a side note, Champions Gilkison and Cahill of Make 10 Up Yours had never played together before and actually met at the tournament.  Both players emailed Triple to Win and said they did not have a partner.  It was set up by Triple to Win emails and the rest is history.

 This satellite tournament sent another great team to Vegas for the fifth World Series of Beer Pong (WSOBP) coming up in January.  The tournament featured 55 teams representing 11 different states that traveled to the great city of Chicago for the most competitive tournament in the Midwest to date.  With over two dozen players registered that have played in the WSOBP including four top ten finishes, sixteen day three qualifiers and a World Series Champion, Flounder’s Bar & Grill would host some great battles between elite beer pong players all battling for the free trip to Las Vegas and a chance at $50,000 (www.bpong.com).

Early favorites included Drunken Bear repeat champions Kyle Larson and Andy DeCaluwe from Wat Fuu (Illinois), Steny’s Tavern Champions and Wisconsin representatives Michael Balkman and Christian Howard from The Jew Fro & the Baby Mullet (pictured right) Lester Marks and Nick Velissaris from The French Pandemonium (Michigan) and Indiana’s finest combination of Mike Puchowski and Zach Green from the Hoosier Boozer’s. 

The tournament began with the favorites all earning their notoriety by advancing past the first two rounds and entering the sweet sixteen.  Nick Velissaris and Lester Marks of The French Pandemonium would be the first upset as they were defeated this round by 95 Aberdeen (Justin Cahill and Jonny Chang) in an impressive comeback.  95 Aberdeen got hot at the right time with a Chauffeuring the Fat Kid like four-cup rebuttal and then tripled their first turn in overtime.  Wat Fuu (Kyle Larson and Andy DeCaluwe) took out Da 3-Finger Shuffle while I’m Late and Pro-AIDS fell to Hoozier Boozer’s and The Jew Fro & The Baby Mullet respectively.  Joining them in the elite eight round would be RL Stomp (Rustyn Hallis and Lee Plichta) Dirty Woody (Mike Jesiolowski and Kurt Heizmann), The Late Night Closers, and Drazen Petrovic’s Wet Jumper (Adam Zussman and Jack Thompson pictured above left).

Hoosier Boozer’s (pictured right) advanced with a win over Drazen Petrovic’s Wet Jumper.  RL Stomp defeated The Jew Fro & The Baby Mullet in one of the loudest most intense games of the night.  Wat Fuu was upset by Dirty Woody as 95 Aberdeen continued their win streak taking out the Late Night Closers.  In the loser’s bracket it was all Missouri teammates Piotr Wianecki and Dan Range of Pongtracker.com.  After losing early in the tournament, this tandem went on a tear eliminating Team Rape, The Groove City Shooters, Da 3-Finger Shuffle, Region Rompers, Wat Fuu, Late Night Closers, and 95 Aberdeen in succession. 

In the winner’s bracket semi-finals, Ohio’s top team RL Stomp fell to the hot-handed Hoosier Boozer’s.  On the other side, Dirty Woody earned a match with the Hoozier Boozer’s in the winner’s bracket finals by defeating 95 Aberdeen.  In the loser’s bracket, RL Stomp was eliminated by The Jew Fro & The Baby Mullet as Pongtracker.com continued its winning streak to round out the final four teams. 

Pongtracker.com, on an amazing nine-game winning streak including Wianecki’s three perfect games and a 10/11 performance out of the duo, earned a match against undefeated Dirty Woody in the Triple-To-Win Championship game. 

Dirty Woody (pictured left) showed why they were the team to beat as they defeated Pongtracker.com in a close match that featured Kurt Heizmann shooting a perfect game including last cup.  Champions Mike Jesiolowski and Kurt Heizmann of Dirty Woody hail from Iowa and is the state’s first WSOBP V representative.  This tournament championship also earned Dirty Woody a position in the elite group of beer pong players that have been crowned Triple-To-Win Champions.

1.    Dirty Woody (Mike Jesiolowski and Kurt Heizmann, Iowa)
2.    Pongtracker.com (Piotr Wianecki and Dan Range, Missouri)
3.    Hoozier Boozer's (Mike Puchowski and Zach Green, Indiana)
4.    The Jew Fro & The Baby Mullet (Michael Balkman and Christian Howard, Wisconsin)
5.    RL Stomp (Rustyn Hallis and Lee Plichta, Ohio)  
5.    '95 Aberdeen (Justin Cahill and Jonny Chang, Illinois)

BEST TEAM NAME: The Chris Brown Beat Down

 Special thanks to Jeff Nash from Flounder’s Bar & Grill, the guys from Drunken Bear, CHBPL, and especially Bpong for making this event such a success.  More tournaments to come so check the Chicago Tournaments page for your next shot at a free entry into WSOBP V and to join Dirty Woody as Chicago’s Greatest Beer Pong Team.

Triple-to-Win Entertainment Beer Pong was well represented at the fourth World Series of Beer Pong led by Clutchpong Michigan State Champions Joe Eastman (Ann Arbor, MI) and Dane Ellis (Lansing, MI) from The Designated Drinkers.  The duo led the Triple-to-Win representatives by placing an impressive 4th out of over 400 teams competing over three days in Las Vegas, NV.  The hottest team going into the World Series, The Designated Drinkers won multiple satellites and vacations throught he Clutchpong Tour and the New York World Pong Tour.  This also became the first time that a Triple-to-Win, Clutchpong, or Michigan team has earned prize money since Team France (Nick Velissaris and Jason Coben) in 2006.

The Michigan tandem had a 9-3 +19 record (55th place) overall after the first two days of preliminary competetion.  They started off dominating the third day as they rolled past Team America, and Miller Time, Paper then Plastic, and the Las Vegas Blondie's representatives, Kid Rocks Platinum.  Those teams were all higher seeds than Ellis and Eastman, with two of them seeded in the top 10 overall.  The initial seeding and combined 42-6 record was not enough to stop their dominating path to the winner's bracket semifinals.  

The Designated Drinkers, pictured right ran into a snag before the finals as they lost to New York powerhouse and eventual Champions, Smashing Time.  In the loser's bracket, the rebounded well taking out the team from Blondies again, 50%, and HP Puppet Masters.  With all other Triple-to-Win, Michigan and Chicago teams watching the final two tables, and only Eastman and Ellis left in the spotlight, they eventually bowed with a loss to Not Even Close sealing their 4th place finish with a 7-2 final day record (16-5 overall).

Another notable Triple-to-Win teams include 1/2 & 1/2 (Lester Marks and Troy Stieve) who finished with an impressive 13th place finish (6-2 on the final day) defeating previous placewinners Team Rezent on their way.  Slippery France, made up of WSOBP I Champion Nick Velissaris (Highland Park, IL) and WSOBP I runner-up Josh Deford (Long Island, NY) played up to the hype in prelims earning two byes on the final day, but fell to Team McAllister early, defeated WSOBP III runner-up Iron Wizard Coalition, then was eliminated by WSOBP II Champions We Own Your Face to end with a disappointing 33rd place finish.  Black Betty (Tom Halverson and Matt Connolly) of Canton, Michigan started hot as well with an 11-1 prelim record, but fell short on the final day finishing 49th.  

In the finals, it was apparent that beer pong has reached the next level.  With camera crews from the famous Famer Brown in Los Angeles and UFC's Bruce Buffer announcing the contest, Bpong.com has surely taken beer pong far from the basement of a house party.  ESPN termed beer pong, "The Next Great American Pastime".

Congratulations to Smashing Time, pictured left (Ron Hamilton and Mike "Pops" Popielarski) for taking down the $50,000 prize and joining the elite group of Beer Pong World Champions. Highlight Video

1.    Smashing Time (Ron Hamilton and Mike Popielarski, New York)
4.    Designated Drinkers (Joe Eastman and Dane Ellis, Michigan)
13.  1/2 and 1/2 (Lester Marks and Troy Stieve, Michigan)
33.  Slippery France (Nick Velissaris, Illinois and Josh Deford, New York)
49.  Black Betty (Tom Halverson and Matt Connoll, Michigan)

World Series of Beer Pong V tournaments are already underway.  Stay posted for details on upcoming tournaments.  Also see Drunken Bear for more Chicagoland Tournaments and ClutchPong for tournaments in Michigan.

This tournament is a satellite tournament to get into the World Series of Beer Pong IV. These guys run a good tournament and we hope all the Triple to Win faithful will represent at their tournament.  This is the last weekend and tournament to qualify for the World Series of Beer Pong IV in Chicago.

The winner gets a four night stay in Las Vegas and an automatic bid into the World Series of Beer Pong IV where you have a chance at winning $50,000. Prizes for 2nd place ($250) and 3rd place ($100) as well.   

Every team is given their own cups for the tournament, t-shirts, and beer for the games during the tournament.  Click the image on the left to go to the bar's web site.  Click the image below to go to Drunken Bear's website.

 Cork & Kerry's Beer Pong Tournament
10614 S Western Ave.                                           
Chicago, IL 

Register at 12:00-1:00pm 
Tournament start 1:30pm
 
Early Registration:  $50 per team 
Walk-In Registration on the day of the event: $70 per team

They are cutting registration off and limiting sign ups to 80 teams so sign up early online at http://www.drunkenbear.com/

The first WSOBP IV satellite tournament in Chicago, IL at Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort featured some great local talent as well as regional All-Star teams that traveled from six states including Missouri, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Indiana.  There were 48 teams including a World Series of Beer Pong Champion, a team that placed ninth at WSOBP III, previous Chicago satellite tournament champions and the founders of the WSOPB.  As play began, the WSOBP III 9^th placing Just 2 Guys and local powerhouse Horses Gone Ballistic were early favorites.  As the tournament started separating the men from the boys, could they live up to their hype?  Just 2 Guys, Horses Gone Ballistic, Who Dey, Put Up Your Dux, Balls Deep, The Venture Brothers, Dorothy Mantooth and The Ho’s proved the best overall in Chicago taking the top 8 places.  Former World Series of Beer Pong Champion Nick Velissaris and Dan Chiego of Just 2 Guys started strong as they defeated the Drunken Bear, Southside Mafia, and the Venture Brothers to earn a trip to the Semi-Finals.  They would play Ed Rhee and Ryan Jakusz of Put Up Your Dux (pictured left) in that game after the Bloodsport referenced team earned victories over The Trevians, Team Iowa, Team Awesome, and Dorothy Mantooth.   On the other side of the bracket, former Chicago Satellite and Triple-To-Win Champions Steve Livingston and Dave Lincoln of Horses Gone Ballistic did just that as they continued their Illinois dominance over Hot for Palin, The Glory Hole and Balls Deep to earn a semi-final berth.  They would play Stephen Ten Eyck and Joe Schwallie of Who Dey in that match.  Who Dey earned their path defeating many of the highly touted teams such as the Unicorn Pussies, IU Men’s Tennis, and The Ho’s.  With the Semi-Final matches in place and vicious survival games in the consolation bracket, the tournament was moved to the main stage of Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort.

 In the consolations, the Hohanshelt brothers, aka, The Ho’s (Jared Hohanshelt and Ryan Hohanshelt) took their first loss in stride and represented Iowa well as they made quick work of the Foamy Balls and Balls Deep (Mike Baker and Brian Stephans).  On the other side, the last of the Milwaukee teams were eliminated as Sexier with Their Shirts Off (13^th place WSOBP I Scott Reck and Aaron Spiering) fell to Scott Bridgemand and Brian Jessen of Dorothy Mantooth and Failbarn Balkirk (Scott Lorge and Casey Vanden Huvuel) fell to Colin Kroll and Travis Haruby of the Venture Brothers.  Dorothy Mantooth continued their comeback as they took out the Venture Brothers.

 In the Semi Finals, early favorites Horses Gone Ballistic and Just 2 Guys fell to Who Dey and Put Up Your Dux respectively.  Who Dey and Put Up Your Dux earned at least a top 3 finish and the winner would play for the Championship.  In the final few games to determine the Championship match, Dorothy Mantooth was eliminated by Horses Gone Ballistic and Just 2 Guys lost in overtime as The Ho’s from Iowa took charge of the consolations.  They continued their dominance as they defeated Horses Gone Ballistic in their next game taking out both top seeds in succession.   

The championship of the undefeated teams resulted in Who Dey (pictured left) proving their skills, as Put Up Your Dux faced their first loss and would now play the hot-handed Hohanshelt brothers.  Put Up Your Dux turned it around as Ed Rhee and Ryan Jakusz earned their trip back to the finals after defeating third place finisher, The Ho’s. 

 In the finals, Put Up Your Dux would have to beat undefeated Who Dey twice to earn the free trip to Las Vegas and Entry into the World Series of Beer Pong IV (see www.bpong.com to register).  That task proved too much for the duo to handle as the first Chicago Satellite Champion became Stephen Ten Eyck and Joe Schwallie.  Who Dey dominated the competition with an undefeated 7-0 record and the title of Best Beer Pong Team in Chicago. 

            Champion               Who Dey                             Stephen Ten Eyck and Joe Schwallie

Runner-Up              Put Up Your Dux                Ed Rhee and Ryan Jakusz

3^rd Place                 The Ho’s                             Jared Hohanshelt and Ryan Hohanshelt

4^th Place                 Horses Gone Ballistic        Dave Lincoln and Steve Livingston

5^th-6^th Place           Just 2 Guys                        Nick Velissaris and Dan Chiego

5^th-6^th Place           Dorothy Mantooth             Scott Bridgeman and Brian Jessen

Hottest Team           Team Donkey Pong          Emily Gallagher and Kimberly Latomer 

Best Team Name     Unicorn Pussies                 Jack Thompson and Colin Joliat

Although they may not have been the best players on this day, we would also like to announce that the Team Drunken Bear and Team Donkey Pong  made an impression as well. Team Drunken Bear (Zenon McHugh and Bruce Villanova) are running a satellite tourney in late November as well and everyone at Triple-To-Win Entertainment encourages you to sign up at www.drunkenbear.com now.   

Also, Emily Gallagher and Kimberly Latomer of Team Donkey Pong got the Triple-To-Win vote for “Hottest Team” to play in our tournaments to date.  Email nvelissa@gmail.com to get on our mailing list, have more pictures or correct mistakes on the site.

We look forward to another satellite tournament coming soon and a chance for another team to represent the Windy City at the World Series of Beer Pong IV very soon.  Special Thanks to Uncle Fatty’s Rum Resort and their staff for their hospitality in making this tournament the best yet. 

 UNCLE FATTY'S RUM RESORT: 
Triple to Win Entertainment is proud to announce that after too long of a break from beer pong, Uncle Fatty's Rum Resort will be the first Chicago Satellite Tournament in the Chicagoland Area.  With rave reviews about the relaxed and low-key cancun inspired theme, Triple to Win Entertainment plans to add a competetive atmosphere to Chicago's most unique bar.  There are sand filled beach areas, a dance/beer pong floor, and a stage for live music.  They host flip cup tournaments and bags competitions already, and are adding Chicago's first nationally recognized beer pong tournament now as well.  With a chance to win free entry into the World Series of Beer Pong including a four-night stay at the world famous Flamingo on the Las Vegas strip, this tournament should prove to be the best beer pong in all of Chicago.  And don't forget that when it comes to talking trash about who is Chicago's Best Beer Pong Team, there is no time like the present.  Use our Forum and post why you are going to win the trip to Vegas.

Make sure to register online at the Chicago Tournaments page and start practicing to earn the title of Chicago's Best Beer Pong Team!

Email nvelissa@gmail.com or fill out the form on the Contact Us page for ways you can get involved or additional information.

HANSON BROTHERS TAVERN:

While there were many familiar faces, this Thursday brought out several new teammates. In early action weekly journeyman Nick Velissaris led Stuck with Katie through the first two games despite being, well… stuck with Katie (Bumbaris). But the P-Funks (pictured right), headed by Mike and Chang, proved too much for Stuck with Katie in the winner’s bracket semifinals. In a preview of things to come, Team Building Exercise ’99 (Chris Velissaris and Sean Brandt) came from behind to win their first round game earning the right to battle Darkside (Deanna Kristine and Eric Hanson) in the winner’s bracket semis-pitting two former teammates and current arch-rivals Kristine and Velissaris against each other.  Team Building Exercise ’99 turned in a dominant performance and advanced to meet the P-Funks in the winner’s bracket finals.

Stuck with Katie made a valiant effort by winning their way into the loser’s bracket semis, but ultimately succumbed to a motivated Darkside team. In the winner’s bracket finals the P-Funks came out strong and were one cup away from winning, but Team Building Exercise ’99 again pulled off a late rally to move onto the finals. The P-Funks wanted redemption, and proved it by making quick work of Darkside to fight for the championship. Needing to beat Team Building Exercise ’99 twice for victory, the P-Funks once again pulled within one cup of winning the first game. But Team Building Exercise ’99 (pictured left) would not be denied on this night, as they showed late game heroics again to take the game and become first-time Triple to Win Champions.

1. Team Building Excercise '99               Chris Velissaris and Sean Brandt
2  P-Funks                                                   Mike Velissaris and Chris Chang
3. Darkside                                                 Deanna Kristine and Eric Hanson

HANSON BROTHERS TAVERN:

This week at Hanson Brothers Tavern featured two bags players turned Triple-To-Win Beer Pong Champions.  Jeff Meyer and Andy DeCauwe from Team Wat Fuu stole the show etching their names into the history books.  The tournament began with a couple of play-in games that resulted in  a quick tournament for Cica’s Pizza Kitchen (Carter Grant and Chris Cromydas) and Matt and Danny from the Terminators. 

First round action began with a self explanatory Team Not Creative (Nick Velissaris and Bekka Whitfield) downing Buffalo Grove natives The Snowmen.  The DJs, comprised of Bryan Simmon and Deanna Kristine played former teammates, Crazy Rals Video Store (Rob Wilder and Chris Velissaris).  Like Captian Kirk and Mr. Spock forced to battle against their will they hacked it out until it was The DJs that advanced.  The Dirty Panochas (Steve Saks and Jen Williamson) moved to the next round as they made quick work of Bizar.  In the best first round match up, Wat Fuu came out hot against Studio 54 (Sean Brandt and Mike) and moved to the next round. 

On the other side of the bracket, Not Creative took out The DJs and earned a trip to the winners bracket finals.  Wat Fuu took out The Dirty Pinochas and it would not end there as they continued their winning streak in an epic battle against Not Creative. 

In the losers bracket, The Snowmen fell to Crazy Ral’s Video Store and they continued their path of destruction eliminating the Dirty Panochas and Studio 54 in succession.  With a trip to the championship on the line, Not Creative stepped up against Wilder and Velissaris to earn a rematch with Wat Fuu. 
In perhaps the most eventful finals match in Triple-to-Win Entertainment history since the great Just 2 Guys upset stomach problems of 2007, Bekka Whitfield and Nick Velissaris started off strong taking a lead in the first game.  As Wat Fuu (pictured left) began coming back, they got some help from Whitfield as she knocked 3 cups to the ground and herself with them.  With a scraped elbow and a concerned/confused Wat Fuu, the show must go on.  Not Creative ended this contest with a victory but the shenanigans would not end there.  In the final one win takes all championship game, Whitfield hits the canvas for the second time is as many rounds.  After her standing eight-count Not Creative was unable to rebound as Wat Fuu did not let the distractions take them out of their game.  Strong finals play and consitencey all night earned both of them their first Triple to Win Beer Pong Championship.

1. Wat Fuu                                      Jeff Meyer and Andy DeCaluin
2  Tean Not Creative                    Nick Velissaris and Becca Whitfield
3. Crazy Ral's Video Store           Rob Wilder and Chris Velissaris

Can you beat them? See the Chicago Tournaments page for sign up information.

DUFFY'S TAVERN:
This week at Duffy’s featured the reunion of former World Series of Beer Pong Champions Jason Coben and Nick Velissaris from Team France.  They began in dominating fashion taking out Team Ramrod in the first round.  They continued by defeating Take a Knee in the following round.  On the other side of the bracket, Duffy’s overpowered Destiny, the Dick Doctors, and then Team Detox to advance to the winner’s bracket finals against Team France(pictured right).  Team France won a close game and await the losers bracket for their championship game. 

The Dick Doctors (Rick Cazarez and Chad Berman) and Team Detox (Deanna Kristine and Rob Wilder) ran the show in the losers bracket.  They squared off in the losers bracket semifinals.  Team Detox advanced with a victory and did not stop there.  They kept up the winning streak against Duffy’s in the following game and advanced to the championship game against Team France.  Team Detox (pictured left) was not to be denied as they continued their dominance in route to a two game sweep over the former world champions and sealed their first Triple-to-Win Championship. 

Can you beat them? See the Chicago Tournaments page for sign up information.

 
 

1. Team Detox                   Deanna Kristine and Rob Wilder
2  Team France                  Nick Velissaris and Jason Coben
3. Duffy's                            No Names Given
 

HANSON BROTHERS TAVERN- 
Hanson Brother’s Tavern proved to be the current Chicago haven for weekly beer pong.  They had 23 teams of eager beer pongers all competing for the coveted Triple to Win Championship.  One team walked away with the title, defeating all Northbrook/Glenview locals, Chicago and Buffalo Grove travelers and even a few Michigan players.  This team hailed from Naperville, IL and represents North Central College.

With team names spanning from The Red Vag of Courage (Debbie Freedenberg and Emily Emily Caulfreid) to The Brew Crew (Eric Hanson and Craig Rose) it was a loving married couple of beer pong all stars named Team Schmoffa who stole the show.  Eric Schmidt and Carolyn Schmidt combined last name team name and history of winning tournament showed that talent as well as team chemistry is what it takes to win a Triple to Win tournament. 

After taking down The Brew Crew (pictured left) Team Schmoffa continued their win streak against The DJ’s.  With a name stemming from the girls initials and the man’s profession, it would not be the last we heard from The DJ’s.  On the other side of the bracket, we had team D & D (Derek Macho and Danny Browne), a tandem of local heroes that played well but may have been had by outside influence.  Danny Browne was earlier celebrating his brothers approaching wedding.  (Congrats to NHL player and University of Michigan Alumni Mike Browne on the upcoming wedding August 8, 2008).  The celebration early in the night caused an earlier exit for the team than expected as they won four games but had to withdraw.  Taking advantage of the forfeit was Da Bears made up of Andrew L. and Chase M.  Da Bears then defeated loud mouthed and loved-by-the-crowd Touchdown (pictured right).  This would also not be the last you heard of these two crowd favorites.  In the consolation round, Gu to Go (Gary Winswicki and Kory Raisback) marched through the losers bracket as they defeated Crazy Ral’s Video Store and The DJ’s in succession.  Touchdown also proved to be a team that will not quit as they took it one step further defeating Gu to Go earlier in the day, Donnie and Marie, and then Gu to Go again.  Touchdown then won a rematch contest against Da Bears to earn a trip to the finals.

 In the finals game however, Da Bears could not keep their win streak alive as it was all Eric Schmidt and Carolyn Schmidt from Team Schmoffa as they sealed the deal and entered an elite club of Triple to Win Champions with a victory. 

Other teams participating included The Gu Crew, Tim and Chris, The Pina Coladas, Off in the Shower, The Replacements, Juke and Jive, The Good Team, Daryl and Ted, The Cockeyes, Team Ridiculous, and some others as well.  But Team Schmoffa proved that it takes more than just participating to be a Triple to Win Champion. 

Can you beat them?  Show up to Hanson Brothers Tavern every Thursday and prove it.

CHAMPIONS -Team Schmoffa (Eric Schmidt and Carolyn Schmidt)

1. Team Schmoffa                             Eric Schmidt and Carolyn Schmidt
2. Touchdown                                   Names Unknown (email me if you know)
3. Da Bears                                         Andrew L. and Chase M.

CALIENDO'S RESTAURANT AND BAR- 
The tournament at Caliendo's began with some great first round games.  Here for Beer, comprised of Michael Martinez and Anthony Chua, took out Free Apps (Aaron Brackman and Jena Marcott) on Table 1 while Rufis Rebels (Ray and Pam Jenkins) dominated Go Team Us (Mariela Bino and Trish Docfield) on Table 2.  On the other side of the bracket, Ebony and Ivory made a statement against The Regulators (Dan Martinez and Jorge Martinez) while Show Me the Money and the Money Maykas (Pat Mayka and Chad Cassell) squared off.  Show Me the Money finished victorious and would advance to the second round.  Bar owner Mike Caliendo and bartender Shane Olsen (Caliendo's) took out Ceci's Team to finish out round 1.  

The next round showed the first signs of finals caliber play as Here for Beer downed Cobra Kai (Mike Gagliardi and Autumn Cuttone) to advance to the quarterfinals.  The Rufis Rebels were unable to take down Shitz N Giggles as Sean Biswurm and Christie Uvodich grabbed their first win of the tournament.  Ebony and Ivory (Justin Dungee and Kyle Ferguson) kept the ball rolling with another win over Show Me the Money.  Hometown favorites, Caliendo's also suffered their first loss as Sha-Boink (Chris Cruz and Daniel B.) advanced to the next round. 

Here for Beer was finally halted as Shitz N Giggles became the first team to advance to the winners bracket finals.  Ebony and Ivory proved to much for Sha-Boink to keep up with as they will meet Shitz N Giggles in the winners bracket finals. 

In the loser's bracket, Pam and Ray Jenkins of Rufis Rebels (pictured right) eliminated Free Apps with a six cup victory thanks to Ray Jenkins dominating performance including last cup. Cobra Kai took out Go Team Us while the Money Maykas and Ceci's Team were knocked out by Caliendo's and Show Me the Money, respectively.  Cobra Kai then eliminatd the Rufis Rebels while Caliendo's kept the winning streak alive taking out Show Me the Money and Here for Beer.  Sha-Boink also stepped up their game as they knocked out Cobra Kai and Caliendo's in succession. 

With it now down to the final three teams, Sha-Boink would play Ebony and Ivory for a rematch against undefeated Shitz N Giggles.  In a high intensity match filled with plenty of trash talk lead to an Ebony and Ivory vs. Shitz N Giggles rematch as Ferguson and Dungee got the crowd on their side by taking out trash talking Sha-Boink.  In the finals game, Ebony and Ivory took the first game in a close last cup-last cup battle to bring the championship to a one game, winner take all contest.  It was destiny for Ebony and Ivory as won their last three games to go 6-1 on the day and claim the Caliendo's Beer Pong Championship.

 CHAMPIONS -Ebony and Ivory (Kyle Ferguson and Justin Dungee)

1. Ebony and Ivory                            Kyle Ferguson and Justin Dungee
2. Shitz N Giggles                               Sean Biswurm and Christie Uvodich
3. Sha-Boink                                       Chris Cruz and Daniel B.

HANSON BROTHERS TAVERN-
This week at Hanson Brothers Tavern was a highly competetive tournament.  Although a smaller tournament, there was a handful of World Series of Beer Pong players from last year that attended.  The competition began with an announcement that the time and day would change to Thursday nights at 9:00pm.  Newcomers Sean Brandt and Bryan Simmon from team Skidoosh (pictured right) started hot as they downed Brittany Holmbeck and Jenn McLabber of the ever so creative team Brittany and Jenn.  They would advance to play the Velissaris Bitches made up of Deanna Kristine and Katie Bombaris.  On the other half of the bracket, The Agency made up of Chris Velissaris and Mike Velissaris suffered a close loss to bar owner Tom Hanson and Nick Velissaris of Triple to Hanson.  Triple to Hanson continued riding the dominating stroke of Tom Hanson overpowered Skidoosh in the next round.  In the consolation bracket, the Velissaris Bitches eliminated home town favorites Brittany and Jenn.  The next round they would continue their win streak taking out the Velissaris tandem of The Agency.  Velissaris Bitches and Skidoosh would now face off to advance to the finals to take a shot at Triple to Hanson. 
The game was a back and forth contest in which Skidoosh proved to be too much as Sean Brandt and Bryan Simmon would move into the championship match.  Their run to the top continued as they served Triple to Hanson their first loss of the tournament to set up a final one game take all match.  Unfortunately for the first timers, Triple to Hanson (pictured left) bounced back with authority to seal the win and take home the championship. 

Can you beat them? Come take a shot at the title every Thursday at 9:00pm

CHAMPIONS -Triple to Hanson (Tom Hanson and Nick Velissaris)

1. Triple to Hanson                            Tom Hanson and Nick Velissaris
2. Skidoosh                                         Sean Brandt and Bryan Simmon
3. Velissaris Bitches                           Deanna Kristine and Katie Bombaris

DUFFY'S TAVERN-
Duffy’s beer pong tournament this past Sunday featured some new talented teams as well as last week’s champions attempting to defend their title.   Current Duffy’s Champions Fresh Azweiz (Rolf Sievers and Andy Yen) began where they left off last week with a win over The Crazy Bald Heads (Deanna Kristine and Chris Velissaris) and they looked as they would be untouchable for the second week in a row.  In other first round action, international crowd favorites, Nigel and Marcus (Down Under) defeated Dank Stacks (Mike Kostov and Dustin Dalziel).  Down Under (pictured left), hailing from Austrailia and New Zealand respectively, not only did not provide last names at registration, but rumors were flying around the bar that they came across the globe for one chance to win the coveted Duffy’s Beer Pong Championship.   

DUFFY'S TAVERN-
The inaugural tournament at Duffy’s Tavern hosted by Triple-To-Win Entertainment kicked off with a bang as great early round games culminated with an epic finals match up.  Ari Strauss and Duffy’s Manager Dan (no last name given) combined to form team Sluggers, named after Sluggers Bar on North Clark Ave, owned by player Ari Strauss (www.sluggersbar.com).  They began with a victory over birthday celebrator Andy Hernandez and his partner Chris So from team Dirty Sanchez.  Their run in the winner’s bracket was cut short as they were topped by John Basoms and Jim Snediker (Gentleman Jim and Handsome John).   In other first round action the Crazy Bald Heads, made up of former Triple-To-Win Champions Chris Velissaris and Deanna Kristine defeated team Dank Stacks.  The Crazy Bald Heads would continue to advance as they defeated The Train Wrecks made up of Sarah Wallan and Stacey Seder.  Laura Wallace and Carrie Leman of Total Domination (pictured left) lived up to their name as they advanced past the Weiner Dogs made up of kareoke rocker Rick Cazarez and his better half, Yvonne Sawicki.  Gentleman Jim and Handsome John once again advanced as Total Domination could not keep their win streak alive falling short in the semifinal match up.

On the other side of the bracket, in an unfortunate second round match, Rolf Sievers and Andy Yen from  Fresh Azweiz (pronounced "as we is") met World Series of Beer Pong Chicago Satellite Champions David Lincoln and Steve Livingston from Horses Gone Ballistic.  Fresh Azweiz proved too much for the Horses Gone Ballistic as they advanced with a victory.  This would not be the last you hear from Horses Gone Ballistic. 

In the later rounds of the losers bracket, Sluggers fell victim to a close defeat at the hands of the Crazy Bald Heads.  Horses Gone Ballistic (pictured right) began their run back to the top by defeating Dank Stacks, The Train Wrecks and Total Domination in succession.  Like men on a mission, they then defeated the Crazy Bald Heads to clinch a top 3 finish.  They weren’t done yet.  With rants and raves about losing the previous game, Gentleman Jim and Handsome John guaranteed victory in their next contest.  They were silenced, settling for third place as Horses Gone Ballistic continued their path of domination to earn a rematch in the finals with Fresh Azweiz. 

The finals game, a storybook written title rematch between two University of Michigan alumni and two players who graduated from The Ohio State University, lived up to the anticipation.  Horses Gone Ballistic (Ohio State) handed Fresh Azweiz (Michigan) their first loss of the night to make the one game determines match one that earned bragging rights as well as the $100 cash prize. 

The game was a great back and forth match as each team initially started nervous then quickly settled into  rhythm.  The contest reached  an impressive last cup-last cup game before University of Michigan alumni Rolf Sievers and Andy Yen of team Fresh Azweiz earned the first Triple-To-Win Entertainment Beer Pong Title in Chicago, IL. 

CHAMPIONS - Fresh Azweiz (Rolf Sievers and Andy Yen)

Can you beat them? See the Chicago Tournaments page for sign up information.

1. Fresh Azweiz                                              Rolf Sievers and Andy Yen

2. Horses Gone Ballistic                                David Lincoln and Steve Livingston
3. Gentleman Jim and Handsome John      John Basoms and Jim Snediker

CALIENDO'S RESTAURANT AND BAR-
Promo night at Caliendo's was an exciting event that featured several players claiming to be the best there is at beer pong and one team that actually proved it.   As a promotional event targeted to play non tournament games with people who are interested in the area, several locals stepped up to the tables for their shot of glory.  One player, Justin (unsure of last name), was informed for the first time of the World Series of Beer Pong and the $50,000 prize. 

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HANSON BROTHERS TAVERN -
This first installation of Triple-to-Win Beer Pong in Chicago, IL was a promotional event targeted to play non tournament games with people who are interested in the area.  As the night went on, Brothers Tavern had local stragglers come play against the Triple-to-Win Staff.  With only two tables for this event, there were soon people calling next game to try to show their skills in this "winner stays" competition.  As people stepped up and tried, one team ended the night with a victory in the final game.  Deanna Kristine and Chris Velissaris (pictured left) defeated former World Series of Beer Pong Champion Nick Velissaris and Hanson Brother's Tavern owner Tom Hanson in triple overtime as they kept the pressure on throughout the entire game.  Deanna Kristine sunk the final cup in triple overtime and Nick Velissaris was unable to rebuttal. The crowd enjoyed the competition and was eager for next week where Triple-to-Win Entertainment will be hosting a $100 minimum cash prize tournament on four Bpong tables spread across the Hanson Brother's dance floor.  Every Monday, sign ups begin at 8:00pm and the tournament will start at approximately 9:30-10:00pm.  Get there early as the first tournament will be capped at 32 teams.

DUFFY'S TAVERN & GRILLE -
Triple-to-Win Entertainment will be hosting a tournament this and every Sunday at Duffy's Tavern & Grille on West Diversey in the great city of Chicago, IL.  Sign ups begin at 6:00pm.  Tournament begins at approximately 7:30pm.  This tournament will also be capped at 32 teams to get there early to enjoy the great brunch specials, sign up and play some pong.  Results will be posted as they happen.

For more information or questions enter your information in the "Contact Us" page or email nvelissa@gmail.com

This week was the final stop on the Clutchpong Tour and was held at the prestigious Churchill's bar and grill.  The Michigan Pong League once again proved its dominance over the competetion with the best performance this year.  The Michigan Pong League took home all four tickets to the final tournament and placed all league teams that registered in the top five placings.  Nick Velissaris and Dan Chiego from Just 2 Guys took home the plaques and the championship by defeating second place Lester Marks and Troy Stieve from 1/2 and 1/2 in the finals.  The third place tickets went to Pat Palise from the Lazers and his girlfriend.  The final tickets were won by Brandon Borman of Boot-a-Loo and his partner known to the pong world as "Rocket".  Although that was all the tickets awarded, the Michigan Pong League did not stop there.  Shawn Midleton of Boot-a-Loo and Mark Rupert of the Lazers placed fifth to make the top 5 placewinners all Michigan Pong League teams.  This was the final qualifier for the Clutchpong Tour and the Final Tournament for $3000 is May 10, 2008. 

Michigan Pong League: Clutchpong Final Tournament Qualifiers
***  Troy Stieve (1/2 and 1/2)
*     Brett Wejrowski (The Leroy Brown Players)
***  Lester Marks (1/2 and 1/2)
***  Nick Velissaris (Just 2 Guys)
*     Mark Rupert (The Lazers)
**    Dan Chiego (Just 2 Guys)
*      Joe Eastman (The Lone Rangers)
*      Shawn Midleton (Boot-a-Loo)
*      Dave Wissbrun (The Jimmy Shit)
*      Steve Haikio (The Jimmy Shit)
*      Pat Palise (Lazers)
*      Brandon Borman (Boot-a-Loo)

*number of entries into final tournament

The Michigan Pong League has also qualified three other entries by partnering with non-league players bringing the total entries to 22 of a possible 64 tickets.  The Michigan Pong League did not attend Grand Rapids (8), East Lansing (8) or Kalamazoo (8), and only represented three teams at Auburn Hills (2).  This means the Michigan Pong League earned 22 from the potential 36 tickets in tournaments they attended.  Nice work on the Tour. 
We proved that although being clutch is better than good, being the best is what makes you a member of the Michigan Pong League.

This week was the culmination of the Michigan Pong League's first season, and the final tournament was just a small representation of the improvement and progress Michigan Pong has made in ten short weeks.  The season  began with a group of "big fish" from their respective "small ponds" and became a traveling unification of the best assembled group of players in the state of Michigan.  With representation from eight cities and acolades that speak for themselves, this was the the greatest leap this state has taken to returning the World Series Championship to Michigan. 

BACK ROW:      Pat Palise (Lazers),  Steve Haikio (The Jimmy Shit), Paul Sandmair (The Leroy Brown Players), Lester Marks (1/2 & 1/2), 
                          Mark Rupert (Lazers), Troy Stieve (1/2 & 1/2), Nick Velissaris (Just 2 Guys), Shawn Midleton (Boot-A-Loo)
FRONT ROW:    Dave Wissbrun (The Jimmy Shit), Brett Wejrowski (The Leroy Brown Players), Dan Chiego (Just 2 Guys), 
                          Brandon Borman (Boot-A-Loo), Deanna Kristine (Team Cyclone)
NOT PICTURED: Matt Moos (Team Cyclone), The Lone Rangers, Black Betty, Wylocke

This week began with a best-of-three series featuring the Michigan Pong Leagues most productive players.  Shawn Middleton of Boot-a-Loo and Mark Rupert of the Lazers tied with 228 total cups made this season setting the bar high for future seasons.  The game began with Mark Rupert winning the first game by a three-cup margin.  Shawn Middleton bounced back with a two-cup victory to even the series 1-1.  Mark Rupert repeated his three-cup victory in game 3 earning the distinguished title of Michigan Pong League's Most Valuable Player.

These two players also played against each other in the League Final All-Star Game.  The Red Division was comprised of League MVP Mark Rupert and first time All-Star Deanna Kristine of Team Cyclone.  Their opponents featured two members of the 200 Cup Club, Shawn Middleton of Boot-a-Loo and Nick Velissaris of Just 2 Guys.  The All-Star game began with play that was not deserving of the game's title but picked up to speed as the series progressed.  In game 1, The Red Division's Mark Rupert hit last cup forcing hot handed Middleton and the inconsistent Velissaris to hit consecutive shots on rebuttal.  The two accomplished this feat sending the first game into overtime.  Mark Rupert and Deanna Kristine proved too much for the rebuttalers in overtime and sealed the 1-0 lead in the series.  The second game Velissaris began the comeback hitting his first seven shots as Middleton sunk the final shot to tie the series 1-1.  The third game was a back-and-forth contest resulting in a 2-1 series victory and All-Star Championship for Middleton and Velissaris from the Blue Division.  This was Middleton's second All-Star Championship is as many appearances.

The Tournament of Champions for the Michigan Pong League began with the top seeded Just 2 Guys receiving a bye, #2 seeded 1/2 and 1/2 playing #7 seeded Team Cyclone, #3 Boot-a-Loo against #6 The Leroy Brown Players, and #4 Lazers against #5 The Jimmy Shit.  The first round ended with higher seeds winning in three of the four games.  The lone upset advanced #5 The Jimmy Shit to the next round over the #4 Lazers.  #1 Just 2 Guys played their first game against the Jimmy Shit and set the tone of their play in the tournament as Nick Velissaris missed only one shot and his partner Dan Chiego shot a perfect game including last cup for the victory. #2 seeded 1/2 and 1/2 was upset when #3 Boot-a-Loo defeated them advancing to the winner's bracket finals. 
In the consolations, it was all Lazers and The Leroy Brown Players.  The Lazers defeated #2 seeded 1/2 and 1/2 eliminating them from the tournament.  The Leroy Brown Players escaped elimination in defeating and eliminating Team Cyclone and The Jimmy Shit.  Brett Wejrowski and Paul Sandmair of  The Leroy Brown Players could not keep their winning streak alive as the Lazers defeated them to advance to the winners bracket finals.  They would face #3 Boot-a-Loo for the prize determining game.  Shawn Middleton and Mark Rupert would face off for the seventh game on the night, this time alongside league partners Brandon Borman (Boot-a-Loo) and Pat Palise (Lazers).  The Lazers continued their domination of the consolation bracket defeating Palise and Borman, winning four straight games, earning earning prize money and a trip to the championship.  In the Championship game, #1 Just 2 Guys continued their league domination, defeating the #4 Lazers and earning the Michigan Pong League Season 1 Championship with an undefeated final tournament. 

SEASON 1 CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS 
Nick Velissaris (Just 2 Guys), Pat Palise (Lazers), Dan Chiego (Just 2 Guys), Mark Rupert (Lazers)
 

Final Standings (Placewinners)
1. Just 2 Guys (Nick Velissaris and Dan Chiego)
2. Lazers (Mark Rupert and Pat Palise)
3. Boot-A-Loo (Shawn Midleton and Brandon Borman)
4. The Leroy Brown Players (Brett Wejrowski and Paul Sandmair)

The Michigan Pong League representatives and coordinators would like to thank the players, Touchdown's Staff and Bpong.com for their help in support in making this season a success and great time for all who participated.

Michigan Pong League was suspended this week to travel to Mt. Pleasant, Michigan for another stop on the Clutchpong Tour.  The league representation was not up to par as several players were unable to attend and four players were partnered with new players.  Dave Wissbrun and Steve Haikio from the Jimmy Shit went 1-2.  Troy Stieve and Lester Marks from 1/2 & 1/2 were eliminated with the same 1-2 finish.  Pat Palise from the Lazers and Brett Wejrowski from The Leroy Brown Players finished 0-2.  Brandon Borman from Boot-a-Loo who played with a non league player and finished 1-2.  Deanna Kristine from Team Cyclone partnered with Borman's girlfriend Laura to finish 2-2. 

The lone highlight of the week was Nick Velissaris and Dan Chiego from #1 Just 2 Guys finishing second overall and earning a ticket to the Finals Tournament.  They started slow, missing 12 consecutive shots and losing to the self proclaimed "Bad Boys" more easily identified for matching cut off Piston jerseys and overly gelled hair than thier pong playing.  Just 2 Guys fought their way back into the finals game, but were unable to beat the undefeated Team ReRack suffering a one cup defeat.  Just 2 Guys finished 5-2 overall.

Next Saturday is the Michigan Pong League Tournament of Champions featuring a full double-elimination tournament, a Red vs. Blue Division All-Star Game featuring two new All-Stars, and a one-on-one battle for League MVP between Mark Rupert of the Lazers and Shawn Midleton of Boot-a-Loo.  The All-Star Game will start at 7:30pm followed by the League MVP match.  The Tournament of Champions will begin immediately after the League MVP game.  Listed below are the Clutchpong Qualifiers and the Tournament of Champions preliminary seedings.

Michigan Pong League: Clutchpong Final Tournament Qualifiers
*Troy Stieve (1/2 and 1/2)
Brett Wejrowski (The Leroy Brown Players)
*Lester Marks (1/2 and 1/2)
*Nick Velissaris (Just 2 Guys)
Mark Rupert (The Lazers)
Dan Chiego (Just 2 Guys)
Joe Eastman (The Lone Rangers)
Shawn Midleton (Boot-a-Loo)
Dave Wissbrun (The Jimmy Shit)
Steve Haikio (The Jimmy Shit)

*earned two entries into final tournament


Michigan Pong League: Tournament of Champions Preliminary Seeding
#1    Just 2 Guys (29-6, +66)
#2    1/2 & 1/2 (19-9, +28)
#3    Boot-a-Loo (28-14, +28)
#4    Lazers (26-16, +15)
#5    Black Betty (17-11, +10)
#6    The Lone Rangers (12-9, +12)
#7    The Jimmy Shit (24-18, +3)
#8    The Leroy Brown Players (11-10, -7)
#9    Team Cyclone (11-3, +12)**
#10  Wylocke (10-10, -3)**

**team did not play minimum amount to receive a seed (21 games, half season)

This week featured three tournaments culminating with the Clutchpong Ann Arbor Satellite.  Thursday at the Penalty box in Livonia, MI league players Nick Velissaris from Just 2 Guys and Mark Rupert from the Lazers won the tournament of champions in impressive fashion shutting out their opponents in the finals. 

The next night a Relay for Life 48 team tournament to raise money for cancer research was held in Ann Arbor, MI.  Nick Velissaris won his second tournament in as many days as he and Dan Chiego from Just 2 Guys won the championship going undefeated and taking home the Silver Keg (the first place prize, a golden keg, was stolen).  Lester Marks and Troy Stieve of Team 1/2 & 1/2 took 3rd place.

For the third tournament in three days, the league teams had the worst showing this season going 7-12 overall.  #1 seed Just 2 Guys, the Lazers, Troy Stieve from 1/2 & 1/2 and The Jimmy Shit all posted 0-2 records and were eliminated.  Boot-a-Loo squeaked a victory in between their losses to go 1-2 for the night.  The lone highlight of the tourney was Joe Eastman and his World Series of beer Pong partner, Dane Ellis, placed second with a 6-2 record earning a team qualification for the $3000 tournament.  They lost their second game of the tournament and then fought their way back to the finals.  The defeated the winner's bracket winning team once, but was then defeated in the second game. This brought the Michigan Pong League's total representation to 11 qualifiers with two tournaments left in the tour. 

DESIGNATED DRINKERS - Joe Eastman and Dane Ellis

This week of Michigan Pong League answered some questions left open from previous weeks.  This was the last week of scheduled league play before the Tournament of Champions unless the Ann Arbor Clutchpong tournament is postponed indefinetely.  Nick Velissaris and Dan Chiego from Just 2 Guys cemented their #1 seed going 7-0 +18 this week improving their overall record to 29-6 +66.  The Red Division's Lazers went 6-1 +12 improving their overall record to 26-16 +15 and becoming the #5 seed.  Other seeds are posted on the Stats/Standings page.

Individually, two players proved to be the league's best as Mark Rupert from the Lazers and Shawn Middleton from Boot-a-Loo share Division MVP honors as both hit 228 total cups this season.  The award for League MVP will be decided in a one-on-one best-of-three contest during the Tournament of Champions.  They will also repeat as All-Stars as they each welcome new partners for the Red vs. Blue Division All-Star Game.  In this best-of-three contest, Mark Rupert of the Lazers (228 Total Cups) and hot-handed two-week cup leader Deanna Kristine of Team Cyclone (196 Total Cups) will represent the Red Division while Shawn Middleton of Boot-a-Loo (228 Total Cups) and third ranked Nick Velissaris of Just 2 Guys (215 Total Cups) will represent the Blue Division. 

JUST 2 GUYS - Dan  Chiego and Nick Velissaris

 ***On a more personal note, Matt Moos of Team Cyclone was absent this week due to the passing of his grandfather.  On behalf of the Michigan Pong League, we send our condolences and sympathies to you and your family in coping with this loss.   

League play was suspended this week due to a lack of attendance from St. Patty's Day festivities.  On a positive note, two more teams qualified for the Clutchpong Tournament as 1/2 and 1/2 won the Auburn Hills Tour.  This win gives Lester Marks and Troy Stieve their second entry into the finals and Stieve's second Tour Championship.  Mark Rupert from the Lazers and Shawn Midleton from Boot-a-Loo, both division total cup leaders, attempted to create a "Dream Team" for this tour and qualified for a trip to the finals with a third place finish.  The Michigan Pong League dominance over outside competition will again be tested in Ann Arbor on March 29 and Mt. Pleasant the following week. 

Michigan Pong: League Clutchpong Final Tournament Qualifiers
*Troy Stieve (1/2 and 1/2)
Brett Wejrowski (The Leroy Brown Players)
*Lester Marks (1/2 and 1/2)
Nick Velissaris (Just 2 Guys)
Mark Rupert (The Lazers)
Shawn Midleton (Boot-a-Loo)
Dave Wissbrun (The Jimmy Shit)
Steve Haikio (The Jimmy Shit)

*Earned Two Entries into Final Tournament

The first week back from break was an unusual week involving forfeits from two teams that could not attend and two absent partners as well.  With the opening provided by the no shows, Nick Velissaris and Dan Chiego from Just 2 Guys went 6-1 (22-6 overall) and overtook Team Cyclone as the #1 team in the league determined by cup differential.  The highlight of this week however was the exceptional play from Mark Rupert and Pat Palise from the Lazers.  They went undefeated and became only the third team to finish a league night 7-0 (20-15 overall). 

Individual performances showed the greatest changes in week 6.  The Lazers top player, Mark Rupert maintained his Red Division lead and tied Blue Division leader Shawn Midleton of Boot-a-Loo for the league lead in total cups hit with 188.  Deanna Kristine of Team Cyclone earned the second position for total cups in the Red Division by having a league record 47 cup night.  In the Blue Division, Shawn Midleton maintained the top spot with 188 total cups hit.  Nick Velissaris from Just 2 Guys snuck into the Blue Division's second position after a 39 cup night for a total of 177 total cups hit. 

LAZERS - Mark Rupert and Pat Palise

The first stop on the Clutchpong Tour featured nine players from the Michigan Pong League.  The Michigan Pong League showed domination placing first, second and third place taking three of four qualifying tickets into the final tournament.  The qualifiers were Stephen Haikio, Dave Wissbrun,  Nick Velissaris, Lester Marks, Troy Stieve and  Brett Wejrowski. The tournament featured unusual player pairings as Lester Marks from 1/2 & 1/2 and Nick Velissaris from Just 2 Guys teamed together for a 2nd place finish. Troy Steive and Brett Wejrowski reunited the Arrogant Bastards and earned a championship.  Tom Halverson from Black Betty teamed with Andrew Locke from Wylocke and Joe Eastman reformed the Designated Drinkers as he teamed with his World Series of Beer Pong partner Dane Ellis.  Dave Wissbrun and Stephen Haikio remained The Jimmy Shit en route to a 3rd place finish. 

The highlight of the tournament was the championship game.  Nick Velissaris hit the last cup to seemingly end the first matchup.  Troy Stieve hit a clutch rebuttal shot to send the game into three cup overtime.  Nick Velissaris (Just 2 Guys) and Lester Marks (1/2 & 1/2) could not keep pace with Troy Stieve (1/2 & 1/2) and Brett Wejrowski (The Leroy Brown Players) as they sank the overtime shots in succession, defeating Marks and Velissaris, winning the $200 prize and the first Clutchpong Tour Championship in undefeated fashion.  Marks and Velissaris received a $50 consolation prize. 

After the tournament, another league team earned a victory as well.  The Jimmy Shit's Stephen Haikio and Dave Wissbrun won three cash games against Josh and Tim from Clutchpong's Staff to earn free entry into two additional Clutchpong Tour competitions ($80 value). 

Congratulations to the Michigan Pong League players as they backed up their claim as Michigan's best pong players.  Another accolade from the Clutchpong tour for the Michigan Pong League was the teams representing the league went undefeated against non-league teams.  Every team comprised of two league players that suffered a loss, lost to a team in the Michigan Pong League proving its complete dominance over the competition.

  ARROGANT BASTARDS - Troy Stieve and Brett Wejrowski 

CLutchpong Tour Jackson Tournament Recap
Champion     Troy Stieve (1/2 & 1/2) and Brett Werjowski (The Leroy Brown Players)
2nd Place       Nick Velissaris (Just 2 Guys) and Lester Marks (1/2 & 1/2)
3rd Place        Dave WissBrun (The Jimmy Shit) and Steven Haiko (The Jimmy Shit)

The first All-Star Break began with a best of three game series between the best players from each division squaring off for bragging rights and a $50 prize.  The Red Division All-Stars were Mark Rupert from the Lazers and Matt Connolly from Black Betty.  They fell victim to the Blue Division All-Stars Shawn Midleton from Boot-a-Loo and Troy Stieve from Team 1/2 and 1/2.  The games started with the Red Division taking a 1-0 lead.  The Blue Division rallied to even the series at 1-1.  The final game was won in commanding fashion as the Blue Division's Troy Stieve sank the final cup and the Red Division was unable to make the remaining cups. 

The tournament began with #8 seeded The Jimmy Shit upsetting #9 Lazers in the only first round game.  The second round featured all remaining teams.  #1 Team Cyclone,  #2 Just 2 Guys and #4 Boot-a-Loo all earned victories over their lower seeded competition.  The upset of the tournament occurred when #6 seeded Lone Rangers defeated #3 seeded 1/2 & 1/2.  This was especially remarkable for the Lone Rangers as Joe Eastman was playing alone since his partner could not attend this week.  Joe was forced to shoot one ball without a possibility of bringing the bonus ball back. 

The Semifinal round progressed as expected with #1 Team Cyclone and #2 Just 2 Guys earning a finals appearance and sending their lower seeded competitors to the consolation bracket.  In the consolation bracket, The Jimmy Shit earned upset victories over #5 Black Betty and #6 The Lone Rangers while #3 seeded 1/2 & 1/2 defeated #10 The Leroy Brown Players but fell to #4 Boot-a-Loo in the next round. 

The winners bracket finals featured a#1  and #2 matchup.  #1 Team Cyclone, the leagues hottest team continued their winning streak in overtaking #2 Just 2 Guys handily and sending them to the consolation bracket to face the winner of The Jimmy Shit and Boot-a-Loo. 

#4 Boot-a-Loo earned the victory over #8 The Jimmy Shit but lost in the consoaltion finals to #2 Just 2 Guys.  #2 Just 2 Guys earned a trip back to the finals game where they would have to win two straight games against the team that defeated them in the previous round. 

The Red Division's #1 Team Cyclone (pictured below) proved to be too much for the #2 seed to handle as Deanna Kristine sunk last cup and sealed an undefeated 5-0 tournament championship, also continuing their league winning streak to 12 straight victories.

TEAM CYCLONE- Matt Moos and Deanna Kristine

All Star Break Bracket