Launched earlier this year, Michpong.com is an online venue that organizes competitive beer pong tournaments. The Web site still is in its beginning stages but has seen success with its first two tournaments, both held in the Lansing area.

Mich Pong held its first tournament at Woody’s Oasis Bar & Grill, 211 E. Grand River Ave., and another at The Venue Live, 6810 S. Cedar St., in Lansing. Additional tournaments in East Lansing and other areas are being planned for later this year.

The site mainly is being used to organize events but has attracted two sponsors and is in the process of developing a store where people can purchase tables and equipment.

“It has more to do with the money, not the hangover,” Eastman said.

“If you are playing with water in the cup, drinking is controlled by you. A lot of people see the negative views from party scenes, which is completely different from tournament scenes.”

Eastman said it seems that the beer ponger’s reputation has failed to progress with the actual sport, which is no longer just a house party pastime. Beer pong has entered the realm of competitive sports, especially with the growing popularity of organizations like The World Series of Beer Pong, or WSOBP.

After winning fourth place in WSOBP IV in Las Vegas in January, Eastman and Ellis noticed the moneymaking possibilities of beer pong. They were only two games away from playing in the championship game, where winners went home with $50,000.

For coming so close to the championship, Eastman and Ellis were given a free trip to attend the event in Las Vegas next year.

“We thought we could run tournaments better than the ones we have been to and that we might as well give it a shot,” Eastman said.

Their double-elimination tournaments abide by the official rules of WSOBP but use water instead of beer to abide by Michigan liquor laws.

The pair said their last tournament included more than 30 competing teams with people from five different states. The first place prize was a free hotel stay and entry in the Atlantic City Beer Pong Championship in June, where competitors will have the chance to win $25,000.

Both tournaments were won by the same team, comprised of University of Toledo junior Lester Marks and Ann Arbor resident Troy Stieve.

“I’m making college life a little easier,” Marks said.

Marks said he has attended hundreds of tournaments across the nation. He is able to pay for travel expenses due to his success at the tournaments.

The alcohol consumption involved in the game is alarming to some, but others said they believe it’s all in good fun.

“I don’t see a problem as long as it’s controlled, and there is no underage drinking or people driving home,” human biology junior Brandon Marentette said.

Mich Pong’s next event is scheduled for May 1 at The Riviera Cafe Restaurant and Lounge, 231 M.A.C. Ave. The first place prize is $500. Visit Michpong.com to learn more.