The Future of Beer Pong

Technology has changed our way of life. We live our lives on the go with laptop computers, mobile phones and tablets. If you’re one of the 1% that doesn’t own such items, you probably aren’t reading this anyway. We can watch live sporting events on our phones, play video games that look realistic, make a cup of coffee in a few seconds, you name it. Pretty much everything from Back to the Future Part II (except the hoverboards) is now available with three years to spare before 2015.

We don’t think of it often, but technology has had a big impact on the sport of beer pong as well. The game has come a long way from playing on a ping pong table with red party cups and scribbling next games on the inside of an empty beer box. You don’t think so? Take it from an old timer like me.

1. Foldable Beer Pong Tables
It was once a rite of passage to go to Home Depot, buy a big piece of plywood and hide it behind a sofa or underneath a bed until it was time to play beer pong. They were awkward and heavy and difficult to transport, not to mention tough to sneak in to a dorm room or on-campus apartment. I was amazed the first time I saw something that resembled a metal suitcase unfold into a glorious, eight foot beer pong table. You guys don’t realize how lucky you are.

2. Beer Pong Racks
When BPONG first introduced the beer pong racks, I kind of rolled my eyes and didn’t appreciate them at first. Seemed like more of a hassle than it was worth. But now, playing with racks is like second nature. Remember how the table used to get wet after a few games, and that last cup just wouldn’t stay still and would keep sliding as you shot? Not anymore. Games run much more quickly and smoothly now. Plus all you leaning assholes don’t have to fix the rack after every shot.

3. Bracket Software
If you’re reading this, chances are you have attended a beer pong tournament where the host or organizer had an awesome bracket set up on a piece of poster board, only to ruin it by filling in the teams straight down. Why don’t you do this? Because you end up playing a team in the winner’s bracket finals that only played one game to get there. Now, with a click of a button organizers can fill out a bracket quickly and properly, with the more advanced organizers using spreadsheets to make tournaments even more efficient. When was the last time you saw a big tournament run without a laptop, and how badly did it suck?

4. Inflatable Beer Pong Tables
Summertime, bikinis, beer pong, and no need for a water cup. Do I need to spell this out?

Yes, beer pong has come a long way in the last decade or so. It’s crazy how such seemingly small changes can revolutionize the sport. Let’s face is, Billy is like the Willy Wonka of the beer pong world, and I personally can’t wait to see what he will come up with next…