Ping Pong Tournament


Marcus G. Langseth
 Ping Pong Tournament
Tournament Start

This 26th of September, the third week of the Hawaiian-Emperor Seamount Seismic Experiment, marks the opening of the Marcus G. Langseth Ping-Pong Tournament and what a fantastic day to play Ping-Pong. 

Well the exciting sport of Ping-Pong is traditionally played in sports bars, local taverns, or the Olympics, this tournament has taken the sport to the next level as our competitors attempt to play in high seas. The tournament is being held aboard Marcus G. Langseth R/V. Well there may be an active seismic study in progress, the crew of the Langseth have been preparing for weeks to host this tournament.

Ping-Pong at sea is no laughing matter. The cramped rooms and the roll of the ship creates a high variability to each game. The shifting of the floor leaves the player to manage their unstable weight and attempt to play the ball’s variable trajectories. Well Ping-Pong is not a dangerous sport to the prepared, these changing conditions leave many exposed. Loose clothing is often necessary to face some of the veteran players.

A double elimination bracket has been chosen for the tournament this year. If a player should lose a round, they are moved to the loser's bracket where they can battle their way back into the winner’s bracket.


Competition this year is fierce.  Many of the competitors have traveled from great distances from places including New York, China, India, Thailand, Honduras and Alaska for this tournament. With twenty participants entered in the tournament, it is anyone’s guess who will win.
Round one Bracket

Mark McClernan, University of Alaska Fairbanks






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