We’re just two days away from the 2019 GeekWire Bash where we’ll crown new champions in ultra competitive ping pong tournaments.
The fields are now set. Wondering who will take home the coveted “Golden Paddle” trophies, not to mention some great Alaska Airlines’ prize packages?
Brackets for the intermediate, expert and all-new doubles ping pong tournaments are now available for review by our swift-serving competitors. Take a look at those brackets below.
More than 100 ping pong players from Seattle’s tech community will compete on Thursday at the CenturyLink Field Event Center, battling it out at the GeekWire Bash, presented by First Tech Federal Credit Union.
But there’s more geeky fun in store: an amazing new virtual reality experience that knocked GeekWire co-founder John Cook’s socks off when he recently tried it out; an indoor zipline that will whisk geeks across the venue; a 24-team Lego League robotics competition; video games, sumo wrestling and much more.
The Bash is now open to geeks of all ages, so bring out the family. General admission tickets are on sale here.
But let’s get back to the ping pong, which was the original showpiece event at the GeekWire Bash. This year’s ping pong field consists of returning champions and perennial favorites, alongside gritty underdogs and intriguing newcomers. The brand new doubles ping pong tournament also will be plenty of fun.
Check out the brackets below, and if you’ve not already make sure purchase your tickets to the Bash!
Doubles Bracket (Click on bracket for expanded view)
Expert Bracket (Click on bracket for expanded view)
Intermediate Bracket (Click on bracket for expanded view)
Best of luck to all ping pong participants. We’ll be sending out the full list of rules and logistical instructions to all ping pong tournament participants before the Bash, but here’s a quick FAQ with key details for all of our competitors. Please, read carefully.
Basic rules of Ping Pong can be found here.
How many brackets will there be? Three. Intermediate, Expert and new in 2019, Doubles. Read more about the exciting end of the 2018 Expert tournament and the new Doubles tournament here. (P.S. Still want to play ping pong but skip the tournament? There will be an Open Play area!)
Can I bring my own regulation-sized paddle? Yes! We encourage it.
What style of ping pong balls will be used? Stiga 3-star.
How will matches be scored? For ping pong, each match will consist of a best of three-game series. Games will be played to 11 points, with players alternating serves after every two points. Games must be won by two points.
What happens if I lose my first match? In the intermediate bracket, you will be eliminated from the tournament, but your tournament registration includes full access to the party, including great activities such as beer pong, sumo wrestling, a classic video game arcade and much more. Also, as tables open up throughout the evening you’ll be able to challenge your friends and co-workers to “friendly” matches in the open play area.
Expert and Doubles: If you lose your first match, you’ll be placed in the Second Chance bracket. If you lose your second match, you will be eliminated from the tournament.
What happens if I win my match? Make sure to report your win to the table captain, and make sure it is recorded on the big bracket near the tournament desk.
What if I can’t make the tournament? If you can no longer participate in the tournament, please let us know immediately by emailing Colton Edwards at colton@geekwire.com.
A big thanks to Ping Pong tournament sponsor Avalara.
