The Surprising Origins of Beer Pong: How This Party Classic Came to Be

If you’ve joined one of our legendary Pub Crawls Thailand nights, there’s a good chance you’ve found yourself around a table, red cups in hand, cheering as your new friends aim for that satisfying splash—yes, we’re talking about beer pong. But have you ever stopped mid-game and wondered: Where did beer pong actually come from?

Spoiler alert: Beer pong has a surprisingly rich (and slightly chaotic) history! Let’s dive into how this iconic drinking game evolved from a frat house pastime to a worldwide party staple.

Beer Pong's Ivy League Beginnings

Believe it or not, beer pong didn’t start with the plastic cups and ping pong balls we know today. It traces its roots back to Dartmouth College in the 1950s and 60s. The game was originally played more like an actual table tennis match, where players used paddles to bat the ball back and forth—hence the "pong" in beer pong!

The rules were simple: If the ball landed in your opponent’s beer-filled cup, they had to drink. It was a fun (and slightly messy) way to combine skill, competition, and, of course, beer.

The Paddle Disappears

By the 1970s and 80s, as beer pong spread to other colleges, the paddles gradually disappeared. Why? Maybe because drunk table tennis isn't exactly easy! Instead, players ditched the paddles and started tossing the ping pong ball by hand, leading to what many now call “Beirut”—though the name “beer pong” stuck in most places.

No one knows exactly why the name "Beirut" caught on, but some say it references the chaotic nature of the game, much like the political unrest in Beirut at the time. Either way, the no-paddle version became the norm.

The Rise of the Red Solo Cup

Fast forward to the 90s and 2000s, and beer pong became synonymous with the classic red Solo cup. These cups were cheap, durable, and held just the right amount of beer (or whatever beverage you preferred). Soon, beer pong was popping up at college parties, bars, and eventually… around the world.

It didn’t take long for tournaments and even official beer pong leagues to form. What started as a quirky college pastime is now a global drinking game phenomenon—including right here in Thailand!

Beer Pong at Pub Crawls Thailand

At Pub Crawls Thailand, we’ve embraced beer pong as one of our favorite icebreaker games. There’s no better way to meet fellow travelers, spark friendly competition, and get the good vibes flowing.

Whether you’re a beer pong pro or a total newbie, you'll feel right at home on our pub crawls. So next time you’re lining up your shot, impress your tablemates by dropping some knowledge about beer pong’s Ivy League roots!

Ready to Test Your Beer Pong Skills?

Join us on one of our wild pub crawls in Bangkok or Phuket, and who knows—you might just become a beer pong legend yourself.