Apparently, there is a beer pong universe. It has its own governing body, president, World Series and community. And you’re running out of time to be a part of it.

Back again in Vegas for 2010 is the World Series of Beer Pong being held at the Flamingo January 1-5 (because you didn’t drink enough on New Year’s Eve).

The registration fee of $599 per player includes a four-night stay at The Flamingo and a chance at the grand prize of $50,000.

Of course, if you’re worried about your liver, the tournament gives teams the option of using water instead of beer, so you can actually remember competing, but we don’t necessarily recommend it. Last year’s winners went the opposite route, starting the day with whiskey before taking to the tables to play with beer. And you know what they say about messing with winning formulas… The deadline to sign up for The World Series of Beer Pong V is December 10, so head over to www.bpong.com/wsobp before you get drunk and forget.