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WHAT'S MAKING NEWS IN THE WORLD OF PROFESSIONAL PIG PASSING
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PAST ARTICLES
Jeff Bridges ("The Dude"), plus other celebrities, are playing "Pass the Pigs"!!
by Phil Laycio February 8, 2010
LIGHTS, CAMERA, PIGS!! -- The NPPL has known for quite awhile now that Jeff Bridges, Golden Globe and Academy Award winner for his performance in "Crazy Heart", is an avid fan of Pass the Pigs. It was never mentioned on this website before because well...who isn't a fan of this addicting game? Over the years Bridges has introduced the game to other friends on movie sets including Chris Cooper and Tobey Maguire on the set of "Seabiscuit" and Simon Pegg on the set of "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People". Given the game is light and can be carried around very easily, its no surprise the game is so popular on commercial, television and movie sets all over Hollywood and the world. While waiting for the decoration of a set or the lighting of a shot, most crews have plenty of time to whip out the Pigs and play a quick game before the cameras start rolling.
British comedian Simon Pegg and director Robert Weide playing Pass the Pigs on the set of "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People". Photo courtesy of Jeff Bridges.
Jeff Bridges even gives the game kudos on his website, www.jeffbridges.com. After entering the homepage, the “Stuff” section includes artwork linking to what are apparently some of Bridges favorite sites, including the Java game of "Pass the Pigs".
And he isn't the only celebrity-fan of the game. The NPPL has also been told other celebrities are fond of the Pigs such as Jude Law, Ron Howard and The Rock. If Jeff Bridges is reading this, or any other celebrity for that matter, the NPPL would like to call out a formal invitation to join us this summer for PIG MADNESS VII at Brennans Pub in Marina del Rey CA on Saturday August 20th, 2011, the biggest and funnest "Pass the Pigs" tournament in the world! And NO, we're not joking!!
One wonders if "The Dude" learned about the brilliant game through colleagues of one of our very own NPPL members, given at least five of them work in production and continue to promote the game. It was NPPL founder Elvis Greene who was introduced to it on a commercial years ago (see the History page) and this writer would not be surprised if the trickle-down effect from Elvis' obsession is still making waves throughout Hollywood production sets to this day.
Says Bridges, "I like to play the game of "Pass the Pigs" when I’m on set. It’s like ‘craps’ for kids, where you roll these little pigs and you get different scores depending on how they land. As you know, I’m a keen photographer, I’m always snapping away on set, and I think I’ve got quite a few of us all playing Pigs!" Bridges was quoted in the February 2010 edition of Men's Journal as saying, "It's great to play with a bunch of people. On the set of "Iron Man", some guys put up some pretty high stakes, it got wild!"
Chris Cooper playing Pass the Pigs on the set of "Seabiscuit". Photo courtesy of Jeff Bridges (taken from the dvd)
Check out these recent articles that mention Jeff Bridges and his favorite game of Pass the Pigs:
Ted Danson and Patrick Fugit playing Pass the Pigs on the set of "The Amateurs". Photo courtesy of Jeff Bridges.
Johnny Derango - 2011 Masters Champion!!
Los Angeles, CA --- As we all know, the game of Pass the Pigs is a fascinating game. So when the Masters of the NPPL get together in the beginning of every year to determine the Masters Champion you would expect a fascinating tournament and fascinating pigs. This competition was just that. Although Perry Day and Ashley Hurd missed out on the grand tournament, nine others faced off against eachother in a day of rollercoaster emotions, crazy endless games, and one hopeful champion - Johnny Derango.
Playing on two different surfaces at Gary Williams apartment, The Masters quickly discovered how hard it was to roll a good game on the glass table as it provided them with what seemed to be endless pigouts and frustrating games that could only be described as laughable & boring at the same time. Mark Rago started off 1-5 only to sweep 3 people afterwards and finish with the #1 seed at 16-8. Gus Mosca had his always-consistent good pigs all day earning him the #2 seed finishing at 15-9, and there was a 3 way tie for the last 2 playoff spots as Matt Janssen, Zach Kuperman & Johnny Derango all finished with .500 records at 12-12. Unfortunately Janssen lost the head-to-head matchups with both and was left out of the top four spots. And to no one's surprise Gary Williams finished in last place again with a 9-15 record, posting his unfathomable 4th last-place finish in 5 years, an amazing feat that's even more incredible added with the fact he finished second-to-last in 2010 by only 1 game! And some say this game is all luck!
February 25, 2011 By: Heywood Jablome
By: Heywood Jablome
The drama ensued in the playoffs as Mark Rago was down 2 games to 0 in a Best of 5 and came back to win the next 2 and go up 74-0 in the decisive Game 5. After a few pig-outs and a couple monster rolls by Kuperman though, Rago was knocked out and Superman Kuperman advanced to the Finals - an amazing feat given this was only his 4th tournament ever played and he already had 2 trophies under his belt - Pig Madness Champion 2009 and Piganapolis 500 2010. To win 3 out of 4 tournaments would be nothing short of astounding as some Masters haven't won a tournament in over 10 years!
His luck was soon to run out though as a determined and passionate Johnny Derango stood in his way after ousting Gus Mosca 3 games to 1 in their semi-final match. The Finals was a battle of the #3 & #4 seeds - both of which only had .500 records going into the playoffs - but that's why they play the games. Derango rolled his best pigs of the day when it counted the most as he whipped Mosca 3-1 and then dispersed a huge giant of a pig passer in Superman Kuperman beating him 4 games to 2 to claim his first green jacket and Masters crown. Congratulations Derango - your Pigs were well-played and your title is well-deserved.
Johnny Derango:
2011 Masters Champion!
Bill Vergos putting The Green Jacket on the new champion.
STANDINGS
1. Mark Rago 16-8
16-82. Gus Mosca 15-9
15-93. Johnny Derango 12-12
12-124. Zach Kuperman12-12
12-125. Matt Janssen 12-12
12-126. Jeff Schartz 11-13
11-137. John Coscia 11-13
11-138. Bill Vergos 10-14
10-149. Gary Williams 9-15
9-15
PLAYOFFS4. Kuperman def. 3-2
1. Rago
3. Derango def. 3-1
2. Mosca
CHAMPIONSHIP
3. Derango defeated 4-2
4. Kuperman
Gary Williams soaking his hand before the tournament - it didn't work.
Janssen wins the 500 with Incredible Roll!!!!
May 16th, 2011By: Willie Eterout
Marina del Rey, CA --- It could arguably be called one of the greatest rolls in the history of the NPPL. And it was done by a Master that had yet to win himself a tournament, or even come close for that matter. But things changed for Jannsen last Saturday night at Brennans Pub in Marina del Rey CA. What started for Matt as another tournament of average to above-average Pigs, ended with a roll that will not soon be forgotten...
It started as an astounding field of 20 players, and when it looked all but certain another guest that no one knew would win the tournament instead of the a regular or a Master, Janssen stepped up and had the roll of a lifetime. With two leaders in the mid-400's, Janssen rolled an incredible...shocking...absolutely amazing roll of 161 points and he took home the first place trophy. It's what so many others have tried doing in many past year's Piganapolis 500's when the leaders were about to win, but Janssen turned that pipe-dream into a reality and he left the pub with a hefty $350 and the ever-classic "Pigvomit" compact disc (which everyone already should own but thats another column).
After blowing a leadoff 89-point roll and pigging out, Newcomer David fought his way back to the top of the pack and finished second- a great showing and enough for a $75 prize. Matt Skeadas, another newcomer won $25 with his third-place finish. Also Frankie Ridell walked home with a "Girls Night Out" piggy bank for finishing tops among the women. And of course it wouldn't be The Piganapolis 500 if there weren't the few that crashed and rolled oinkers. Ashley Hurd was the first to do it but luckliy it was early, and the longer this 3.5 hour tournament went, the more oinkers that were rolled. Newcomer Nick followed as did Gary Williams, John Coscia and Cousin Brendan. Oinkers...they'll kill ya. Voices were raised, tables were punched and side-bets even started for those who knew it wasn't their night. But overall it was a fun night and one that will not soon be forgotten. Congrats Matt!
Third Second and First
Matt David and Matt
Frankie Riddell rolling her way to a prize...
Your 2011 Piganapolis Champion!
Matt Janssen
PIG MADNESS VII Los Angeles- Saturday August 20th 5pm
Los Angeles, CA. The NPPL is proud to announce the 7th annual PIG MADNESS tournament in Los Angeles CA hosted by the current Masters of the NPPL. This year we are excited to announce that we will have the tournament at the popular Brennans Pub in Marina del Rey CA. Although we will miss the Venice Beach setting, we are looking forward to our new location which is already equipped with parking, restrooms, bleachers, live music, food and drink, plus discounts for all participants of the Pigs!!! We are certain our new location will allow the tournament to run much smoother and a better time will be had by all. Please RSVP to this unforgettable experience by clicking here!!!
DATE: Saturday August 20th, 2011
TIME: We recommend all players arrive by 5pm. All players must be registered by 5:30pm, and we hope to have the Pigs rolling by 6pm and we expect to finish around 12:00am.
ENTRY FEE TO PLAY: $30 (or as low as $20 depending on the number of participants)
PRIZES: We hope to have the same prizes as in years past with first place as $1,000, plus 2nd 3rd & 4th place prizes in addition to more. Prize allocation will depend on tournament participation so make sure you RSVP as soon as possible and tell all your friends as well!!!
CHICAGO PIG MADNESS IV ANOTHER SMASHING SUCCESS!! August 3rd, 2011By: Scoop Palazzo
August 3rd, 2011By: Scoop PalazzoDave Hamlin takes the title in another thrilling final!!
Chicago, IL -- The 2011 edition of Chicago Pig Madness was hot, sunny, sweaty, and full of energy. 21 participants battled throughout the day and into the night with the hopes of taking home money and bragging rights for another year. This year felt stronger than prior ones, as the Chicago chapter has four years under it's belt and has now cemented itself as a force in all things Pig. Games were close. Rivalries blossomed, as years of competition against each other have now led to genuine desire to crush the opponent. Ultimately everyone wanted to bring down the prior champ, Erika Elliott, as it appeared early on that she would be in the hunt and a force to be reckoned with. She was, but sneaking quietly in the background was her fiancee and 4 year veteran Dave Hamlin, who has put together a couple of near miss semi-final appearances and had been knocking on the championship door. This year, he kicked it in, beating fellow veteran Andrew Price in a thrilling 5 game final by 5 measly points. FIVE measly points!
The PM4 playoffs were probably the closest and most competitive Chicago has ever seen. The first and 2nd round matchups were barnburners, with most going into the rubber match of the 3 game series. More than a few F-bombs, cheers, and shouts went into each game. But true to form, once the Semi-Finals hit, it was the #1's vs. the #2 seeds duking it out. On one side, you had Hamlin battling Kyle Krestege, another original player who had never before made the playoffs, but had a star shining on him on this hot, humid day. He even copped the veteran playoff attitude by delaying his matchup saying he needed more time to prepare for the series. The games were hotly contested, with David squeaking though. The other semi-final match was a little more hostile, as Price took on Aubri Vincent-Barwood. Each player was accused of pulling a roll up before the ref had a chance to add the score, which only led to harsh words and icy staredowns. In "Johnny Derango" style psych warfare, Barwood went shot for shot with Price during the game in attempt to throw him off and cloud his judgement. It nearly worked, but Price had enough in him to sweep 3-0 in games that were much closer in score than the sweep indicated. Both #1 seeds were to meet for the championship.
FINAL REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS
(Top 6 from each division make playoffs--#1 and #2 seeds receive a first round bye)
SWINE DIVISION:
1) David Hamlin 7-3
2) Aubri Vincent-Barwood 7-3
3) Cary Miller 7-3
4) Alyson Pouls 6-4
5) Perry Day 5-5
6) Jim Pappas 5-5
-----------------------------------
7) Eric Turner 5-5
8) Kevin Bartkowiak 4-6
9) Brian Schnell 3-7
10) Lutz 3-7
11) Greg 3-7
HOG DIVISION:
1) Andrew Price 7-2
2) Kyle Kresge 6-3
3) Erika Elliott 6-3
4) Celeste Root 6-3
5) Bart Bartkowiak 5-4
6) Enrique Leyva 4-5
------------------------------------
7) Curt Miller 3-6
8) Aileen 3-6
9) Sandra Pappas 3-6
10) Mike Blanco 2-7
PLAYOFFS:
First Round (best of 3):
#6 J. Pappas defeated #3 Elliott
#5 B. Bartkowiak defeated #4 Pouls
#6 Leyva defeated #3 Miller
#4 Root defeated #4 Day
Quarter Finals (best of 3):
#1 Price defeated Pappas
#2 Vincent-Barwood defeated Bartkowiak
#1 Hamlin defeated Leyva
#2 Kresge defeated Root
Semi Finals (best of 5):
Price defeated Vincent-Barwood
Hamlin defeated Kresge
FINALS (best of 5)
Hamlin defeated Price 3 games to 2
DAVID HAMLIN---CHICAGO PIG MADNESS IV CHAMP!!!!
Dave Hamlin -
Chicago Pig Madness Champion!
In a heated final that went the distance, Price battled back twice to force a winner take all game that echoed last years final. Getting to 95 points, he passed the Pigs to set himself up for an easy win, as Hamlin was at 42. But in one of the strongest rolls of the night, he pulled a 58 point roll to take Price out. It can be debated if passing was the better move, but there is no doubt at all that running the table from 42 points is very difficult, and Hamlin crushed it when the pressure mounted. He went home with the 300 bucks and bragging rights, while Price took home the 2nd place prize of 50 bucks and, as he described it, a surreal feeling.
Other highlights of the day were Alyson Pouls' double leaning jowler, which is her first and the first EVER in Chicago NPPL history. Festivities were closed out with an acoustic performance by Big Black Bird, which made for a great Superbowl-like halftime show that will hopefully set a new pattern for future Chicago tourneys. The party continued into the night, with the last guest staggering to bed at almost 2 AM.
All in all, a new precedent has been set: Chicago brings it when it comes to Pass The Pigs. One can only hope that some of the LA people have the guts to come out for a face-to-face battle one day...
ALYSON POULS throws 1st DOUBLE LEANING JOWLER in Chicago history!!!July 30th, 2011By: Scoop Palazzo
July 30th, 2011By: Scoop Palazzo
Chicago, IL - In a historical moment in Chicago Pig Madness history, Alyson Pouls became the first person to throw a Double Leaning Jowler. During an early regular season match against Aubri Vincent-Barwood that was in mid-score range of 100, the famous DLJ was thrown, stunning the crowd and giving Alyson the win!! It is perhaps the coolest looking DLJ ever thrown, as it landed on Alyson's scorecard with her name between the pigs, which was truly a thing of beauty!!! Just as she was the first Chicago champ, it was only fitting that she be the first DLJ thrower in the windy city's history. Congratulations Alyson - your legendary Pigs just keep rolling!!!
The Official 2011 PIG MADNESS VII poster designed by "Autograph" Mike Aring
