Kaneko Karnival’s edge-of-your-seat ping-pong tournament

Malachi Washington (’26) and Elliot Earles (’27) gave spectators an exciting scene. A thrilling game was played and it showed in the score (25-20). In the end, Washington snatched the win. Photo by Ruby Hampton.

At this year's Halloween Kaneko Karnival on Oct. 26, clubs from around campus ventured to Kaneko to contribute to some spooky entertainment. The night was filled with face-painting by the ASWU club, a “guess-the-bird” game hosted by the WU Bird Nerds, and classic carnival games run by the RAs of the Kaneko building. 

Amidst all the Halloween fun, nothing could beat the excitement for the long-awaited ping-pong tournament. Held on the third floor, this CREC-run tournament combined friendly competition with practiced skill. 

A quick warm-up from two competitors of the Kaneko ping-pong tournament. Photo by Ruby Hampton.

Sadie Glaser (’27) claimed a friendly victory over Nicole Mesita (’27) early in the tournament, putting Glaser in a good spot for the semifinals. Elliot Earles (’27) battled Malachi Washington (’26) in round 2, with Washington sealing his position at one of the two semifinals.  

Throughout the night, the competition increased and rallies got longer. The semifinals, which featured Glaser and Shouvik Ahmed Antu (’26), was intense and brought a crowd to witness the players display their skill. This round concluded with a swift win (25-15) from Antu. “He’s just that good,” said a fellow ping-pong competitor. 

Shouvik Ahmed Antu (’26), tournament champion, returns a shot. Photo by Ruby Hampton.

Antu, a resident advisor and colloquium associate by day and ping-pong legend by night, remained undefeated against Washington in a thrilling best-of-three set final.  

The Kaneko’s Karnival brought together skilled individuals who shared the passion for ping-pong and quality time with their Willamette student body. As holiday break looms near, more ping-pong practice is soon to be here.