There may have been a fierce battle going down in the pool this season, but behind the scenes, Sunday Inner Tube Water Polo Team Sharktopus vs. Frankenfish vs. Megashark vs. MechaGodzilla was fighting for more than a gold medal: they wanted to be Bar Champs. And they made some videos to give them an edge. Behold:

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In the end, Frothy Balls took home the title:

But don't shed any tears for Sharktopus (vs. Frankenfish vs. Megashark vs. MechaGodzilla), as all was not lost. They took home the Spirit Champs title:

Congrats to the Inner Tube Water Polo Champs!

When things end like this, it doesn't matter who started what. 

One had the ball, the other had a serious dunking and ball stealing on the mind.  One from DTF (Down To Flip) (Yellow) and one Frothy Balls (Orange).  But here in the pool of the YMCA, everyone gets wet in the end.

And this time, just like when sitting at the counter at Dunkin' Donuts on one of those 'to hell with my diet' days, to sinkers is better than one.

I don't know about the Italian guy, but at least these wonderful pink-hatted tubers from Dara and The Explorers (Pink) acting as the contemporary incarnation of 'ol Fibonacci (a household name, right?) might actually be punkers.

But what does that have to do with Water Polo?

My sources tell me that this man (and his teammates behind him no doubt) is responsible for the aquatic version of this golden number pattern.

In the first two games they had 1 point, then the third had 2.  The fourth they scored three, and it was only destined that the fifth would be 5 points.  The spirit of the Italian numerologist hovering over them, could they score 8 and keep the pattern alive?

It could be no other way.  These champions made their mark with a little wiggle room to spare.

Against all odds, this brave tube-riding baller from Pool Sharks (Purple) takes a wild shot past two defensive players and a goalie from Sharktopus vs. Frankenfish (Yellow) to try and bring in one last point during the last few seconds of the game.  It's quite a ride, but can his reach (and it's quite an impressive reach!) fly over and past the six outstretched arms waiting to spoil his chances?  Regardless, it's an awesome shot all the same.

Every summer, millions of loyal veiwers turn their TVs (or set their DVRs) to the discovery channel for a full week of shark-based programming.  Inevitably, we'll learn all about some of the most gruesome shark attacks ever recorded, likely via a documentary titled something along the lines of "Blood in the Water" or "Terror in the Sea" or "Summer of Fear".  In the end, though, we'll learn that sharks are just like any other animal and if we leave them alone in their habitats, we have nothing to fear.

Well, that may be the case for normal sharks, but it's a different story when it comes to ">SHARKTOPUSes, much like our Inner Tube Water Polo Regulars of that same name.

Don't be fooled by the friendly message on the T-Shirt...

...these players live to flip (and pass, and shoot, and drink...) and when you get in the pool with them, you'd better be ready for battle!

SportsCenter has the Top Ten.  Action Weekly has the Top Three.  But while SportsCenter's version may feature top athletes dunking, posterizing, and making epic game-winning touchdown catches, our version has FLIPPING!  And, let's be honest here, what's more fun than seeing people in Inner Tubes getting flipped during a heated Inner Tube Water Polo game?  (Answer:  Not much).

So without further ado, we present Sunday's Top Three Flips!

#3:  Drunkin Donuts (Yellow) Sinks Sharktopus vs Frankenfish (Yellow)

Looks like this Sharktopus... player was almost able to hang out, but her Drunkin Donuts matchup was able to take her out!

#2:  No Tube, Big Problem

Root, Beer, Float (Green) stuffed this Dara and the Explorers (Pink) polo player so hard that his whole inner tube disappeared!  No way did this one end well...

#1:  Going, going, gone!

There are certain times when the camera clicks at just the right time.  The stars align, and we get to catch someone at the perfect time in their flip, as this Sharktopus... player learned the hard way.  But our top flip just demonstrates what we love most about Inner Tube Water Polo:  things like this happen, of course.  But, hey, they're all part of the game, everyone has fun, no one gets hurt, and any hard feelings are washed away with some drinks at the post-game bar. 

Flip on, folks!

For a delightful Sunday evening treat, why not try this simple recipe and whip up some real fun!

INGREDIENTS

(2) Teams

(10) Swim caps (we recommend NYC Social Brand, for the recipe to come out perfect every time)

(1) Bright orange polo ball

(2-3) NYC Social staff members (we find that a ref, game coordinator, and blogger is a great combination)

(2) Polo sized nets

And a whole lot of water.

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine all in a large pool and let simmer.  Be sure the flip the players from time to time.  Once the teams have started swimming hard and hammering the ball into the nets, you'll know that the game is cooking.  Let it cook for about 30 minutes.  Remove teams and staff members from pool area and wash down with cold beer at Slainte.  Repeat every Sunday night.

Things can get pretty intense during Inner Tube Water Polo.  With all the flipping and passing and blocking, the action is pretty much non stop.  But every now and then, there's a break in the action where everyone can catch their breath, cool down, and... well... laugh and bask in the shared delight of someone else's misfortune.  At Sunday's playoffs, this was the moment that our dear referee, Dwiddy, somehow ended up joining our teams in the Chinatown YMCA pool.

Disclaimer:  No referees were harmed in the taking of these photos

We know that everyone loves NYC Social.  And some of our players certainly at least play like they're professional athletes (professional flip cup is a thing, right?).  In any case, it's always a delight to see NYC Social showing up in the press.  Sunday's Inner Tube Water Polo playoffs night was the latest target of our adoring (and very curious) public, when some pretty special guests showed up to shoot footage, take interviews, and grab some photos.

This Ceiling Fans and Porcupines (Light Blue) player didn't let the cameras phase her as she delivered a top-notch interview to the inquiring minds.

We'd love to tell you the exciting news of where these find gentlemen work for, but you'll just have to wait and find out!  Hint: It's probably one of your favorite places to waste time at work when you're procrastinating.  After Action Weekly that is!