DeKALB — Men’s Tugs is back again with the 35th annual tournament Monday through Sunday outside of University Plaza.

Phi Kappa Theta holds the No. 1 seed and will look to repeat its championship performance from the 2017 tournament.

Senior anchor Nick Younan said he believes his team will win back-to-back titles because of its focus and determination.

“I think we have a good chance this year,” Younan said. “We’re just as focused as we were last year. We’re hungry to win again, and we’re doing everything we can to make sure we win.”

Sigma Alpha Epsilon, the No. 2 seed, will look to avenge its second-place finish from last year. They will begin with a matchup against Sigma Alpha Mu 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The 2016 champion Phi Sigma Kappa is the No. 3 seed and will look to get back to its winning ways as it has won four championship titles in the last six years. Its first matchup is 5:30 p.m. Monday against No. 6 Tau Kappa Epsilon.

Tugs has become a popular event among the Greek community on campus. Brendan Pfeiffer, junior second head rope caller for Phi Kappa Theta, said he admires how much of a uniting experience tugs is as it creates a special bond between the Greek brothers who choose to participate.

“There’s definitely a stronger bond between the tuggers in the house than everybody else in the organization,” Pfeiffer said. “You have three to four practices a week with each other. There’s a lot more camaraderie and togetherness that you’re going to experience with those guys.”

Senior first trenchman Xavier Mata of No. 4 Phi Kappa Psi said tugs is enjoyable, and it is encouraged for people to get involved.

“The most enjoyable part about doing tugs is definitely the tournament [atmosphere],” Mata said. “I love seeing all of the supporters out there. Also having all of your guys backing you up and being competitive.”

Mata said he believes students should attend the tugs tournament because it is an exciting and charitable event.

“It’s competitive, it’s healthy, it’s a fun time overall,” Mata said. “Even if you’re not Greek, you should still come out because all of the proceeds go to charity. It’s a philanthropy event. It’s all for a good cause.”

All money raised goes toward Safe Passage, an organization that aims to reduce and prevent domestic violence and sexual assault in DeKalb County.