Paintball History

Paintball has become an engaging sports. However, very few people know that Paintball was never started as an actual sport. Rather, it was just a modus operandi for marking of trees by Forest Department. For couple of years, it was used for marking the trees and from there, Paintball Guns acquired their name of "Markers"

Paintball Invention

Let me take you to the past. In the late 70's, two friends were sitting together and having a chit-chat regarding survival skills in the Jungles. These two gentlemen were Charles Gaines and Hayes Noel.

Paintball Game

During their discussion, these two gentlemen agreed on playing a game in the forests. They named it "Survival". It was not a team game, every player was on its own. So, 12 players were selected who had to compete against each other. They were provided with Paintball Guns, Nelspot 007 and ammo. The one who is able to survive and reach at the pre-designated destination would be the winner.

Few thought it a simple Shooting game. Rather, it was more of a mental as well as physical challenge. So, on 27 June, 1981, world saw the first winner of Paintball "Richie White".

Era of Paintball

Just after the first game of Paintball, players started coming towards Paintball like small iron pieces towards a large magnet. Paintball became more and more famous resulting into development of Paintball fields all across USA.

Big and Famous names jumped into the lane. Money started pouring in and it attracted more and more players towards this new game. The new game had made its mark.

But, it was not a happy go lucky situation. Many organisations had come against Paintball. There were heated debates on News channels for banning Paintball due to its harsh nature. In many states, Paintball was banned but Paintball players made a good legal fight back to win the cases in the court.

Both Paper as well as Digital media was available to give due coverage to Paintball. It was getting well deserved media coverage. Even ESPN was there to cover the Paintball Events.

Paintball Tournaments and Leagues

Paintball had gained too much fame across the globe. This needed to expand the canvas of Paintball. It could not be done alone. It required coordinated efforts by the players. Therefore, it resulted into formation of certain small level teams. They worked together, finances were managed and then emerged big leagues.

With the formation of big leagues, certain tournaments were arranged. Paintball was continuously sailing towards fame. This resulted into formation of International Paintball Players Association (IPPA). This was appreciated as a very big step and it proved vital in the coming year. They managed National Professional Paintball League (NPPL), World Cup Level event. First World Cup of Paintball. Yeah, World Cup of Paintball.

Paintball across Globe

In the decade of 80's and 90's, Paintball gained fame not only in the USA but also across the globe. It was equally famous in Australia, Canada, UK, Europe and even Russia.

Many famous paintball events were conducted across globe. Teams were crossing borders to compete against each other. This spoke about the variety this game had to offer.

Paintball Variants

Paintball was growing by each passing day. Therefore, Paintball started acquiring different versions. There were many versions but the most famous among these are Speedball, Woodsball, Mil-Sim.

These three versions have gained enormous popularity and all these versions are played with equal interest. Although all these versions differ from each other in their playing style but still all are equally famous and enjoyable.

Conclusion

Paintball is not an old game. But, it has become very famous because of the potential it has to offer.

It is equally famous across the borders and it is expanding day by day. If you want to join the Paintball community, you are about to explore the fun you have never imagined.