NPPL Current Pro Rankings After DC Challenge

There's only one more NPPL event left in the season and the points race in the Pro Division couldn't be any tighter! LA Infamous currently sits in 1st after performing consistently well all season long, however two back-to-back wins in Chicago and DC have put TB Damage just one point behind them in the leaderboards. Infamous and Damage aren't the only squads in the running however, as Edmonton Impact and SD Dynasty are currently tied for 3rd place with 49 points, putting either squad easily in contention to win the series title in Vegas.

LA Infamous - 51
Tampa Bay Damage - 50
Edmonton Impact - 49
San Diego Dynasty - 49
Oakland Blast - 39
Louis Avalanche - 32
Seattle Naughty Dogs - 31
New Port Entourage - 26
Chicago Legend - 23
Vancouver Vendetta - 22
Sacramento XSV - 20
Indianapolis Mutiny - 18
San Francisco Explicit - 12
DC Arsenal - 8

Don't forget that NPPL Vegas registration is now open! CLICK HERE to register your team now.
The National Professional Paintball League is committed to hosting the highest quality paintball tournaments at the most affordable price. Our vision is to provide you, the player and team, a professional stage to compete on while giving you the best possible experience. We will focus on quality referees and organization while giving you an incredible vibe to have the time of your paintball life.

Come join the Pros and experience the Greatest Paintball Show on Earth.

National Professional Paintball League
www.nppl.com

The Russians Are Coming! Trailer - Behind the Red: The Russian Legion Paintball Documentary

"Emerging Underground" Trailer

2010 XPSL (Bundesliga) 1 German Paintball League Day 2

Sideline Coaching: Genie out of the Bottle?

‘HIGHWAY!’. . . ‘SHOOT the BOX’, ‘WEASEL ONE!’ ‘MAGIC the S2!’ ‘HE‘s in the. . .’ Sound familiar? If you’ve ever witnessed a ‘Race To’ match you know that the quotes above are often not so distinguishable. In the chaos that was formerly known as x-ball, the sidelines can be shear madness.

The concept of having sideline coaching (in its various evolutions) was not part of the original formula in tournament paintball. Today, there are those who play and coach the game who would like to see it . . .eliminated. Conversely, there are players and coaches who see no reason to stop using it.

Side-Line Coaching and Crowd Participation

The two are inextricably linked. In other words, you either can have yelling, screaming, communicating, or you don’t. If you try to say no sideline coaching, who is going to monitor crowd directives? The PSP at one point had a specific area for sideline coaching and there was a safety issue affecting it.

The alternative is no coaching, talking, etc during a game / match. However, one only has to go back a couple seasons ago to an ugly incident(s) that was caught on tape. The one way to eliminate the possibility of cheating is allow everyone to be vocal during live action.

So when speaking of sideline coaching, really it is part of and includes crowd participation. Then on what basis do some want to see side-line coaching done away with?

Putting a Lid on it

The main argument for removing sideline coaching deals with players relying on communication from teammates and playing the game more instinctively. Player makes a great move and gets the payoff. With sideline coaching the opposing player(s) adjust and the move may be neutralized. So in the rhetoric of those opposed to coaching, coached players are mere robots. In effect, joy-sticking players down the field.

It appears those who favor no coaching originate from two camps. The first would be players who have been around long enough to remember 10-man days and the move to seven-man. The second being players who have never played the game in a Race-To format. The former view old school paintball as a more pure form of the game. The latter not having had a chance to play in it tend to be less fervent.

A good example of this would be the WCPPL. Last year it shifted from a seven-man format to the Race to format. Many west coast divisional players got their first taste of sideline coaching. Many enjoyed it, while acknowledging it takes time to adjust their thought process. So does coaching from outside the net really influence the outcome of games?

How Effective is it?

It is hoped that the game is bringing in and developing enough competent players to be able to function either way. But here is a reality. Most Pro players, especially snake players want minimal information. Primarily, “where are the opposing players and who is shooting at me?”

An effective sideline coach can absolutely affect the outcome of a game. Working in tandem with a good snake player, they set up shots and moves using their own lingo. A few years ago, I remember a snake coach whose code for his Pro snake player to go get someone was to curse a particular phrase at him. It worked time and again.

Another point sideline coaching advocates allude to is a players skill set. The ability to decipher, pick out, listen to or ignore information (often in highly charged directives to the point of screaming) is a skill unto itself. Certainly at some point, every experienced snake player has gotten shot listening to bad info. It’s tricky. Not every team has a quality guy on the sidelines that knows the lanes and shots to direct traffic. Even then, the player has to be able to trust them. So while sideline coaching is far from a panacea for the player, there can be benefits.

The Greater Benefit

Perhaps the greatest benefit is for those outside the field of play. Those in favor of coaching from the spectator side point to crowd involvement (as anyone is allowed to shout out whatever they please). Last week at the MAO, a Pro player had some friends attend the event. It was interesting to see their level of excitement and enthusiasm as they picked up the lingo amidst trying to understand how the game was played. There were smiles and looks of satisfaction. They felt like they had a small part in seeing and helping points won, yelling out positions for their friend. Being their first paintball tournament experience, both guys and girls talked about it all evening.

In other words, the coaching format is fan friendly. Spectators love to feel they have a part in the win or success of the team they pull for. It’s the same principle as fans screaming and yelling for their football team’s defense to get a stop on third down. Leaving the stadium hoarse and spent, they feel as though they had a part in it.

Moving Forward

With five guns shooting twelve and a half paintballs travelling at three hundred feet a second, it’s hard to image any league flashing a placard that says “Quiet in the Gallery”. It’s not golf and it’s not tennis. Paintball is an intense, fast paced game. It lends itself to responding.

We see more athletic players now then at anytime in the game’s history. Just as slowing the game down to where players just sit in a bunker would be a step backwards; encouraging the ability for the crowd to interact is a move forward.

Whether sideline coaching should or shouldn’t be a part of the game, the Genie is already out of the Bottle. To take it away now would make for a lesser spectator experience.

We are in a time where we need all the energy and enthusiasm our sport can muster. Encouraging crowd involvement, coaching from the sidelines can raise the level of experience to one of spectator to one of participant.

Birth of a Storm - Episode 3: PSP Chicago Open - The New England Hurricanes Paintball Documentary

Breaking News Update: NPPL World Paintball Championships October 8th 9th and 10th

Breaking News Update: NPPL World Paintball Championships October 8th 9th and 10th

Once again the NPPL is hosting the World Paintball Championships on the famous Las Vegas Strip. This event will be the event of the year and you do not want to miss it.
The best teams in the world will converge in Las Vegas to see who will be crowned the 7 Man and 5 Man champions. If you think your team is good then sign up to compete in one of the 7 divisions.
Team Registration opens August 21! Don't miss your chance to save, and to guarantee your teams spot, this year end paintball spectacle will sell out quickly!

NPPL Divisions are:
Professional -7 man
Division 1 -7 man
Division 2 -7 man
Division 3 -7 man
Division 3 -5 man
Division 4 -5 man
Pump 5man

Prize money will be issued to 1st though 4th place and Trophies for 1st through 3rd place.

In addition the normal competition the NPPL will host an Exhibition Match on Friday and Saturday debuting the new NPPL S7 Format. This new format was played in DC during the All Star Game and the league is considering using this format for 2011. The League is looking to invite one player from each D2 and D3 7man team to play the new format along side Pro Players.

The NPPL will also host the Paintball Celebrity Poker Tournament and a Players party where the NPPL Hall of Fame inductees will be announced. Each Team Packet will be loaded with discount coupons for Vegas nightclubs, shows, restaurants and deals at the trade show.

In addition to the competition there will be a Hugh trade show where many of the Paintball Manufactures will be debuting their 2011 paintball line of products. The trade show is open to the public.

Click below for the Las Vegas Field design.




The National Professional Paintball League is committed to hosting the highest quality paintball tournaments at the most affordable price. Our vision is to provide you, the player and team, a professional stage to compete on while giving you the best possible experience. We will focus on quality referees and organization while giving you an incredible vibe to have the time of your paintball life.

Come join the Pros and experience the Greatest Paintball Show on Earth.

National Professional Paintball League
www.nppl.com

Hellcats - Division 2 Paintball Team - PSP Chicago Open 2010

PL Edmonton Impact Geo2

Details are still unconfirmed, but you may have seen a few players with the new pro paintball Edmonton Impact team edition Geo2. Like most PL Planet Eclipse markers, this will likely be a 1 of 20-25. Post up your opinions in the comments.

Spain, London, and Belgium

PSP World Cup Layout



More information on the October 21 – 24, 2010 World Cup which has been posted on http://www.pspevents.com

Movers & Shakers Heading into PSP World Cup

Boston Red Legion made good on a trend we discussed last week in the MAO Watch list, namely, they don’t miss the top four often. Right on cue, Russia stormed the Carolinas, going 6-0 and coasting to an impressive win of the PSP’s Pro Division of the Mid Atlantic Open.

The numbers were gaudy as they give up an average of just 2.5 points in six games. In so doing, the Legion climbed into the series top four (at number 3) for the first time this season. Cracking the top four should set up a first round bye at World Cup; details are forth coming.

The Ironmen of Los Angeles broke thru to Sunday for the first time this season. Unable to sustain their momentum, they fell to San Diego Aftermath in the Semi-Finals. Speaking of Aftermath, they continue to improve with a young lineup. Tampa Bay Damage, who has been in elite company all year long failed for only the second time all season to have a top four finish. Joining them was L.A. Infamous (who went 1-3) landed outside the top four for the first time this season.

World Cup is the big one on the PSP schedule. While the rankings are not squeaky close, anything can happen. Typically a bye rewards the Top 4 teams for their success leading into Cup. But everyone will be prepared and eager to walk away with the PSP Pro Paintball crown.

Win 2010 World Cup and you’re not only Champions of the PSP. There is another mythical championship we call the Pro Power Rankings. Stay tuned as the numbers are being crunched and compilations are being made.

Pro Paintball video-ETV Artifact Episode #1 with Aftershock - Deleted Scenes

Down to the wire NPPL Style

Quick Trivia Question: When was the last time the Pro Division came into the last event with four team within two points of each other? Answer: Two Sundays ago in Aldie, Va. as Tampa Bay reeled off their second consecutive NPPL victory.

Damage, who by their own admission had not prepared for Huntington Beach earlier in the season, went 10-3 in route to the Semi-Finals. After sending Dynasty to play the Naughty Dogs for third and fourth, win over L.A. Infamous. Tampa Bay, now winners of NPPL’s Chicago and the DC Challenge are riding a crest of momentum. They have poised themselves to make a strong run at winning both Pro leagues. They currently sit in 2nd of the PSP by a mere 1.82 points. The buzz within the NPPL is Bay’s recent surge that has them in 2nd by the slimmest of margins. Damage trails the new leader series L.A. Infamous by 1 point.

Edmonton Impact finds themselves in unfamiliar surroundings for the first time in 2010 as they have slipped into a third place tie with Dynasty. Other notables were the Naughty Dogs who cracked the Top 4 for the first time this year. Both Chicago Legend and Indianapolis Mutiny had improved showing with Sunday appearances.

It should make for an exciting finish. The top Pro teams will not only vie for the NPPL Championship, but also the PSP’s. With the MAO results in, stay tuned to ProPaintball’s new Power Rankings to be released shortly.

Planet Eclipse paintball video Artifact 4-Vicious & X-Factor.

PSP Mid Atlantic Open 2010

The 2010 NPPL DC Challenge Final Standings and Recap!

The DC Challenge paintball tournament, held at the beautiful Pev's Paintball Park in Aldie, VA has come to a close and the NPPL would like to thank all the players, sponsors, staff and crew that came together to help make this one of the smoothest paintball events in NPPL history. The league would also like to extend a special thanks to Mike "Pev" Peverill and his team for providing such an outstanding venue.

The NPPL was excited to debut the new "S7" tournament format during the All-Star Game, which got rave reviews from both pro players and spectators alike. As for the regulation pro competition, Tampa Bay Damage proved that they are definitely the top 7-man team in the country with back-to-back wins in Chicago and now in DC. Congratulations to Damage on their impressive victory.

Here are the final standings in each division:

Pro
1st - Damage
2nd - Infamous
3rd - Dynasty
4th - Dogs

D1
1st - Arsenal Predators
2nd - Warped Army
3rd - Dogs Silver

D2
1st - One 18
2nd - Obnoxious
3rd - Infamy
4th - Paradox

D3
1st - Noobies
2nd - Tlords
3rd - Wiseguys
4th - Minions

D4
1st - Iron Legion
2nd - Justice Kidz
3rd - TCP H8 Factory
4th - PB Warehouse Factory

Pump
1st -Vigilante
2nd - Top Gun FP&PL Scrubs
3rd - Milwaaukee Throwback
4th - Blind Aggression

All-Star Game: Presented by Empire and RPS Paintball
Winners: Western Conference
CLICK HERE to see the full All-Star Game scores and rosters

The season isn't over yet! The NPPL will next be rolling into Las Vegas on October 8th - 10th for the World Paintball Champions, so stay tuned to NPPL.com for more information on what will surely be the must-see paintball event of the year.

North Texas Riot

Team Betrayal psp chicago open 2010

MAO Watch List: Boston Red Legion

MAO WATCH LIST: Boston Red Legion

The Russians are looking to make a statement in Rock Hill. They have the distinction of being the most consistent Pro team in the PSP over the last five years. They also have the most 1^st place finishes. What has been missing is a strong finish to their Sunday.

Thru two events this season, they bring in a .548 win percentage good for fourth best in the league. Defensively, they are allowing 4.7 points per match. Currently they ranked 5^th in the PSP Standings and 5^th (by one point) in the ProPaintball Power Rankings.

One area that Legion will look to get under control is the penalty box. The Chicago event showed them to be undisciplined at times and not the methodical machine they can be.

The chart below shows just how dominate the Russians have been since 2006. Still, the PSP Pro Division Series championship proved elusive. That is until last year as Boston took 2 out of 3 from the Philadelphia Americans to win the series.

It is a safe bet that Boston Red Legion will be bearing down to get back into the Finals match. Anything below a Top 4 would mark the first time in Pro they would have two events in the same season missing the Top 4. Personnel and coaching adjustments have been and may continue to affect the season. Stay tuned.

Team XSV Fueled by Ninja Paintball

ProPB Leak: Mysterious Email

It’s not often that a genuine scoop pops into your inbox, but tonight we’ve received just that. An email claiming to be from a company with big plans and some cool ideas. We’re not totally sure what this is or who is making it since it doesn’t look like any brand we recognize – all we can say is that it’s new, it’s coming soon, and you’re looking at a photo – not a render [3D pro on staff assures us of this, as does the email - Rob]. That means this is serious. The design sure looks unusual, but if there’s enough space in that trigger guard it could also be very comfortable. We’re certainly looking forward to shooting this one and will bring you more info the instant it’s available!

What are your thoughts on the design? Let us know in the comments!

Dropping the Ball: Hot weather at PSP MAO

Dropping the Ball

The schedules for the PSP Pro Division just came out. Following its normal pattern of assigning games, you either play all four prelims in the morning session or the afternoon session. No worries, right?

Wrong! After warning their database the very real concerns over the heat indices which will facilitate dangerous health conditions, the PSP shows no wiggle room whatsoever. How difficult would it be to schedule each team two in the morning one day and two in the afternoon the other?

This is not about a perceived advantage or disadvantage for team(s). It IS about the safety and well being of those at risk most; the players. The PSP’s release this past week had this to say:

You’ve come so far. Don’t let the other team win because they read this email and you didn’t.

The National Weather Service has categorized this week’s hot and humid weather for Rock Hill, South Carolina as the highest category of danger in the Heat Index which is “Extremely Dangerous” and that “Heat Stroke or Sunstroke are likely (Not “possible” but ‘LIKELY’) for anyone with prolonged exposure outdoor and/or outdoor physical activity”.

And guess what? You’re doing both. So read on…

Hundreds of people die each year from exposure to heat. Our bodies dissipate heat by varying the rate and depth of blood circulation, by losing water through the skin and sweat glands, and as a last resort, by panting, when blood is heated above 98.6°F.

Sweating cools the body through evaporation. However, high relative humidity retards evaporation, robbing the body of its ability to cool itself. When heat gain exceeds the level the body can remove, body temperature begins to rise, and heat-related illnesses and disorders may develop.

This is what we need you to do:

1) No kids. Children ages 4 and under are especially vulnerable to overheating because their bodies do not adjust to temperatures as well as adults. We strongly advice parents to NOT bring children under the age of 4 or Senior Citizens to our event this weekend, due to the extreme heat.

2) No energy drinks and/or pop. Slam as much water as you can and remember to mix in Gatorade or Pedialite to replenish your electrolytes. When exercising in this level of heat you need to drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.

3) Try to rest often in shady areas. If you begin to feel light headed, let someone know, lay down in the shade and have them bring you water and ice chips.

4) Wear a hat and sunscreen. <>

5) Wear minimal clothing between games to provide greater skin surface area for heat dissipation. Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light colored clothing to reflect the sun’s rays. Wear clothing made of a material that absorbs water, such as cotton.

6) Let your teammates play. Know when to say ‘no’ and sit a point out. Use common sense to prevent heat stress and an ambulance ride to the Emergency Room.

The PSP then goes on to tell you what YOU should do if it’s too late. The unfortunate scheduling of games ultimately elicits some very serious questions; is the scheduling system so archaic that it cannot adapt to prevailing weather (or safety, in this case) conditions? Is sending out a National Weather Service report all THEY should do?

Another move that would not hurt the league in any way. For the MAO, under these weather conditions, bring back the 2 minutes break between games.

It is more than a bit disconcerting when leadership within the PSP acts as if lip service is enough for playing in what amounts to dangerous conditions. The PSP is a premiere league. We want to see it do well. But this is a time when, even at this close date, a step needs to be taken and an adjustment made.

If as a team owner or player you are in agreement feel free to forward this article to Lane Wright or Camille Lemanski at http://pspevents.com/information/contact/ .

2010 XPSL 1 German Paintball League Day 1

NPPL DC Challenge 2010

The Fall of the Western Empires?

The Fall of the Western Empires?

The Legend

“Once upon a time there were dominating powers to the west. Their story chronicles like an ancient prophecy foretelling who would rule on the world stage. One would be a Dynasty, a formidable beast who would rule the land and win the hearts of many.

In time however, its head would be removed and though still able to wield power, it would not impose its will as it had in earlier times.

Rising from its slumber, a new creature would trodden under foot any who dared to challenge it. People looked on in wonderment as the head that had been removed from Dynasty arose to enliven this new Iron monster. There were challengers from the East, those who very name embraced brotherly love. There were also the Invaders from the North. They too had set their sights on ruling in a foreign land.

As time passed the proud Dynasty gave way to the Men of Iron. In turn, the Legion of the North honed its machinery and remained ever poised and positioned itself to regain the brief control it had. With enemies nearby, to the South and North, The western empires would not go without a fight. . .”

At the Crossroads

Perhaps no historian will recount these times a hundred years from now as above. But there is very much a power struggle for supremacy within the Pro Division. Set your eyes on the next few weeks as this saga has reached a crossroad. Dynasty while clinging to a 2^nd place tie in seven-man is in unfamiliar Race-to territory. Ending the ’09 season with an 8^th place World Cup, they have followed up by producing 6th and 9th place PSP finishes.

Meanwhile, the Ironmen of Los Angeles have grappled with personnel loses. Their drop off to date has been more precipitous. Fighting their way to the top 4 in 09 at Cup, they have entered the 2010 campaign with 9th and 8th place respectively. What remains are two proud programs struggling to regain past glories. This is where it gets interesting.

Both the Ironmen and Dynasty have fallen from their lofty positions in the PSP. Yellow dots are individual event finishes. Black dots are average ranking for a given season. Ironmen were NXL champions in 2007 and 2008.

The Strategy

The second half of the season is upon us. There has been a flurry of activities. Moves have been calculated and made. For the Ironmen, the loss of several key players has opened the door for new blood. Another notable loss was in Coach Shane Pestana who retired after the 2008 season. In an effort to remedy that loss, the Ironmen have brought in a coach in Kevin Bredhauer. Will the move pay early dividends?

Time seems to be of the essence for the Ironmen. There is a lot of speculation that Oliver Lang will be elsewhere next season. His DYE contract effectively last thru the 2010 season. Whether Billy Wing will have the patience to guide a rebuilding of Youngblood’s team would be one of the key questions. Either way, finishing on a high note for 2010 would help soften any changing of the guard.

For Dynasty the moves have a more curious flavor. With J.C. Whittington they pick up an experienced veteran of the seven-man game. This move would have been a major pickup several years ago in the minds of many. At 32, J.C. is still crafty and a presence on the field. The question is, does he still have the drive and commitment to win?

Accompanying the pickup is Tom Fore, longtime Arsenal (of seven-man notoriety) owner. He will assist in coaching.

Following the Whittington pickup, Dynasty rounded out their ten man roster with Billy Bernnachia. From a sponsorship position, the move makes sense. Beyond that, time will tell. The following ProPaintball Scouting Report gives you a glimpse at this pickup from a coaching viewpoint: Billy Bernacchia Scouting Report.

The Outcome

So there we have it. Will Dynasty rise up and regain their lofty ways? Will the Ironmen regroup? The paintball gods may watch themselves and let this one play out on its own. For Dynasty, they will continue to fight to hold their dominance of seven man. For both Dynasty and the Ironmen, the MAO awaits.

We can rest assured that Edmonton Impact, L.A. Infamous, and Tampa Bay Damage are looking to drive a dagger that severely wounds the rule of two of the most dominate programs in paintball history, the Western Empires that are Dynasty and the Ironmen.

The Scouting Report* This is the first glimpse of a new series from ProPaintball that will give readers some insight on Pro players and their game.

(For purposes of comparison, the PSP results were focused upon as both teams are currently playing it.)

VIII Open CAN GARRIGA 2010

HK Army Bob Long Victory

HK Army, PBFashion, Bob Long and Tadao Technologies have teamed up to bring the latest products to pro paintball. The HK Victory features the same grips as the G6R, custom annodizing and laser, and the super charger kit. The HK Victory is now accepting pre-orders. For more information visit thehkvictory.com.

2010 VICIOUS RaceTo Series Review

The first event of the VICIOUS RaceTo Series kicked off May 1st and 2nd at Mad Cow Paintball in Louisville, Nebraska and saw 36 teams compete in the RaceTo-2 and RaceTo-4 divisions. At the end of Saturday, with RaceTo-2 play completed, AAF from Maple Plains, Minnesota took home 1st place, with Reagan’s Army (Lawrence, KS) taking 2nd, DVS (Louisville, NE) taking 3rd, and New Jack Ghetto (Des Moines, IA) rounding out the top 4.

The RaceTo-4 division saw 16 teams from 8 states competing for 1st place with play stretching out over 2 days. At the end of the weekend, Aimless Factory from Sioux Falls, South Dakota took 1st place. Rounding out the top 4 were the Po’ Boys (Columbia, MO) getting 2nd, Dirtlife2 (St, Louis, MO) taking 3rd place, and HuSTLe (also from St. Louis, MO) taking 4th place.

The 2nd stop of the VICIOUS RaceTo Series took place June 5th and 6th at Metro Paintball Games in Council Bluffs, Iowa. This event saw some new faces in the RaceTo-2 division taking place on Saturday, but at the end AAF continued their reign as Event Champions, with team Extortion (Kansas City, MO) raking 2nd place, the Po’ Boys (Columbia, MO) taking 3rd place, and the Mac Daddy Allstars receiving 4th place. With their 2nd event win at this event, AAF took a commanding lead in the overall series standings, sitting 12 points ahead of the 2nd place team.

The RaceTo-4 teams continued the action Saturday afternoon and Sunday with great paintball being played throughout the tournament. As the dust settled, Dirtlife2 was able to overcome Aimless Factory (the event 1 winners) to take first place. Coming in at 2nd place was Aimless Factory (Sioux Falls, SD), with New Jack Ghetto (Des Moines, IA) taking 3rd place, and Air Assault Paintball (Maple Plains, MN) receiving 4th place. With their win at this event, Dirtlife2 moved within 2 points of Aimless Factory in the overall Series standings for RaceTo-4.

The final event in the VICIOUS RaceTo Series took place at CJ’s Paintball Adventures, just outside of Lincoln, NE and it did not disappoint! This event saw great play from all of the teams that were in attendance in both the RaceTo-2 and RaceTo-4 divisions. Everyone at DSSP8ntball.com, VICIOUS, and Discount Specialty Sports as well as all of the host fields and sponsors would like to congratulate everyone in attendance for helping make this series such a success!

The RaceTo-2 division took place on Saturday and saw teams from all over the Midwest compete at the event. After some intense games and a few new teams making the preliminary round cuts, team Yellow Jackit from South Dakota emerged victorious as the RaceTo-2 Event #3 winners. Reagan’s Army (Lawrence, KS) took 2nd place, Extortion (Kansas City, MO) took 3rd place, and Po’ Boys – Wasted Talent (Columbia, MO) received 4th. Also on the line at this event was the overall RaceTo-2 Series Championship. With help from their performances at the first two VICIOUS Series events, team AAF from Minnesota was able to capture the Series Championship, and receive a World Cup prize package valued at over $3,200.

The RaceTo-4 division took place Saturday afternoon and Sunday, with teams traveling from over 12 hours away to attend the tournament. With 2 new teams entering the RaceTo-4 bracket, this final event promised to provide some great action, and it did not disappoint! As the day wore on, the final match-up for 1st and 2nd place came down to Aimless Factory and Dirtlife2. With Dirtlife2 being 2 points behind Aimless in the Series standings, Dirtlife2 needed to pull off the 1st place win to tie the series standings, and still have a chance to capture the Series Championship. At the end of the finals match, Dirtlife2 would come up victorious for a 2nd tournament in a row, winning the RaceTo-4 Event #3 and keeping their dreams of winning the Overall Series Championship alive. Also in the top 4 for the final event was New Jack City (Des Moines, IA) taking 3rd place, and Reagan’s Army (Lawrence, KS) receiving 4th.

With Dirtlife2 winning the final event of the RaceTo-4 Series, it now brought Aimless Factory and Dirtlife2 to a tie in Series Points, both with 288 points overall. To determine the Series Champion, the teams had to play 1 on 1’s, best 2 out of 3. The first matchup was Josh from Dirtlife2 playing against Seth from Aimless Factory. Josh proved the victor after some intense gun-fighting, but with only a few seconds remaining, he wasn’t able to hang the flag in time. The 2nd matchup in the 1 on 1’s put Amos from Aimless Factory against Brock from Dirtlife2. At the start of the game, Brock worked his way to the tall cake on the snake side of the field, with Amos taking advantage of the pins on the snake side as well. Brock eliminated Amos, hanging the flag and putting Dirtlife2 ahead with a score of 1 to 0. The next matchup placed Adam from Aimless Factory against Brian from Dirtlife2. Adam quickly worked his way to the tall magic stick on the snake side of the field, while Brian moved through the doritos. As he moved from the doritos to the A at the 50, Brian was able to eliminate Adam, sealing the Series Championship for Dirtlife2, and receiving the Series Prize of a PSP World Cup package valued at over $5,000.

The 2010 VICIOUS RaceTo Series Outstanding team award goes to Reagan’s Army from Lawrence, KS. Reagan’s Army has traditionally competed in 5 man events, and in the 2010 VICIOUS Series the team placed highly at each event:
Event #1 – 2nd Place
Event #2 – 5th Place
Event #3 – 2nd Place

While participating in the RaceTo-2 portion of the series, the team also tried their hand at the RaceTo-4 division as well, without having any real experience with the continual RaceTo format, being forced to learn as they went. Through a positive attitude both on and off the field, great sportsmanship, and an obvious love of playing paintball, the team continued to learn about the format and adjust to the new style of play. With their first 2 showings at the RaceTo-4 events were below the team’s expectations the team worked even harder and showed more and more determination leading up to the final event to show improvement and to prove to everyone that they could hold their own in both formats.

Through perseverance and hard work Reagan’s Army was able to come away with a 4th place finish at the final VICIOUS Series Event. This team is a true example of what regional teams should represent, and we would like to congratulate them on receiving the 2010 VICIOUS RaceTo Series Outstanding Team award!

Event #1 – 8th Place
Event #2 – 9th Place
Event #3 – 4th Place

We would also like to wish a Happy 21st Birthday to Max Fairlamb of Reagan’s Army that took place over the weekend!

Reagan’s Army
Reagan Waters – Team Captain
Steve Cowser
Max Fairlamb
Jason Griffith
Cale Hollis
Charlie Modereger
Adam Pruett
Dustin Reed
Scott Spade

2010 VICIOUS RaceTo-4 Series Champions:
Dirtlife2
Location: St. Louis, MO
Home Field: RiverSplat Paintball

2010 VICIOUS RaceTo-2 Series Champions:
AAF
Location: Maple Plains, MN
Home Field: Air Assault Paintball

We would like to thank all of the Sponsors that helped make this series possible:
DSSP8ntball.com
Discount Specialty Sports
NebraskaPaintball.com
EMPIRE
RPS Paintballs
Planet Eclipse
Paintball Sports Promotions
Team VICIOUS

The VICIOUS RaceTo Series would also not be possible without the host fields:

Event #1 - Mad Cow Paintball
Cedar Creek, Nebraska
Event #2 - Metro Paintball Games
Council Bluffs, Iowa
Event #3 - CJ’s Paintball Adventures
Martell, Nebraska

Tampa Bay Damage 2010 MAO Warm-Up

2010 NCPA College Paintball National Championships (Class A) - The Prelude

DC Watch List: Edmonton Impact

NPPL WATCH LIST

(D.C. Challenge August 06 – 08)

Will Edmonton Impact Turn the Corner?

When Impact arrived onto the American paintball landscape, a couple of things jumped out at you. They had patience, discipline, and could hold lanes with the best of them. From early on, they were a very ‘tough out’ as the saying goes.

Now at the halfway point of the 2010 season, they find themselves leading both Pro paintball Divisions. Make no mistake; the road has been rocky at times. They suffered through a 9-0 loss in the 2008 PSP North East Open at the hands of San Diego Aftermath. Then there was that other thing. You know at the NPPL, Dynasty was involved, it happened in San Diego in 2007.

Needing no worse than a third place finish, Impact was poised to dethrone Dynasty. In amazing turn of events however, Dynasty slipped in the back door and stole the series championship. There was head shaking, disbelief, and murmurings that Impact had choked.

Lesser teams might not have rebounded. It had that sort of ‘impact’ potential. But Bart Yachimec knew a thing or two about mental toughness and the premium it carries in sports. Undaunted, Impact has continued to build a seasoned core that now has years together.

The question becomes; can Impact hold on this time around? Besides Dynasty and Infamous chasing them relentlessly, the D.C. event will have its own distractions. There will be an All Star game(s) and Josh Davey is captain of the East squad. The weather in Aldie, Virginia is forecasted to be near 90’s with lots of humidity. Routines can get messed with and the heat can take it toll.

The D.C. Challenge could become the touchstone of Impact’s season. Following suit with several other Pro paintball teams, Impact just moved to pick up Tyler Harmon from XSV. Could this be the move that will sure up a championship run? Bart’s solid acquisition in the offseason bringing in Ryan Moorhead has proved noteworthy. So we shall see.

If Impact has their way, they will look to build an insurmountable lead going into Vegas. But don’t ask them about it. They likely to tell you there is no such thing.

Photo Credit: Jeff Stinson, Chicago 2010 Gallery

Tyler Harmon to Impact

Rumors have been circulating that Tyler Harmon and an unnamed pro team had been in negotiations. The Planet Eclipse blog set the record straight this morning with an announcement that he would be leaving his friends on pro paintball team Sacramento XSV and moving on.

From the Eclipse Blog;

Bart Yachimec has this to say: ‘We are very excited to make arrangements with Rich Telford’s Team, XSV, at this time of the year in order to sign a player like Tyler Harmon. I remember him being one of the youngest players to ever make Pro thru Bob Long and to bring his Calibre of play to Edmonton Impact could make the last half of the season the best yet. Edmonton Impact and all its Fans welcome Tyler Harmon.’

You can catch the full news release here at the Eclipse blog. For more information on Tyler Harmon, be sure to check out his recent interview with Pro Paintball‘s very own Arthur Chan.

Featurethis Paintball Magazine update, Volume 3

In preparation for volume 3, FeatureThis paintball magazine has launched a new website. Matt Dawson, Editor of FeatureThisPB, sent over an update on the magazine.

I plan on releasing the next issue in a much better viewing platform and at the same time re-release the past two phoenix issues in the new format. In the mean time I’ve put up a few teaser desktops from Chicago, and hundreds of unseen photos from past events. www.featurethispb.com/darkroom

Head on over to FeatureThisPB.com for more information.

Friday Paintball News and Rumor Report

Smart Parts, or rather the bank that controls the assets, is rumored to have refiled for bankruptcy. This time around, SP is filing for chapter 7 which means that the assets will be liquidated shortly. Anyone in the market for a paintball field?

Richmond Italia’s non-compete with Procaps is set to expire this Saturday, July 31st. With that in mind, rumors are circulating that a new paintball manufacture and brand will show up shortly. Sources indicate that the new paintball launch may take place at PSP World Cup.

One of our readers pointed out that Giovani from SC Village and Giant Paintball Parks is listed as a speaker at Paintball Extravaganza. Scroll to the bottom and take note, Gio is now pushing .50cal! Rumors are floating that Gio and Kingman have worked out a deal to supply .50cal Spyder paintball guns and paintballs throughout the Giant Paintball Park chain. Giant Paintball and Kingman Headquarters are down the freeway from one another and sources report that it was only a matter of time before a deal was reached.

Speaking of the D’Egidios, Bear will be heading off to Italy for a summer vacation. Sources indicate that he won’t be back in time to play with his team, Newport Entourage, in the PSP Mid Atlantic Open. Speaking of Entourage, Raney Stanzack was spotted playing with the team over the weekend. We anticipate he will be playing 7-man NPPL in Vegas.

Rumors suggest that Vicious has decided against bringing in “hired” guns and going forward they will be sticking to the homegrown program. We anticipate players from the Division 1 DSSP8NTBALL.com team will be brought up to fill voids left by recent departures of pro players Pat Roberts and Billy Bernacchia.

Photo Credit: Jeff Stinson

Dynasty Makes Another Pickup.

Dynasty makes their second pickup of the week, snake player Billy Bernacchia, formerly of VICIOUS and the New England Hurricanes. Billy missed the last PSP event due to being teamless, but has been playing NPPL with Avalanche.

Eric Crandall (Dynasty’s Manager) had this to say about Billy:

Billy is a proven player who gives us another solid attack on the snake side of the field.

Billy added:

I am very happy and looking forward to being a part of Dynasty. I hope everything works out. I have always respected Dynasty as a team and have been looking up to their players for years

We wish Dynasty and Billy the best of luck at MAO.