There is no one set path to becoming a professional paintball player, but there are some key things that will help you on your way:
- You need to be highly passionate about the sport and be willing to commit yourself to train and practicing regularly.
- You must be able to work well as part of a team and have good communication skills.
- You will need to be physically fit and have good hand-eye coordination.
If you can tick all these boxes, you may have what it takes to become a professional paintball player.
How does pro paintball work?
Pro paintball is a competitive form of the sport where teams of players compete against each other in elimination-style games. The game’s object is to eliminate all of the opposing team’s players by hitting them with paintballs. Players are typically outfitted with protective gear and use specialized markers that shoot small, round balls of paint.
There are pro paintball leagues and tournaments in many countries such as the US, UK, Australia, and Canada. These paintball leagues are known for their intense competition and high level of play.
How can you become a professional paintball player and get into pro paintball leagues?
To become a pro player and get into pro paintball, you’ll need to start by playing in local tournaments. As a beginner, go to the local paintball field and practice there until you get better. You will meet many like-minded people who may be interested in a teammate. You can try out for paintball teams and compete in national and international tournaments. To be successful, you’ll need to be skilled at both playing offense and defense and have good aim and strategic thinking.
You need to have years of experience playing the sport and consistently perform at a high level. It would help if you got sponsored by a reputable paintball company and backed by a strong team. Sponsors want you to enter tournaments to promote their brand.
Which paintball player are you?
There are many different paintball players, each with a unique playing style. So, which one are you?
Are you the player always on the offensive, always looking for the next kill? Or are you more strategic, hanging back and waiting for the perfect moment to strike? Maybe you’re a bit of both?
Do you want to play speedball or woodsball? Are you athletic? Do you have the endurance to run around and spray and pray, or do you prefer sniping out opponents with accurate shots from a bunker? To join a team and get into tournament paintball, you should focus on your strengths and know what type of paintball player you are so you can add value in tryouts.
Whatever your play style or position, there’s sure to be a paintball player that you can relate to. So find your favorite player and see which one you most like. Inspiration, motivation, dedication, consistency, and a game plan are essential for every sport.
How much money does it cost to play professional paintball?
Higher-level professional paintball costs more, but they also compete for large prizes.
The cost of playing professional paintball can be high, with the price of paintball guns and equipment being enough to get started. Starting in paintball, you can get by just by buying second-hand gear for $150, but a professional paintball gun costs $800+, and a complete kit may easily be more than $1200. However, many professional paintballers are sponsored by companies that cover the cost of their equipment and travel.
When competing in tournaments, teams may spend up to $5,000 on preparation, equipment, travel costs, and entry fees, which sponsors may also cover. Winning all the games can yield prizes of over $20,000 to the winning team.
How much do pro paintball players make?
Pro paintball players make a living playing a game they love and are totally committed to, and the best ones tend to make over $100,000 per year.
The pros make money from sponsorship, playing in as many tournaments as possible, and traveling to the major tournaments in the world to promote their sponsor brand.
How many people are on a pro paintball team?
Most pro paintball teams have seven players, including the captain. A standard tournament paintball team comprises seven players, with four additional players on the roster in case of injuries or other absences. Some tournaments allow ten-player registrations, but seven is the most common number. Each player has a specific team role and works with their teammates to win matches. Good teamwork is crucial to a high-level team.
Here are a few tips on how to become pro
Learn Marker Positioning
Learning marker positioning is crucial to improving paintball gameplay. Positioning involves finding a comfortable and stable position to fire from, aiming the marker using the sights or a laser pointer, and then taking the shot. It can be challenging to hit your target without the laser pointer, but with practice, you can fire a paintball with great accuracy.
Get Professional Gear
There is a big difference between playing paintball at a beginner level and being a part of a team that joins tournaments. If you want to be taken seriously as a player, you need professional gear, including a high-quality marker, shot, athletic clothing, and paintball guns. Having the right gun makes a big difference in your success on the field.
Learn to Bunker
Bunkering is a crucial element to success in paintball. It involves using cover to your advantage to protect yourself from your opponent’s fire and gain a better position on the field. Bunkering can be done alone or with mates, and teamwork is often key to success. When bunkering with others, it is vital to communicate with them to coordinate your efforts.
Learn Snap Shooting
Snap shooting is a technique used in paintball and airsoft, where the shooter takes quick, accurate shots from a position without taking the time to aim carefully. Snap shooting is helpful in situations where the opponent is behind cover, and the shooter needs to take them out quickly. With practice, snap shooters can become very accurate, making it a valuable skill in tournament play.
Learn How To Use and Maintain Your Gear
To maintain your gear correctly, you must first understand what each piece of equipment does and how it works. Understand the different types of guns and how they work. Most paintball markers are similar in function, but many kinds of guns are on the paintball circuit. Players go through a lot of guns in their careers, so it’s essential to know how to use all of them. Aim the laser pointer at the target and make your decision-making process more manageable. Local fields often have different guns available, so you can practice how to use all of them. Jog around the area to get a vantage point and see what all the other players use.
Keep Your Position
Your position on the field is everything. As a player, you must be aware of your surroundings and make decisions based on what will benefit your team the most. Knowing the different types of paintball guns and how you can use them to your advantage is essential. If you’re playing with a group, communicate with them often to ensure you’re both on the same page. Be strategic in your decision-making, and consider the location of your opponents and their hiding places. If you can get into a vantage point where you can take accurate shots, you’ll put your team in a much better situation to win. If you’re new to the game, watch professional matches to get an idea of how it’s played at the highest level. You’ve never seen anything like it – the level of competition is incredible. Once you understand the pro game, you’ll be able to apply that knowledge to your paintball experiences. Who knows – maybe one day you’ll be playing at the professional level too!
