paintball

Paintball is a competitive sport in which players use air-powered markers to shoot small, spherical paint-filled capsules at opponents. Paintballs are non-toxic, water-soluble gelatin droplets that rupture on impact, leaving a visible colored mark to indicate a hit. The sport is played in various formats, from casual recreational games to organized leagues and tournaments.

The sport emerged in the early 1980s in the United States, with the first known game staged in 1981 in New Hampshire. It quickly evolved from a hobby into organized play, leading to the development of purpose-built markers, protective gear, and standardized rules. Over time, paintball has expanded globally, with national and international associations governing competition and safety standards.

Equipment and safety are central to play. A marker uses compressed air or CO2 to propel paintballs. Players wear protective gear, especially masks or goggles, along with padding, gloves, and often tactical vests. Field rules regulate velocity, typically enforced with a chronograph to keep markers within safe limits. A hit generally results in elimination from the current game, though some formats use respawns or team reintegration under specific objectives.

Common formats include speedball, played on small, open fields with inflatable bunkers for cover, and woodsball, played on natural outdoor terrain. Scenario games recreate military or historical conflicts and emphasize objectives such as capturing a flag or completing a mission. Tournaments and leagues, such as organized competitive circuits, standardize rules, divisions, and scoring to compare teams and players across venues.