When Did Paintball Start?

Paintball has become a popular and exhilarating sport for athletes of all ages, but when did paintball start? Paintball began in the late 1970s and quickly spread across the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and many other countries worldwide as a safe and fun form of recreational sport and simulated warfare. With millions of players in thousands of clubs across the globe, it's no wonder why paintball has become such a wildly successful sport!

Origin of the Paintball Gun

The forerunner of all paintball markers, the Nel-Spot 007, was invented in 1971 by the Nelson Paint Company. The marker was originally designed to mark trees and livestock for a US Forestry Service project, but due to its impact capabilities and decorating potential, it quickly gained a strong following among recreational players. This marker is widely considered to be the first paintball gun and acts as the foundation of the modern paintball marker.

The Founding of the Original Paintball Company

The first paintball-related company was founded in 1976 by Charles Gaines and Bob Gimmler, two friends who both shared a love of the outdoors. Charles and Bob started Tech Products Corporation, later to be renamed Nelson Paint Company after their most iconic product. This new company was the first to produce and market the game of paintball as a recreational sport, offering supplies, custom markers, and other necessary equipment to players.

First Ever Paintball Games

The first few paintball games were held on retail paintball fields in the late 1970s and in 1981, the National Survival Game (NSG) was created. This new game was the first to feature teams competing against each other indoors. In 1982, players from the Nelson Paint Company, together with the NSG, helped to create the first ever speedball, or tournament, game. This game was held at the Nelson Paint Company's field in Rochester, New York in June of that year.

Growth and Expansion of Paintball

In the years that followed, paintball grew in popularity and spread to countries all over the world. Paintball markers and supplies began to be manufactured by companies on a much larger scale, leading to technological advancements such as electronic markers, hoppers, and compressed air tanks. This allowed the sport to become much more professional and competitive. Paintball tournaments began to be televised on networks such as ESPN and more professional and amateur leagues were founded.

Modern Paintball

In modern paintball, tournaments are hosted on a regular basis and televised for audiences all over the world. Professional teams compete with each other for prize money and championship titles. Recreational players around the globe continue to enjoy the fun and excitement of the sport. Paintball fields can be found in cities and towns nationwide, along with clubs and associations designed to promote the sport and provide information to players.

In Summary

The first paintball guns were invented in 1971 and the game was officially created five years later in 1976. The first paintball tournament and speedball game were held in 1982 and since then, the sport has grown to be a highly competitive and popular sport around the world. Professional and recreational paintballers alike have access to the best equipment and fields, allowing them to enjoy the thrill of the game and compete against each other in numerous tournaments throughout the globe.

References:

[1] https://www.historyofpaintball.net/early-paintball/

[2] https://www.npspaintball.net/

[3]https://www.pbnation.com/history/