The Russian Legion started in the spring of 1996 and had a fast rise to the pro ranks not long after forming. Feared by some, loved by many and hated by others they are one of the best non-United States based teams to play the game of paintball. I had the honor of speaking to Kirill Prihidni about the team and what it takes to be a top player. Welcome our first Russian visitors to the CatShack!
How did the Russian Legion form and when?
The Russian Legion was first formed in 1996, we were a group of bank security guys who had been playing together with their boss. We decided to get serious about the sport and the team was formed from there.
What do you guys think is the biggest factor in your success year after year?
Our success is through hard work, dedication and professionalism. We practice at least five days a week with these ranging anywhere from four to five hours at a time. Up to three hours of this can be set aside just for physical conditioning.
If you could give advice to new players just starting out what would it be?
If you start playing paintball never give up, work hard and it will pay you back in the long run. There is no way other than hard work to make it to the next level. We work harder than any other team I know to be the best we can be.
Off the field what does the team do to relax?
We like to go sauna as a team.
What are some of the biggest differences in American and Russian paintball?
Americans seem to be born with natural talent. Here in Russia we have to work hard to make a player great. We have a much smaller base of players to pick from than in American also.
Where has been you favorite place paintball has taken you?
I personally loved Norway at the 2004 EXL event, a beautiful country.
What is the Legions favorite music group and why?
The team itself have a vast amount of musical tastes. When we do get together in a vehicle we tend to listen to Russian rap or some form of club music. Something with a good beat to it.
Where can we see you guys playing in 2009 and next season in 2010?
This season the entire team is playing in the PSP events but other than that you can see different players guesting on other teams in the Millennium and Grand Tour leagues. For 2010 we are looking to have a team in the Millennium and PSP leagues.
Does the team still run drills or do you just scrimmage teams to prepare for an event?
We are always running drills until the team has them down right but we practice with our second squad also. We are a very physical team and trying for perfection is our goal.
Where is your favorite place to catch a bite to eat?
If we are in Moscow I would say at home but when we are in the States it is Subway.
What are your top three teams you just love to play and why?
Dynasty because they are very experienced and always play the game very smart. The Ironmen because they will never give up and X-Factor because they always show respect.
Who is your favorite author and why?
The Strugacki brothers because they managed to write very modern fantasy stories during the 1970’s and they always managed to tell people how bad the USSR was 
Any closing statements to your fans?
Work hard and you will see your payback soon!
The Russian Legion can be classified as the hardest working team in paintball. From their four hour work out sessions to practicing on a Sunday before the semi-finals of a recent PSP event to make sure they were ready for the day. Not many teams can claim to put the effort into this sport that the Russians do. This is the work ethic that not many of us can realistically live up too.
This team loves their fans and they appreciate all of the love they get in return. They will continue to play with their hearts. They play a fair game and want to display the best possible standards for paintball and they hope everyone will show support for the team in the future.
The team is currently ranked # 2 in the PSP (Paintball Sports Promotions) season rankings going into the World Cup event. With three other teams within range of claiming the top spot for 2009 I cannot wait to see what the Russians will do in the next event. I am sure they will be running and gunning at the top of the pack on Sunday.
You can follow the team at their home web site, it is in Russian:
By Paul Forcier
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