World at War!

WORLD AT WAR!

I was fortunate to have attended the Big Game, “World at War” at Paintball Explosion in East Dundee, Illinois on July 1^st, 2012. This one-day event brought in over seven hundred players! It was awesome to see the massive amount of teams and individuals that came out to participate.

This game was not for the faint of heart. I have played many Big Games over the years. Mob mentality can take over and the sheer numbers can become more than people bargained for or expected. I personally enjoyed the intensity of play and the huge firefights.

Paintball Explosion is located at a former amusement park, Santa’s Village. They have put a lot of time and investment into the park to go the extra step on their fields to make them top of the line. A good example is the “Nam Field”, where they didn’t just stop with huts. There is a deuce military truck and a helicopter that really adds to the realism of the game.

The Santa’s Village buildings have been used for everything from the pro shop, gun rentals, playing fields, food services, and even the bar. The old ice arena with bleacher seating has been turned into an excellently lit and air-conditioned speedball arena. There are lockers, showers, and all of the original facilities.

The owners of Paintball Explosion, T.J. and Romeo, are always looking to move forward with their park and events. This Big Game was hosted by the Saints Scenario Paintball Team and the turnout was absolutely incredible! The sheer number of participants as well as the hot conditions led to some epic battles and some heated play.

This game pitted Ninja vs. Ninja! The celebrity generals were Rob Leary and Nate Nissen, both from Ninja Paintball. Baron Rob Von Leary led the Axis Forces with the help of his XO Journey Kerchner-Pirrone. Assisting Allied General Nate Nissen in commanding his troops was his XO Brennan Currier.

The Allied Forces were outnumbered and were overwhelmed many times throughout the day. But as their XO, Brennan Currier said, “we got it where and when we needed it!” The Axis Forces pushed hard all day and enjoyed field domination multiple times. The first part of the game ended with the Allies down by fifty points and headed into the final battle focused but confident.

This year the weather has been hot and sunny and it was no exception for this game. The humidity was painful in the morning and it could have dragged on but a storm front rolled through and play was suspended while lunchtime was moved up an hour. The winds ahead of the storm dropped some branches off a tree on the field but the field staff quickly removed any potential hazards before allowing play to restart. As fast as the front came up it also moved on, and by the time the lunch break was over the sun was back and the heat with it.  The final battle saw the Allies own both 100 point flags and won by 150 points. The Allied General, Nate Nissen, stated, “My team had some awesome guys! They stuck with it all day against outrageous numbers. These guys won this game.”

Owner T.J. was very interested in hearing people’s thoughts on the event. Paintball Explosion has plans for expansion and refinements. He said, “We are working on five new fields and look forward to the Clowns vs. Zombies Game in October, as well as a Halloween Zombie Shoot Walking Tour. Check out our webpage for details.”

The Knuckleheads Paintball Team was there collecting donations for the Wounded Warriors Project. The sponsors, Tippmann Sports, Planet Eclipse, Flurry Industries, and Ninja Paintball were well appreciated for their support and there were many great prizes awarded at the event! The day was rounded out with an excellent player’s party that included a live DJ!

Special thanks to all of the teams that enlisted, including The Seattle Sockjobs, D’Bandits, Brew City Bomb Squad, Creeping Death, The Hellions, Team Wow, Ohana Paintball,  OP/4 Scenario Paintball Team, Chi-town Lost Soulz, Heretics, Knuckleheads, Chicago Wolfpack, Rock N’ Roll Death Patrol, Fringe Division, Chicago Enforcers, MDK, Death Eagles, Competitive Edge, Saints Scenario Paintball Team, Chef’s, Team Phalanx, Royal Assassins, The Poynter Bros., The Chicago Underground, Team Fugazi, and many more.

After Event Report By:  TheSkeletor262

To see my video coverage of the event, check out my YouTube Channel!

  TheSkeletor262 – World at War @ Paintball Explosion