More Than a Game — A Global Passion on the Rise

At Amazing Productions and with the support of the State of Qatar, we believe it's time for paintball to claim its place on the world stage. More than just a game, paintball is strategy, teamwork, and pure adrenaline. With the Paintball Worldcup Qatar 2026, we aim to show the world the true spirit of this incredible sport and help it grow bigger than ever before. Support it. Share it. Live it. Paintball is the future.

The History of Paintball: From Forest Skirmishes to a Global Sport

What started as a simple idea between friends has evolved into one of the most dynamic and thrilling sports in the world — paintball. The origins of paintball trace back to the early 1980s in the United States. The very first game was played in 1981 in New Hampshire by a group of friends using paint markers originally designed for marking trees and livestock. The goal? To recreate the thrill of survival and strategy in a real-life setting. From those humble beginnings, the game caught on fast. By the mid-80s, paintball fields began opening across the U.S., and organized tournaments started to emerge. What was once a backyard adventure quickly grew into a competitive sport with global appeal. Over the years, paintball evolved — with better gear, faster markers, professional leagues, and international competitions. Today, paintball is played in more than 100 countries, with formats ranging from woodsball (outdoor, scenario-based play) to speedball (fast-paced, arena-style matches). More than just a game, paintball teaches teamwork, communication, leadership, and decision-making under pressure. It attracts players of all ages and backgrounds, united by a love for action, strategy, and fun. As we look ahead to events like the Paintball Worldcup Qatar 2026, it's clear: paintball's journey is far from over — in fact, it’s just getting started.

la NXL World Cup 2024

La NXL World Cup 2024 se celebró del 6 al 10 de noviembre en Kissimmee, Florida, y reunió a más de 300 equipos de todo el mundo. Es el evento más importante del circuito profesional de paintball y marca el cierre de la temporada.

 

 Equipos Ganadores por División:

 

  • División Profesional (Pro):
    Paintball FIT se proclamó campeón en su primera temporada como equipo profesional, venciendo a Edmonton Impact en una final intensa que se resolvió en tiempo extra.

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  • División Femenina (WNXL):
    The Heroines se consagraron campeonas tras una actuación dominante durante todo el torneo.

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  • División Semi-Pro:
    Royal City Seadogs se llevaron el primer lugar con un sólido desempeño y récord de 5 victorias y 4 derrotas.

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  • División 2:
    BR Factory fue el equipo campeón, destacándose con un récord de 7 victorias y 2 derrotas.

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  • División 3:
    Raleigh Razorbacks lograron el campeonato con un récord de 3-1.

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  • División 4:
    Stormy Rebels obtuvieron el título con un registro de 5 victorias y 2 derrotas.

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  • División 5:
    OHIO GRIM se coronaron campeones con un récord de 2-1.

Qatar: A Thriving Ground for the Growth of Paintball

Qatar has already proven its ability to host world-class sporting events — most notably the FIFA World Cup 2022 . Now, the country is in a prime position to channel that same energy and infrastructure into growing paintball as a serious competitive and recreational sport.

Hotels & Hospitality

 

  • Ahead of the World Cup, Qatar developed a wide range of hotels — from 5-star luxury to budget-friendly accommodations.

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  • This hospitality infrastructure is ready to support international paintball tournaments, welcoming players, staff, and fans with ease.

Hamad International Airport (HIA)

  • Ranked among the best airports in the world , with seamless global connections.

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  • Perfect for receiving international teams and equipment with speed and efficiency. Provides a smooth gateway for tourism and sport.

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  • World-Class Sports Infrastructure

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    • Originally built for football, many facilities are multi-purpose.

    • Large outdoor areas, athletic centers, and adaptable grounds are perfect for setting up professional paintball arenas.

    • Qatar’s experience in handling logistics, safety, and large-scale events adds massive value.

International Paintball Federation (UPBF)

The United Paintball Federation (UPBF) was founded in France in the early 2000s to serve as the global governing body for the sport of paintball. From its inception, the UPBF set out to standardize rules, promote fair play and safety, and organize world‑class competitions that bring together players from every continent. Over the years he has overseen the launch of annual World Championships and worked closely with regional confederations to grow grassroots programs and elite leagues alike.

 

Today, the UPBF is led by President Laurent Hamet , who chairs an executive board made up of representatives from six continental bodies (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North & Central America, and South America). Under its guidance, the federation has expanded coaching certification programs, referee training, and youth development initiatives—ensuring that paintball continues to evolve both as a recreational activity and as a competitive sport.

 

The federation’s headquarters remain in Dreux, France , where its administrative offices coordinate international calendars, manage world rankings, and liaise with national paintball associations. From Dreux, the UPBF steers the sport’s growth, forging partnerships with equipment manufacturers, event promoters, and broadcasters to cement paintball’s place on the global sporting stage.