The National Xball League’s (NXL) first season
in Europe would start in Chartres, France and
end in Chantilly, France, just north of Paris. In
between the league held events in Prague,
Czech Republic and Basildon, England.
Solid venues, good locations, excellent
organization and the best European and
world talent made for an excellent inaugural
season for the NXL since taking the reins
from the Millennium Series.
The Chantilly Open was held at the
Hippodrome De Chantilly, located just 20
minutes from the Paris-Charles De Gaulle
Airport and an hour from Paris Orly Airport.
Those that have been here before can
attest to the beauty of the site and the town
of Chantilly. Restaurants, famous French
bakeries and shopping were all within a few
minutes’ walk of the playing fields and hotels
were close by as well.
The Chantilly Open featured many playing
formats: from five-man, three-man and ten-
man divisions through the variety of Xball
division. On-site activities included volleyball,
corn-hole, music, food and drink vendors for
all to enjoy as well as a trade show hosting
the largest companies in the industry, both
European and North American.
It’s been quite a professional paintball
season in Europe this year. Leading up to
Chantilly there have been three events with
three different pro winners. Houston Heat
won Chartres, Expendables won Prague
and Edmonton Impact took Basildon. In the
three previous events Edmonton Impact
finished no lower than second in any event.
In addition to Impact, Houston Heat and
the TonTons made the finals in the three
previous tournaments. Moscow Red Legion,
Expendables, Joy Division and a much
improved PPArena Pilsen were solid but a bit
inconsistent at times.
www.paintball.media
017