Nineteen teams came back on Sunday , including Team 007 , a throw together squad who had never played before , ever . They were determined to play with 8 players , rental guns and a prayer . Knowing that would be a less than ideal experience for the guys , the community rallied and got them better equipment and two additional players : one from Outkast Dogs and one from another wild bunch called No F ’ n Tomatoes .
Two teams did leave , and they were given refunds . But the paintball gods smiled on the rest of the event , and as Howdy said , “ It rose like a phoenix from the ashes , man !”
Under 68 degrees and sunshine , the games started at 7am on the dot and the staff kept the event moving all day without missing a beat . Competition was fierce all day as well , beginning on hyper with an epic standoff caught on film by Blu Insights broadcast on Instagram that even had people at home buzzing .
In the late morning , as the temperatures began to rise , play moved to the two gorgeous woodsball fields . All natural fields complete with greenery and growth , it was nature that became the great equalizer that kept the competition close .
By the end of the day , the teams at the middle of the pack were all separated by less than 10 points . Teams like Team Philippines , Blind Aggression , and NFG Nation missed moving on by the hair on a monkey ’ s knuckles . And at the end of the prelims , as the sun began to droop low in the sky , it was Colorado United Black , Indy Reign , Prime Suspects , and Toxic Teddies who would emerge from the pack and head into finals .
The Finals
After a contentious match in the preliminary rounds , Prime Suspects came out for blood and trounced the Teddies in their matchup for the third place spot . And then it all came down to Colorado United and Indy Reign . They tied . Rules state that the game will be replayed . Rather than replay the match , captains and organizers agreed to do something that is a rarity , and practically unheard of .
The entire tournament would be decided by duel . A 1v1 showdown .
Scott Stewart was chosen to represent Colorado United , and Drew Wittman was pulled for Indy Reign .
“ When it [ came ] down to the end as the sun was setting , I guess it was decided that I was the one to step out on the field and , unfortunately we didn ’ t end up walking away with first and it still is frustrating being so close to it ,” Wittman said . “ But what I saw on the sidelines as I walked off really made me realize why I ’ ve stuck around this sport for so long .”
Every single person who was left on site gathered at the net to watch this rare event play out .
Stewart did end up besting Wittman in the duel , but it easily could have been ruled a trade . Stewart caught a bounce , and his shot on Wittman broke . The crowd went berserk , handshakes and hugs were exchanged , and just like that , Colorado United took the high spot on the podium .
0112 paintball . media magazine