A small, rural community in western Wisconsin is hosting its first paintball tournament in less than two years, a rare feat for the town.
“This is the first time that the community has had a tournament, so it’s really exciting,” said Chad Pemberton, who runs the Battle Creek Paintball League.
The first tournament took place last weekend and featured 32 players, including the league’s leader.
It also included the first competitive shooting with a rifle.
Pemberton says there’s been a lot of interest in paintball over the last year or so, and he expects a big turnout for this tournament.
“We’re really hoping it’s going to be a positive for the community,” he said.
“It’s just a way to give back to the community.”
He says it’s the first tournament for the tournament, which was started in December, and organizers are hoping to attract more people.
It will be a weekend of competition with four rounds, including a first-person shooter and a two-player team match.
Pembleton says the tournaments goal is to give local people an opportunity to experience the sport and get their hands dirty.
The city of Battle Creek is also hosting its second paintball competition this weekend, with about 150 people attending.
It will be held at a nearby community college, and there will be prizes for the winners.
Pembree hopes this tournament will bring more people to the game.
“I think it’s an exciting sport,” he added.
“I think people have an affinity for the sport, and it’s something they can come to any weekend and have fun.”