Note: There are two full photo albums from Day 1 and Day 2 of ESG at photos.coyoteforce.com
Attending the Euro Super Game at Battleground Paintball in Poland was an experience like no other. This annual event, renowned for its intense magfed only gameplay and international camaraderie, brought together players from all corners of the globe.
Going solo, I had the opportunity to test my skills on an international stage, forge new friendships, and immerse myself in the rich paintball culture of Europe. And boy, was it rich! The highlight of this trip was enhanced by winning the First Strike "Golden Round" contest, which brought unexpected rewards and partnerships.
My journey began with a long flight from home (Indiana) to Germany, and then drive to Poland. This was rough, as I had a single day to prepare my equipment. Coyote Force had commanded and won the Balance of Power IX: Landfall magfed championship in Madison, Wisconsin over the weekend. But I made it work! Excitement and anticipation filled my mind as I prepared for the days ahead. The flight was smooth, and I used the time to mentally prepare, review the Wisconsin game, and plan my trip in Germany/Poland.
Upon arriving in Berlin, Germany I made an effort to get to the Först, Germany area which was a short drive to the field. The drive to Battleground Paintball, which is just across the border in Poland, took me through scenic routes, offering a glimpse of Poland’s beautiful countryside. The paintball field was a sight to behold – sprawling forests of Sosna Pine Trees, meticulously designed facilities that Bertl Wolowitz and his team manicure, and an air of excitement that was palpable.
The first day was all about getting registered, setting up my gear, and soaking in the atmosphere. Teams from various countries were present, each with their unique flags, uniforms, and styles. It was incredible to see the diversity and passion that paintball brings out in people. I spent the day familiarizing myself with the layout, meeting fellow players, and getting a feel for the battleground.
I noticed that the gear selection of most all players was heavy milsim focused. Many had full military kits, and took close attention to detail on their gear selection. It was refreshing to see such attention to detail in player camouflage selection, markers, and adherence to uniform standards.
The facility at Battleground is world class. It includes apartments, single unit camping areas made from shipping containers, and an entire "Magfed City". There was a live performance stage, a dine-in restaurant, and a pro-shop that had tons of great souvenirs for the magfed fanatics.
The most thrilling part of my trip was that I came in as the winner of the First Strike "Golden Round" contest. This victory brought me a ton of free items, including First Strike Rounds and gear support from Magfed.de. The recognition and rewards were unexpected but highly motivating, setting a positive tone for the rest of my experience. I have to personally thank Ben Larson for making the trip enjoyable and people welcoming me with open arms.
I was also able to meet up with one of our main field suppliers, Enola Gaye. They are an extremely important vendor at this event, as grenades (smoke, paint, and flash) are a critical component to the gameplay. I shared a couple beers with new friends Simon & Pawel, who were working the booth exhibition.
Thanks to my contest win, I was teamed up with the RS OPS DE tactical team for the entire playtime. This team, known for their tactical prowess and strategic gameplay, welcomed me with open arms. Teaming up with such a skilled group was both an honor and a learning opportunity. Their coordination, communication, and tactical maneuvers were impressive and pushed me to elevate my own gameplay. I was able to learn a lot from Martin Händl, who was a former German Fallschirmjäger.
Day 2 marked the beginning of the games. The Euro Super Game is known for its large-scale scenarios. The scenarios were well thought out, with objectives that challenged our tactical acumen and teamwork. Battleground Paintball’s terrain offered a mix of open roads, dense forests, and "CQB" settings with old German/Soviet bloc era bunkers and earthworks, each presenting unique challenges. Certain portions of the field afforded dense cover and concealment for snipers and small groups to operate.
One of the highlights was a massive escort scenario. Our platoon was tasked to escort a convoy of real armored personnel carriers and a T54 main battle tank. Playing alongside RS OPS DE, we found ourselves pitted against formidable opponents trying to intercept this effort. This portion of the game was intense, with both sides showing incredible skill and strategy jumping from position to position. Despite being outnumbered at (many!) times, we relied on our training, communication, and sheer determination (and a shit ton of grenades) to "push the payload".
Another memorable moment was a night game, where stealth and strategy played a crucial role. Navigating through the dark, relying on limited visibility, and coordinating silently with teammates was a test of nerves and skills. The adrenaline rush was unlike anything I had experienced before.
Beyond the games, one of the most rewarding aspects of the trip was the camaraderie. I met players from various countries, each with their own stories and experiences. Sharing tips, discussing strategies, and simply enjoying the company of fellow paintball enthusiasts made the experience truly special. The sense of community and shared passion transcended language barriers and cultural differences. It was also great to see some familiar faces! My friends from Detroit, "Damage Inc." were there, too! We were able to swap stories and share a beer at the end of the games!
Attending the Euro Super Game at Battleground Paintball in Poland was an unforgettable experience. It was a testament to the spirit of paintball – the thrill of competition, the joy of camaraderie, and the excitement of adventure. As I packed my gear and prepared to head home, I carried with me not just memories of intense battles and hard-fought victories, but also the friendships and experiences that made the trip truly remarkable.
I returned home with new insights, enhanced skills, and a deeper appreciation for the global paintball community. Winning the First Strike "Golden Round" contest and teaming up with RS OPS DE were the highlights of my trip, making it an extraordinary adventure. The Euro Super Game was more than just a tournament; it was a celebration of the sport we love, and I can't wait to return next year, stronger and more united than ever.
