European Paintball Championship Comes to Basildon

An army of extreme sports fans is set to invade Basildon this weekend for the European paintball championships. More than 140 teams from 32 countries are preparing to do battle in Gloucester Park during the three-day competition.

Known as the Millennium Series, it is the pinnacle of world paintball and will see 2,000 competitors and support staff flood into the district. The event is returning to Basildon – the only UK leg of the competition –after being held in the athletics stadium for the first time last year.

Paul Brace, Basildon Council’s cultural services manager, secured the event for the district. He said: “We are delighted to have persuaded the tournament to return to Basildon following its success last year. This is one of the most prized competitions in world paintball and it’s great for the district to be staging such an important event. Gloucester Park will be transformed into a world-class paintball venuewhere more than 600 matches will be played on five purpose built pitches. The action is free for people to watch and we hope hundreds of spectatorscome along to enjoy the excitement.

“The tournament not only promises great fun for residents but also a bonanza for local businesses as thousands of player and fans descend on the district.”

Basildon is staging the second leg of the European tour, which also stops off at other countries including France and Germany. Competitors from as far away as Russia will take part in the action, with the winning teams set to go on to compete in the US later in the year.

The teams battle it out across a range of professional and amateur leagues. They typically include between five and seven players, with many of those in the top leagues competing as paid professionals.

The games are highly skilled, the contestants accomplished athletes. The action is rather like extremely high speed chess in which each team carefully plans its moves and countermoves in an attempt to neutralise the opposition and hit the target buzzer.

It's a young sport with a youthful, trendy profile. Don't for a minute imagine it has anything to do with middle aged wannabe soldiers playing games in the woods.

In addition to the competition, there will be a paintball trade exhibition, fair rides, bar and food court.

The championships are being held in the Basildon athletics stadium in Gloucester Park. The event opens to the public and competitors on Thursday 22 May. Competition starts on Friday 23 May and culminates with the finals on Sunday 25 May.