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Created page with " '''Phoenix Tahiti''' (also known as '''Phœnix Tahiti''' and '''Phoenix Tahiti Paintball''') is a competitive paintball team based in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Founded in 2009, the team has participated in international speedball and X-Ball competitions throughout Oceania, Asia and North America. The team has competed in New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States, including events associated with the New Zealand Paintball Players League (NZPPL),..."
 
 
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'''Phoenix Tahiti''' (also known as '''Phœnix Tahiti''' and '''Phoenix Tahiti Paintball''') is a competitive [[paintball]] team based in [[Tahiti]], French Polynesia. Founded in 2009, the team has participated in international speedball and X-Ball competitions throughout Oceania, Asia and North America.
'''Phoenix Tahiti''' is a competitive [[paintball]] team from [[French Polynesia]]. Established in 2009, the team has participated in international paintball competitions across Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America, including the [[Paintball Asia League Series]] (PALS), the [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]] (NZPPL), the [[National Xball League]] (NXL) and the French national paintball championship.


The team has competed in New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States, including events associated with the [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]] (NZPPL), [[Paintball Asia League Series]] (PALS), American Federation of Paintball Leagues (AFPL) and [[National Xball League]] (NXL).
The organisation has competed under several names, including '''Phoenix Authority''', '''Phoenix Tahiti''' and '''Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan'''. Its broader history also includes earlier Tahitian representative squads, including '''Fei Pi 1923''' and '''Tahitian Legion''', which shared players with Phoenix Tahiti.


Phoenix Tahiti has also competed under the name '''Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan''', which appears in international tournament records from 2017 onward.[1]
The team has regularly assembled international rosters combining players from French Polynesia with competitors from other countries. [[Ralph Tsing]] has been one of its most extensively documented players and organisers.


Its notable results include fourth place at the 2014 NZPPL International Pacific Championship in Auckland, fifth place at the 2017 Paintball World Cup Asia in Division 3, third place at the 2023 New Zealand Race Series finale and second place in Division 5 X-Ball at the 2025 NXL World Cup in Florida.[1][3][4]
Documented achievements include fifth place at World Cup Asia in 2017, third place at the New Zealand Race Series in 2023, second place in Division 5 X-Ball at the 2025 NXL World Cup, and a reported second-place finish at the 2026 French Paintball Championship.


== History ==
== History ==


=== Formation in Tahiti ===
=== Formation ===


Phoenix Tahiti was established in '''2009''' by three friends who wanted to create a team bringing together players from different existing paintball teams.
Phoenix Tahiti was founded in 2009 by three friends in French Polynesia.


The team's original social media description explained that it was founded with an emphasis on enjoying the sport and playing together.
According to the team's own historical description, its founders wanted to assemble a squad consisting of players from different established teams, with an emphasis on enjoying paintball and competing together. [1]


The founding account describes Phoenix Tahiti as a mixed group of players rather than a team formed exclusively from one existing club.[2]
The organisation developed international connections with players and tournament operators across the Pacific region, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.


The names of all three original founders have not been independently established from the available historical sources.
[[Ralph Tsing]] became one of the team's most prominent international representatives, helping assemble squads for overseas tournaments and maintaining relationships with other competitive teams.


The team became associated with the competitive paintball community in French Polynesia, participating in speedball tournaments and eventually travelling internationally.
The team's historical PBLeagues profile identifies Tahiti Ultimate Paintball in Punaauia, French Polynesia, as an associated field. The profile was registered on 2 September 2013, although the organisation's history predates that registration. [2]


Its historical PBLeagues profile lists '''Tahiti Ultimate Paintball''' in Punaauia, French Polynesia, as its home field.[1]
=== Team names and international participation ===


=== Early international competition ===
Phoenix Tahiti's tournament history includes several related team names.


Phoenix Tahiti developed an international tournament presence during the early 2010s.
The names Phoenix Authority, Phoenix Tahiti and Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan have been used by squads associated with the organisation.


The team registered on PBLeagues on '''2 September 2013'''.
Earlier Tahitian teams, including Fei Pi 1923 and Tahitian Legion, included players who subsequently competed for Phoenix Tahiti.


Its earliest event recorded in that database was the '''2013 NAZA World Cup Asia Paintball''' tournament, held in Malaysia from 15 to 17 November 2013.
Although these earlier teams shared identifiable players, the surviving records do not establish that every name represented the same formally registered organisation.


Phoenix Tahiti competed in Division 3 and finished '''47th of 54 teams'''.[1]
Their appearances are included in the broader history of Phoenix Tahiti while preserving the individual team names used at each tournament.


The result established the team's presence in one of Asia's major international paintball competitions.
The organisation has also relied upon international cooperation to assemble squads for overseas competitions. Its rosters have included players from Tahiti, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and South Africa.


Its participation also marked the beginning of a documented sequence of overseas tournament appearances.
== Early Tahitian international competition ==


== Competition in New Zealand ==
=== World Cup Asia 2011: Fei Pi 1923 ===


=== NZPPL International Pacific Championship, 2014 ===
A Tahitian team competed in Division 1 at the 2011 Paintball World Cup Asia, held in Langkawi, Malaysia, from 10 to 13 November.


Phoenix Tahiti competed at the '''NZPPL International Pacific Championship''' in Auckland, New Zealand, on '''25–26 October 2014'''.
The squad appeared in pre-tournament registration announcements as Team Fei-Pi-Tahiti and in the original PALS rankings as Fei Pi 1923.


The team entered Division 1 X-Ball and finished '''fourth of eight teams'''.[1]
A registration announcement published on 24 September 2011 by PALS International Liaison Director Allan Phang confirms the team's participation. [3]


The competition was part of the international activity associated with the New Zealand Paintball Players League.
The identified roster included:


Phoenix Tahiti's participation demonstrated the connection between French Polynesian players and the New Zealand competitive paintball community.
* [[Ralph Tsing]]
* Tafai Rai
* Christian Veroux
* Alexis Holman
* Bryce Carpentier
* Josh Alvarado
 
Fei Pi 1923 finished 19th among 21 Division 1 teams at World Cup Asia, earning 24 ranking points.
 
The squad finished 22nd in the overall 2011 PALS Division 1 season rankings. [4]
 
The appearance documents international competition by several players subsequently associated with Phoenix Tahiti.
 
The precise organisational relationship between Fei Pi 1923 and Phoenix Tahiti has not been established.
 
=== NZPPL Event 2, Hāwera 2012: Tahitian Legion ===
 
A Tahitian squad competed at the second event of the 2012 New Zealand Paintball Players League season, held in Hāwera, Taranaki, New Zealand.
 
The squad was known as Tahitian Legion, although the original handwritten tournament scoreboard recorded the entry simply as Tahiti.
 
Contemporary photographs identify six players wearing matching black jerseys:
 
* Shane Gallagher (#25), a New Zealand player guesting for the team
* Mani Voirin (#16)
* Christian Veroux (#88)
* [[Ralph Tsing]] (#27)
* Keke Brodien (#14)
* Manaurii Bousquet (#01)
 
The team competed in the Cup section against ADHD, Arachnids, D4, Hybrid, Tempest, Those Guys and Tiger Blood.
 
The original scoreboard records Tahiti fourth after seven scoring rounds, with 329 points.
 
The scoreboard also identifies a third-place playoff between Tahiti and Tiger Blood. The final result of that match has not been established. [5]
 
A separate team named Phoenix competed in the Plate section of the same tournament. This was a Wellington, New Zealand team and was not Phoenix Tahiti.
 
Tahitian Legion's participation provides early documentation of Tahitian players competing in New Zealand, including individuals who also represented Phoenix Authority at World Cup Asia later that year.
 
=== Organised paintball in Tahiti, 2012 ===
 
Surviving competitor identification cards from a paintball event in Tahiti in 2012 provide additional evidence of organised local competitive paintball.
 
The cards carry Fédération de Paintball branding and identify the association Papara Paintball.
 
Eight registered competitors are documented:
 
* Nicolas Mesnard
* Teute Puairau
* Christian Veroux
* [[Ralph Tsing]]
* Heimanu Souday
* Joinville Souday
* Tuarii Souday
* Tamatoa Lepean
 
These records establish the players' association with Papara Paintball in 2012 but do not independently establish that every cardholder competed for Phoenix Tahiti. [6]
 
== Paintball Asia League Series ==
 
=== World Cup Asia 2012: Phoenix Authority ===
 
Phoenix Authority competed at the 2012 Paintball World Cup Asia, held in Langkawi, Malaysia, as part of the Paintball Asia League Series.


=== Asylum Paintball Cup, 2015 ===
The team competed in Division 2 with a multinational roster.


Phoenix Tahiti returned to Auckland for the '''Asylum Paintball Cup''' on '''26–27 September 2015'''.
A contemporary report in ''La Dépêche de Tahiti'', titled "Une honorable 17e place", identified the following players:


The tournament was hosted at [[Asylum Paintball]], a commercial and competitive paintball facility at the former Kingseat Hospital in South Auckland.
* [[Ralph Tsing]] (Tahiti)
* Christian Veroux (Tahiti)
* Moana Le Foc (Tahiti)
* Michael Earley (New Zealand)
* Tim Matthee (Australia)
* Badman Bud (Malaysia)
* Ku Zambree (Malaysia)


Phoenix Tahiti entered the Open X-Ball division.[1]
The newspaper reported that the squad had been unable to assemble a complete Tahitian lineup and therefore recruited international teammates. [7]


Its participation was recorded by PBLeagues, although the team's historical profile does not provide a confirmed final placing.
Phoenix Authority finished 17th out of 28 teams in Division 2.


The tournament attracted teams from New Zealand and overseas.
The original tournament preliminary standings record the squad in 17th position, with 2.5 competition points, nine sets won and 12 sets lost.


Phoenix Tahiti's involvement formed part of its continuing participation in international competition across the South Pacific.
The contemporary newspaper report also confirms the team's 17th-place finish.


=== Auckland Paintball Cup, 2016 ===
The appearance demonstrates the team's early use of multinational rosters and the international connections that would continue throughout its history.


The team returned to New Zealand for the '''Auckland Paintball Cup''' on '''16–17 April 2016'''.
=== World Cup Asia 2013: Phoenix Tahiti ===


Phoenix Tahiti competed in Division 2 X-Ball and finished '''seventh of eight teams'''.[1]
Phoenix Tahiti returned to World Cup Asia in Langkawi, Malaysia, from 15 to 17 November 2013.


The event represented another documented appearance in the Auckland tournament circuit.
The team competed in Division 3.


=== New Zealand Race Series, 2023 ===
==== Team roster ====


Phoenix Tahiti achieved a podium finish at the final round of the '''2023 New Zealand Race Series'''.
The complete six-player roster was:


The competition took place at '''Arena Paintball''' in Feilding, New Zealand.
* [[Ralph Tsing]] (Tahiti)
* Ku Zambree (Malaysia)
* Moana Le Foc (Tahiti)
* Sasha Dworatschek (Germany)
* Mando Hazree (Malaysia)
* Michael Earley (New Zealand)


According to a contemporary interview published by Air Tahiti Nui on 31 October 2023, the team finished '''third of nine teams'''.[3]
The squad included two Tahitian players, two Malaysian players, one German player and one New Zealand player.


The team was assembled for the event by Tahitian player '''Ralph Tsing''', following an invitation from tournament organiser David Hopkins.
Several members had previously played together for Phoenix Authority at World Cup Asia 2012.


The squad included five Tahitian players alongside two international players.
The roster has been documented through firsthand testimony from a participating player.


The tournament was played in a five-versus-five X-Ball format.
==== Tournament results ====


=== Tournament performance ===
The original 2013 PALS Division 3 rankings record Phoenix Tahiti finishing 47th at World Cup Asia, earning 31 ranking points.


Phoenix Tahiti completed the preliminary stage with:
The team finished 57th in the overall 2013 PALS Division 3 season standings, which listed 65 teams. [8]


* Six wins
PBLeagues independently confirms a final event placing of 47th among 54 teams in Division 3. [2]
* One draw
* One loss


The team advanced to the semifinals, where it faced '''Ballistic Unit'''.
The original PALS ranking and PBLeagues historical records use different points scales, although both identify the same final event position.


After falling behind 2–0, Phoenix Tahiti recovered to lead 3–2.
=== World Cup Asia 2017: Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan ===


The game finished 3–3 at the end of regulation time.
Phoenix Tahiti returned to World Cup Asia from 10 to 12 November 2017 at The ARC, Bandar Rimbayu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.


Ballistic Unit won the deciding sudden-death point, eliminating Phoenix Tahiti from championship contention.
The team competed in Division 3, which featured 16 entrants.


Phoenix Tahiti then played '''Charcharodons''' in the third-place playoff.
The original tournament scoreboards use the name Phoenix Tahiti, while the historical PBLeagues registration identifies the squad as Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan, a later version of the team name. [2]


The team won '''3–0''', securing third place at the tournament.[3]
==== Preliminary round ====


This result was particularly notable because several members of the squad were participating in an international tournament for the first time.
Phoenix Tahiti was placed in Group B alongside Splatmasters, BT D' Aquarian, Duck Vader, Octosquad, Order 66, KSM Paintballers and Hardinsert.


== International competition in Asia ==
The team finished second in the group.


=== World Cup Asia, 2013 ===
Its recorded preliminary statistics were:


Phoenix Tahiti's earliest documented PBLeagues appearance was at the 2013 NAZA World Cup Asia in Malaysia.
* Competition points: 6
* Sets won: 11
* Sets lost: 5
* Set differential: +6


The team finished 47th of 54 entries in Division 3.[1]
The result qualified Phoenix Tahiti for the second round. [9]


This marked an early stage in its international tournament development.
==== Second round ====


=== World Cup Asia, 2017 ===
Phoenix Tahiti advanced to Group Z alongside Raptor Brunei, Octosquad and Order 66.


Phoenix Tahiti competed under the name '''Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan''' at the '''2017 Paintball World Cup Asia''' in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The team finished first in the group, winning all six sets played.


The event took place on '''10–12 November 2017'''.
Its recorded statistics were:


The team entered Division 3 X-Ball and finished '''fifth of sixteen teams'''.[1]
* Competition points: 3
* Sets won: 6
* Sets lost: 0
* Set differential: +6


This represented a substantial improvement over its recorded 2013 World Cup Asia result.
Phoenix Tahiti advanced to the quarterfinals.


=== George Town International X-Ball Cup, 2018 ===
==== Quarterfinals ====


Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan participated in the '''George Town International X-Ball Cup''' in Malaysia on '''19 October 2018'''.
Phoenix Tahiti faced Order 66 in the quarterfinals.


The team competed in the Amateur division, finishing '''fifth of seventeen teams'''.[1]
Order 66 won the match by two sets to one, eliminating Phoenix Tahiti from the competition.


This was another top-five international result for the team.
Phoenix Tahiti finished fifth overall out of 16 Division 3 teams. [2][9]


=== World Paintball Championship, 2019 ===
The leading Division 3 teams were:


Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan entered the '''2019 World Paintball Championship''' in Thailand.
* Champion: Kejahatan Aisawan
* First runner-up: BT D' Aquarian
* Second runner-up: Splatmasters
* Third runner-up: Order 66


The event took place from '''29 November to 1 December 2019'''.
Kejahatan Aisawan was a separate competing team from Phoenix Tahiti, despite the use of the Aisawan name in Phoenix Tahiti's historical registration.


The team entered the '''WPC Division 3 – Mercy Limit 2''' category.[1]
==== Tahitian and Malaysian combined team ====


The PBLeagues historical record confirms its participation but does not display a final placing.
Phoenix Tahiti's fifth-place finish received coverage in ''La Dépêche de Tahiti'' on 15 November 2017.


== Competition in the United States ==
The article, titled "Cinquième place pour le team Tahiti-Malaisie", identified [[Ralph Tsing]] and Torea Adams as the Tahitian players who participated in the competition. [10]


=== AFPL SoCal Chaos, 2016 ===
According to the report, the team had originally intended to travel with a complete Tahitian squad.


Phoenix Tahiti participated in the '''AFPL SoCal Chaos #3''' tournament in Southern California on '''10–11 September 2016'''.
Financial limitations prevented sufficient players from travelling, and the organisers arranged for the Tahitian competitors to join Malaysian players.


The team competed in Division 4 X-Ball, finishing '''eighth of eight teams'''.[1]
Tsing described the fifth-place finish as a positive achievement, particularly because the combined squad had been assembled specifically for the tournament and had not previously trained together.


The event was the team's earliest United States tournament appearance identified in its historical PBLeagues profile.
The newspaper published a photograph of five players representing the combined team.


It demonstrated the expansion of Phoenix Tahiti's competitive activities beyond Oceania and Asia.
The identities of the Malaysian players in the photograph have not been independently established.


=== NXL World Cup, 2025 ===
=== George Town International X-Ball Cup 2018 ===


Phoenix Tahiti achieved one of its most significant international results at the '''2025 NXL World Cup''' in Kissimmee, Florida.
Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan competed in the George Town International X-Ball Cup in Malaysia on 19 October 2018.


The event took place from '''12–16 November 2025'''.
The squad entered the Amateur division and finished fifth out of 17 teams.


The team competed in '''Division 5 X-Ball''' and advanced through the elimination rounds to the championship final.[4][5]
The result is recorded in the team's historical PBLeagues profile. [2]


The result attracted coverage in French Polynesian media, which reported the participation of Tahitian players and the team's runner-up finish.[6]
=== World Paintball Championship 2019 ===


=== Qualification and elimination rounds ===
Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan was registered for the World Paintball Championship in Thailand, held from 29 November to 1 December 2019.


Phoenix Tahiti won three of its four preliminary matches.
The team entered WPC Division 3 under the Mercy Limit 2 format.


Its recorded results included:
PBLeagues confirms the team's participation but does not provide a final placing. [2]


* 3–0 against BR Barbies
== New Zealand competitions ==
* 3–1 against Filthy Few
* 3–0 against SoCal Havoc MOB
* 2–3 against APF Family


The team advanced from the preliminary stage to the elimination rounds.
=== International Pacific Championship 2014 ===


It subsequently defeated Thunderducks 3–0, Revolution 2–1 and Texas Rampage 4–1.
Phoenix Tahiti competed in the NZPPL International Pacific Championship at Asylum Paintball in Kingseat, Auckland, on 25 and 26 October 2014.


In the semifinals, Phoenix Tahiti defeated '''SoCal Havoc Misfits''' 3–0.[5]
The team entered Division 1 X-Ball and finished fourth out of eight participating teams. [2]


=== Championship final ===
Contemporary team photographs identify several Tahitian players associated with this appearance, including [[Ralph Tsing]], Matatini Wong Chou, Christian Theroux and Torea Adams.


Phoenix Tahiti faced '''Protocol D5''' in the Division 5 X-Ball championship final.
=== Asylum Paintball Cup 2015 ===


Protocol D5 won the match '''4–2'''.
Phoenix Tahiti returned to New Zealand for the Asylum Paintball Cup on 26 and 27 September 2015.


Phoenix Tahiti therefore finished '''second in Division 5 X-Ball''' at the 2025 NXL World Cup.[4]
The team entered the Open X-Ball division.


The result was a major international achievement for the Tahitian team.
The appearance is recorded by PBLeagues, although no final placing is provided in the historical team profile. [2]


It should be described specifically as a Division 5 World Cup runner-up finish, rather than an overall professional world championship title.
=== Auckland Paintball Cup 2016 ===


The competition's official scoring records independently confirm the final score and placing.
Phoenix Tahiti competed in the Auckland Paintball Cup on 16 and 17 April 2016.


== Players ==
The team entered Division 2 X-Ball and finished seventh out of eight teams. [2]


=== Documented 2023 roster ===
=== New Zealand League Series 2019 ===


The 2023 New Zealand Race Series roster was documented in an interview with Ralph Tsing published by Air Tahiti Nui.[3]
Contemporary photographic material documents additional Phoenix Tahiti activity at Asylum Paintball in Auckland during the New Zealand League Series in 2019.


{| class="wikitable"
A photograph published on 10 March 2019 identifies the team in connection with NZLS Event 1.
|+ Phoenix Tahiti – New Zealand Race Series, 2023
 
! Player
A final tournament placing has not been established from the available records. [11]
! Association
 
|-
=== New Zealand Race Series 2023 ===
| '''Torea Adams'''
 
| French Polynesia
In October 2023, Phoenix Tahiti competed in the final round of the New Zealand Race Series at Arena Paintball in Feilding, New Zealand.
|-
 
| '''Steven Wong'''
The competition attracted nine teams.
| French Polynesia
 
|-
At the invitation of event organiser David Hopkins, [[Ralph Tsing]] assembled an international Phoenix Tahiti squad comprising five Tahitian players and two international teammates.
| '''Emrick Amaru'''
 
| French Polynesia
The documented roster included:
|-
 
| '''Kevin Brodien'''
* Ralph Tsing (Tahiti)
| French Polynesia
* Torea Adams (Tahiti)
|-
* Steven Wong (Tahiti)
| '''Ralph Tsing'''
* Emrick Amaru (Tahiti)
| French Polynesia
* Kevin Brodien (Tahiti)
|-
* Brandon Miller (Australia)
| '''Brandon Miller'''
* Jarryd Fouche (South Africa)
| Australia
 
|-
The team's participation was documented in an interview with Tsing published by Air Tahiti Nui on 31 October 2023. [12]
| '''Jarryd Fouche'''
 
| South Africa
Phoenix Tahiti completed the preliminary stage with six victories, one draw and one defeat.
|}
 
The team advanced to the semifinals against Ballistics Unit.
 
After trailing 2-0, Phoenix Tahiti recovered to take a 3-2 lead before the match finished 3-3 in regulation time.
 
Ballistics Unit won the deciding sudden-death point.
 
Phoenix Tahiti subsequently defeated the Charcharodons 3-0 in the third-place playoff, securing third place overall.
 
The tournament was won by Expendables, who defeated Ballistics Unit 3-0 in the final.
 
Tsing had previously played with Expendables during the first two rounds of the 2023 New Zealand Race Series. Those appearances were separate from the Phoenix Tahiti team entered for the final round.
 
== United States competitions ==
 
=== AFPL SoCal Chaos 2016 ===
 
Phoenix Tahiti competed in the American Federation of Paintball Leagues SoCal Chaos #3 tournament on 10 and 11 September 2016.
 
The team entered Division 4 X-Ball and finished eighth out of eight teams. [2]
 
=== NXL World Cup 2025 ===
 
Phoenix Tahiti competed at the 2025 National Xball League World Cup, held in Kissimmee, Florida, United States, from 12 to 16 November.
 
The team entered Division 5 X-Ball.
 
Phoenix Tahiti completed its preliminary schedule with three victories and one defeat before advancing to the elimination rounds.
 
The team's elimination-stage results included:
 
* Defeated Thunderducks, 3-0
* Defeated Revolution, 2-1
* Defeated Texas Rampage, 4-1
* Defeated SoCal Havoc Misfits, 3-0
 
Phoenix Tahiti advanced to the Division 5 X-Ball final against Protocol D5.
 
Protocol D5 won the championship match 4-2, leaving Phoenix Tahiti as the division's runner-up. [13]


This roster applies specifically to the 2023 competition and should not be interpreted as the team's permanent membership throughout its history.
The result attracted media coverage in French Polynesia and represented a significant achievement for the team at one of the sport's largest international tournaments.


=== Ralph Tsing ===
== European competitions ==


'''Ralph Tsing''' is a Tahitian competitive paintball player associated with international tournament participation.
=== French Paintball Championship 2026 ===


He was responsible for assembling the Phoenix Tahiti squad that competed at the 2023 New Zealand Race Series finale.
Phoenix Tahiti competed at the 2026 Championnat de France, organised by the Fédération Française de Paintball in Dreux, France, from 5 to 7 June 2026.


In his October 2023 interview, Tsing described the team's preparation, tournament results and the significance of the podium finish for its less experienced international competitors.[3]
The championship was held at the paintball complex on Chemin Notre Dame de la Ronde in Dreux. [14]


His involvement illustrates the role played by Tahitian players in maintaining connections between French Polynesia and international paintball competitions.
The team's participation is documented through its own contemporary social media coverage, including photographs published under the title "Championnat de France 2026".


=== International player participation ===
Players associated with the appearance included:


Phoenix Tahiti's original founding description emphasised bringing together players from different teams.
* [[Ralph Tsing]]
* Arifano Amaru
* Toto Westsiide
* Jarryd Fouche


The documented 2023 roster demonstrates that this approach extended to international players.
Phoenix Tahiti reported finishing second in its competition.


The team included five Tahitians alongside players from Australia and South Africa.
The result was reported through the team's own social media activity in June 2026, although a complete official divisional classification has not yet been independently recovered. [15]


The arrangement provided opportunities for Tahitian players to compete internationally while drawing on experience from other paintball communities.
The exact competition division and final match score therefore remain unconfirmed.


The available records do not establish whether the same roster model applied at every tournament.
The appearance represented a documented European competition by Phoenix Tahiti, extending its international tournament history beyond Asia, Oceania and North America.


== Tournament results ==
== Tournament results ==


The following table summarises selected verified international results.
The following table summarises documented international appearances by Phoenix Tahiti and related Tahitian squads.


{| class="wikitable sortable"
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Phoenix Tahiti – Selected international tournament history
! Year
! Year
! Team name
! Tournament
! Tournament
! Country
! Country
! Division
! Division
! Result
! Result
|-
| 2011
| Fei Pi 1923
| World Cup Asia
| Malaysia
| Division 1
| 19th of 21
|-
| 2012
| Tahitian Legion
| NZPPL Event 2, Hāwera
| New Zealand
| Cup
| Third-place playoff, result unconfirmed
|-
| 2012
| Phoenix Authority
| World Cup Asia
| Malaysia
| Division 2
| 17th of 28
|-
|-
| 2013
| 2013
| NAZA World Cup Asia
| Phoenix Tahiti
| World Cup Asia
| Malaysia
| Malaysia
| Division 3
| Division 3
Line 275: Line 416:
|-
|-
| 2014
| 2014
| NZPPL International Pacific Championship
| Phoenix Tahiti
| International Pacific Championship
| New Zealand
| New Zealand
| Division 1 X-Ball
| Division 1 X-Ball
Line 281: Line 423:
|-
|-
| 2015
| 2015
| Phoenix Tahiti
| Asylum Paintball Cup
| Asylum Paintball Cup
| New Zealand
| New Zealand
| Open X-Ball
| Open X-Ball
| Participated; placing unconfirmed
| Not recorded
|-
|-
| 2016
| 2016
| Phoenix Tahiti
| Auckland Paintball Cup
| Auckland Paintball Cup
| New Zealand
| New Zealand
Line 293: Line 437:
|-
|-
| 2016
| 2016
| Phoenix Tahiti
| AFPL SoCal Chaos #3
| AFPL SoCal Chaos #3
| United States
| United States
Line 299: Line 444:
|-
|-
| 2017
| 2017
| Paintball World Cup Asia
| Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan
| World Cup Asia
| Malaysia
| Malaysia
| Division 3 X-Ball
| Division 3 X-Ball
Line 305: Line 451:
|-
|-
| 2018
| 2018
| Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan
| George Town International X-Ball Cup
| George Town International X-Ball Cup
| Malaysia
| Malaysia
Line 311: Line 458:
|-
|-
| 2019
| 2019
| Phoenix Tahiti
| New Zealand League Series Event 1
| New Zealand
| Unconfirmed
| Not recorded
|-
| 2019
| Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan
| World Paintball Championship
| World Paintball Championship
| Thailand
| Thailand
| Division 3
| Division 3
| Participated; placing unconfirmed
| Not recorded
|-
|-
| 2023
| 2023
| New Zealand Race Series finale
| Phoenix Tahiti
| New Zealand Race Series, final round
| New Zealand
| New Zealand
| Five-man X-Ball
| Race format
| 3rd of 9
| 3rd of 9
|-
|-
| 2025
| 2025
| Phoenix Tahiti
| NXL World Cup
| NXL World Cup
| United States
| United States
| Division 5 X-Ball
| Division 5 X-Ball
| '''2nd'''
| 2nd, runner-up
|-
| 2026
| Phoenix Tahiti
| Championnat de France
| France
| Division unconfirmed
| 2nd, team-reported
|}
|}


Sources: PBLeagues historical team records, Air Tahiti Nui and NXL World Cup scoring records.[1][3][4]
The table includes earlier Tahitian squads through documented continuity of players. It does not establish that all the listed entries belonged to one formally registered organisation.
 
The table contains documented results rather than a complete history of every tournament entered by Phoenix Tahiti.
 
The team may have participated in additional local, regional and international competitions not represented in the surviving records.
 
== Historical significance ==
 
=== French Polynesian tournament paintball ===
 
Phoenix Tahiti represents a sustained example of competitive paintball participation from French Polynesia.
 
The team's founding in 2009 and subsequent international tournament history document the development of Tahitian paintball beyond local recreational competition.
 
Its participation in tournaments throughout New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States demonstrates the international connections available to players from the Pacific Islands.
 
=== Connections with New Zealand ===


New Zealand has been an important destination for Phoenix Tahiti.
== International participation and development ==


The team's documented appearances include tournaments in Auckland during 2014, 2015 and 2016, followed by its podium finish at Feilding in 2023.
Phoenix Tahiti has been notable for its use of international rosters to enable competitive participation outside French Polynesia.


These competitions connected Tahitian players with established New Zealand teams, tournament organisers and facilities.
Players associated with the organisation have travelled to tournaments in Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, the United States and France.


The 2023 result also provided opportunities for players making their first international tournament appearance.
[[Ralph Tsing]] has played a continuing role in organising international participation and developing connections with overseas teams.


=== International achievements ===
Financial and logistical barriers have affected the team's ability to travel with complete Tahitian rosters. In some cases, the organisation has assembled mixed-nationality squads with players recruited from countries where competitions were being held.


Phoenix Tahiti's international record includes several notable performances.
The 2012 World Cup Asia, 2013 World Cup Asia, 2017 World Cup Asia and 2023 New Zealand Race Series appearances provide documented examples of this approach.


Its fourth-place result at the 2014 NZPPL International Pacific Championship established the team among the leading finishers in that competition.
The team's activities have also been affected by the limited availability of competitive paintball facilities in French Polynesia.


Its fifth-place results in Malaysia during 2017 and 2018 demonstrated competitive progress in Asian tournament events.
A 2024 Tahiti Nui Télévision report documented the loss of several Tahitian paintball fields beginning in 2012 and the closure of a later practice area in Punaruu in 2022. [16]


The 2023 New Zealand Race Series podium represented another international achievement.
These circumstances contributed to the importance of overseas competition for Tahitian players.


The team's second-place finish at the 2025 NXL World Cup was a particularly significant result, placing Phoenix Tahiti in a championship final at one of the largest international paintball tournaments.
== Legacy ==


=== Preservation of records ===
Phoenix Tahiti represents a longstanding example of competitive paintball participation from French Polynesia.


Phoenix Tahiti's history is documented through a combination of team publications, PBLeagues records, contemporary interviews and tournament scoring systems.
Beginning as a team founded by three friends in 2009, the organisation developed an international presence through repeated tournament appearances, cooperation with overseas players and participation across several competition divisions.


The team's self-description provides evidence of its founding in 2009, while PBLeagues records its competition history beginning in 2013.
Its broader history includes Tahitian squads competing at World Cup Asia in 2011 and 2012, followed by appearances under the Phoenix Tahiti name in Malaysia, New Zealand, the United States and France.


The Air Tahiti Nui interview provides unusually detailed documentation of the team's 2023 roster and match results.
The team's documented achievements include fifth place at World Cup Asia 2017, third place at the New Zealand Race Series 2023, second place in Division 5 X-Ball at the 2025 NXL World Cup, and a reported runner-up finish at the 2026 French Paintball Championship.
 
The NXL scoring database independently confirms its 2025 World Cup runner-up finish.
 
These sources preserve the achievements of a team from a relatively small paintball community participating internationally over many years.


== See also ==
== See also ==


* [[Ralph Tsing]]
* [[Paintball in French Polynesia]]
* [[Paintball in French Polynesia]]
* [[Paintball in Oceania]]
* [[Paintball in New Zealand]]
* [[Paintball Asia League Series]]
* [[Paintball Asia League Series]]
* [[Paintball World Cup Asia]]
* [[Paintball World Cup Asia]]
* [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]]
* [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]]
* [[Asylum Paintball]]
* [[New Zealand Race Series]]
* [[National Xball League]]
* [[National Xball League]]
* [[NXL World Cup]]
* [[Super 7's Paintball Series]]
* [[Ralph Tsing]]
* [[Fédération Française de Paintball]]


== References ==
== References ==


# [https://pbleagues.com/team/qnCyzgX5g4pCgeVT Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan – Team Profile]. ''PBLeagues''. Historical tournament registration and results for Phoenix Tahiti and Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan, including international appearances between 2013 and 2019. Lists Tahiti Ultimate Paintball, Punaauia, as the team's home field.
# [https://www.localgymsandfitness.com/PF/Papeete/180926158404/Phoenix-Tahiti-Paintball Phoenix Tahiti Paintball]. Historical team description identifying its formation in 2009.
# [https://www.localgymsandfitness.com/PF/Papeete/180926158404/Phoenix-Tahiti-Paintball Phoenix Tahiti Paintball – Team Description]. Archived public social media listing reproducing the team's description of its establishment in 2009 by three friends.
# [https://pbleagues.com/team/qnCyzgX5g4pCgeVT PBLeagues: Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan]. Historical team registration and tournament records, 2013 to 2019.
# [https://pf.airtahitinui.com/actualites/ambassador/paintball-ralph-tsing-enchaine-les-bons-resultats Paintball : Ralph Tsing enchaine les bons résultats]. ''Air Tahiti Nui'', 31 October 2023. Interview documenting Phoenix Tahiti's roster, third-place finish and match results at the New Zealand Race Series finale.
# [https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/2018461/all Allan Phang, PALS World Cup Asia 2011 team announcements]. 24 September 2011.
# [https://pbleagues.com/scores/L316/E8928/scores/finalsScores.html NXL World Cup 2025 – Official Finals Scores]. ''PBLeagues''. Confirms Phoenix Tahiti's second-place finish in Division 5 X-Ball following a 4–2 loss to Protocol D5.
# Paintball Asia League Series. "Division 1: 2011 Ranking." Original season standings supplied to WikiPaintball.
# [https://pbleagues.com/scores/L316/E8928/scores/topScores.html NXL World Cup 2025 – Elimination Round Scores]. ''PBLeagues''. Records the team's performance through the elimination rounds and advancement to the Division 5 final.
# NZPPL Event 2, Hāwera, 2012. Original handwritten tournament scoreboard and contemporary Tahitian Legion team photograph, supplied to WikiPaintball.
# [https://www.drom-com.fr/articles/trois-tahitiens-brillent-nxl-paintball-world-cup-decrochent-place-vice-champions-monde-77189.htm Trois Tahitiens brillent à la NXL Paintball World Cup et décrochent la place de vice-champions du monde]. ''DROM-COM'', 20 November 2025. Reproduction of French Polynesian news coverage reporting the team's World Cup runner-up finish.
# Fédération de Paintball. Papara Paintball competitor identification cards, 2012. Original photographs supplied to WikiPaintball.
# ''La Dépêche de Tahiti''. "Une honorable 17e place." Fenua section, 2012. Contemporary report on Phoenix Authority at World Cup Asia.
# Paintball Asia League Series. "Division 3: 2013 Ranking." Original season standings supplied to WikiPaintball.
# Paintball World Cup Asia 2017. Original Division 3 preliminary scoreboards, second-round results, quarterfinal results and final rankings. Contemporary records supplied to WikiPaintball.
# Pereyre-Gobrait, Vaitiare. "Cinquième place pour le team Tahiti-Malaisie." ''La Dépêche de Tahiti'', 15 November 2017, p. 34.
# New Zealand League Series. Contemporary photographic record identifying Phoenix Tahiti at NZLS Event 1, published 10 March 2019.
# [https://pf.airtahitinui.com/actualites/ambassador/paintball-ralph-tsing-enchaine-les-bons-resultats Air Tahiti Nui. "Paintball : Ralph Tsing enchaine les bons résultats."] 31 October 2023.
# [https://pbleagues.com/scores/L316/E8928/scores/finalsScores.html PBLeagues: NXL World Cup 2025 final results]. Official Division 5 X-Ball standings.
# [https://www.helloasso.com/associations/federation-francaise-de-paintball/evenements/championnat-de-france-2026 Fédération Française de Paintball: Championnat de France 2026]. Event information confirming dates and location, 5 to 7 June 2026.
# [https://www.facebook.com/phoenixauthority/ Phoenix Tahiti Paintball]. Team social media reporting and photo album "Championnat de France 2026", including the reported runner-up result.
# [https://www.tntvnews.pf/sports/les-associations-sportives-en-mal-dinfrastructures/ Tahiti Nui Télévision. "Les associations sportives en mal d'infrastructures."] 30 August 2024.


== External links ==
== External links ==


* [https://www.facebook.com/ Phoenix Tahiti – Official social media platform]
* [https://www.facebook.com/phoenixauthority/ Phoenix Tahiti Paintball on Facebook]
* [https://pbleagues.com/team/qnCyzgX5g4pCgeVT Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan – PBLeagues historical team profile]
* [https://pbleagues.com/team/qnCyzgX5g4pCgeVT Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan on PBLeagues]
* [https://pf.airtahitinui.com/actualites/ambassador/paintball-ralph-tsing-enchaine-les-bons-resultats Air Tahiti Nui – Phoenix Tahiti's 2023 New Zealand tournament results]
* [https://pbleagues.com/scores/L316/E8928/scores/finalsScores.html 2025 NXL World Cup – Official final results]


[[Category:Paintball teams]]
[[Category:Paintball teams]]
[[Category:Paintball in French Polynesia]]
[[Category:Paintball in French Polynesia]]
[[Category:Paintball in Oceania]]

Latest revision as of 05:22, 26 October 2026

Phoenix Tahiti is a competitive paintball team from French Polynesia. Established in 2009, the team has participated in international paintball competitions across Asia, Oceania, Europe and North America, including the Paintball Asia League Series (PALS), the New Zealand Paintball Players League (NZPPL), the National Xball League (NXL) and the French national paintball championship.

The organisation has competed under several names, including Phoenix Authority, Phoenix Tahiti and Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan. Its broader history also includes earlier Tahitian representative squads, including Fei Pi 1923 and Tahitian Legion, which shared players with Phoenix Tahiti.

The team has regularly assembled international rosters combining players from French Polynesia with competitors from other countries. Ralph Tsing has been one of its most extensively documented players and organisers.

Documented achievements include fifth place at World Cup Asia in 2017, third place at the New Zealand Race Series in 2023, second place in Division 5 X-Ball at the 2025 NXL World Cup, and a reported second-place finish at the 2026 French Paintball Championship.

History

[edit]

Formation

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti was founded in 2009 by three friends in French Polynesia.

According to the team's own historical description, its founders wanted to assemble a squad consisting of players from different established teams, with an emphasis on enjoying paintball and competing together. [1]

The organisation developed international connections with players and tournament operators across the Pacific region, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.

Ralph Tsing became one of the team's most prominent international representatives, helping assemble squads for overseas tournaments and maintaining relationships with other competitive teams.

The team's historical PBLeagues profile identifies Tahiti Ultimate Paintball in Punaauia, French Polynesia, as an associated field. The profile was registered on 2 September 2013, although the organisation's history predates that registration. [2]

Team names and international participation

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti's tournament history includes several related team names.

The names Phoenix Authority, Phoenix Tahiti and Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan have been used by squads associated with the organisation.

Earlier Tahitian teams, including Fei Pi 1923 and Tahitian Legion, included players who subsequently competed for Phoenix Tahiti.

Although these earlier teams shared identifiable players, the surviving records do not establish that every name represented the same formally registered organisation.

Their appearances are included in the broader history of Phoenix Tahiti while preserving the individual team names used at each tournament.

The organisation has also relied upon international cooperation to assemble squads for overseas competitions. Its rosters have included players from Tahiti, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Germany and South Africa.

Early Tahitian international competition

[edit]

World Cup Asia 2011: Fei Pi 1923

[edit]

A Tahitian team competed in Division 1 at the 2011 Paintball World Cup Asia, held in Langkawi, Malaysia, from 10 to 13 November.

The squad appeared in pre-tournament registration announcements as Team Fei-Pi-Tahiti and in the original PALS rankings as Fei Pi 1923.

A registration announcement published on 24 September 2011 by PALS International Liaison Director Allan Phang confirms the team's participation. [3]

The identified roster included:

  • Ralph Tsing
  • Tafai Rai
  • Christian Veroux
  • Alexis Holman
  • Bryce Carpentier
  • Josh Alvarado

Fei Pi 1923 finished 19th among 21 Division 1 teams at World Cup Asia, earning 24 ranking points.

The squad finished 22nd in the overall 2011 PALS Division 1 season rankings. [4]

The appearance documents international competition by several players subsequently associated with Phoenix Tahiti.

The precise organisational relationship between Fei Pi 1923 and Phoenix Tahiti has not been established.

NZPPL Event 2, Hāwera 2012: Tahitian Legion

[edit]

A Tahitian squad competed at the second event of the 2012 New Zealand Paintball Players League season, held in Hāwera, Taranaki, New Zealand.

The squad was known as Tahitian Legion, although the original handwritten tournament scoreboard recorded the entry simply as Tahiti.

Contemporary photographs identify six players wearing matching black jerseys:

  • Shane Gallagher (#25), a New Zealand player guesting for the team
  • Mani Voirin (#16)
  • Christian Veroux (#88)
  • Ralph Tsing (#27)
  • Keke Brodien (#14)
  • Manaurii Bousquet (#01)

The team competed in the Cup section against ADHD, Arachnids, D4, Hybrid, Tempest, Those Guys and Tiger Blood.

The original scoreboard records Tahiti fourth after seven scoring rounds, with 329 points.

The scoreboard also identifies a third-place playoff between Tahiti and Tiger Blood. The final result of that match has not been established. [5]

A separate team named Phoenix competed in the Plate section of the same tournament. This was a Wellington, New Zealand team and was not Phoenix Tahiti.

Tahitian Legion's participation provides early documentation of Tahitian players competing in New Zealand, including individuals who also represented Phoenix Authority at World Cup Asia later that year.

Organised paintball in Tahiti, 2012

[edit]

Surviving competitor identification cards from a paintball event in Tahiti in 2012 provide additional evidence of organised local competitive paintball.

The cards carry Fédération de Paintball branding and identify the association Papara Paintball.

Eight registered competitors are documented:

  • Nicolas Mesnard
  • Teute Puairau
  • Christian Veroux
  • Ralph Tsing
  • Heimanu Souday
  • Joinville Souday
  • Tuarii Souday
  • Tamatoa Lepean

These records establish the players' association with Papara Paintball in 2012 but do not independently establish that every cardholder competed for Phoenix Tahiti. [6]

Paintball Asia League Series

[edit]

World Cup Asia 2012: Phoenix Authority

[edit]

Phoenix Authority competed at the 2012 Paintball World Cup Asia, held in Langkawi, Malaysia, as part of the Paintball Asia League Series.

The team competed in Division 2 with a multinational roster.

A contemporary report in La Dépêche de Tahiti, titled "Une honorable 17e place", identified the following players:

  • Ralph Tsing (Tahiti)
  • Christian Veroux (Tahiti)
  • Moana Le Foc (Tahiti)
  • Michael Earley (New Zealand)
  • Tim Matthee (Australia)
  • Badman Bud (Malaysia)
  • Ku Zambree (Malaysia)

The newspaper reported that the squad had been unable to assemble a complete Tahitian lineup and therefore recruited international teammates. [7]

Phoenix Authority finished 17th out of 28 teams in Division 2.

The original tournament preliminary standings record the squad in 17th position, with 2.5 competition points, nine sets won and 12 sets lost.

The contemporary newspaper report also confirms the team's 17th-place finish.

The appearance demonstrates the team's early use of multinational rosters and the international connections that would continue throughout its history.

World Cup Asia 2013: Phoenix Tahiti

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti returned to World Cup Asia in Langkawi, Malaysia, from 15 to 17 November 2013.

The team competed in Division 3.

Team roster

[edit]

The complete six-player roster was:

  • Ralph Tsing (Tahiti)
  • Ku Zambree (Malaysia)
  • Moana Le Foc (Tahiti)
  • Sasha Dworatschek (Germany)
  • Mando Hazree (Malaysia)
  • Michael Earley (New Zealand)

The squad included two Tahitian players, two Malaysian players, one German player and one New Zealand player.

Several members had previously played together for Phoenix Authority at World Cup Asia 2012.

The roster has been documented through firsthand testimony from a participating player.

Tournament results

[edit]

The original 2013 PALS Division 3 rankings record Phoenix Tahiti finishing 47th at World Cup Asia, earning 31 ranking points.

The team finished 57th in the overall 2013 PALS Division 3 season standings, which listed 65 teams. [8]

PBLeagues independently confirms a final event placing of 47th among 54 teams in Division 3. [2]

The original PALS ranking and PBLeagues historical records use different points scales, although both identify the same final event position.

World Cup Asia 2017: Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti returned to World Cup Asia from 10 to 12 November 2017 at The ARC, Bandar Rimbayu, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The team competed in Division 3, which featured 16 entrants.

The original tournament scoreboards use the name Phoenix Tahiti, while the historical PBLeagues registration identifies the squad as Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan, a later version of the team name. [2]

Preliminary round

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti was placed in Group B alongside Splatmasters, BT D' Aquarian, Duck Vader, Octosquad, Order 66, KSM Paintballers and Hardinsert.

The team finished second in the group.

Its recorded preliminary statistics were:

  • Competition points: 6
  • Sets won: 11
  • Sets lost: 5
  • Set differential: +6

The result qualified Phoenix Tahiti for the second round. [9]

Second round

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti advanced to Group Z alongside Raptor Brunei, Octosquad and Order 66.

The team finished first in the group, winning all six sets played.

Its recorded statistics were:

  • Competition points: 3
  • Sets won: 6
  • Sets lost: 0
  • Set differential: +6

Phoenix Tahiti advanced to the quarterfinals.

Quarterfinals

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti faced Order 66 in the quarterfinals.

Order 66 won the match by two sets to one, eliminating Phoenix Tahiti from the competition.

Phoenix Tahiti finished fifth overall out of 16 Division 3 teams. [2][9]

The leading Division 3 teams were:

  • Champion: Kejahatan Aisawan
  • First runner-up: BT D' Aquarian
  • Second runner-up: Splatmasters
  • Third runner-up: Order 66

Kejahatan Aisawan was a separate competing team from Phoenix Tahiti, despite the use of the Aisawan name in Phoenix Tahiti's historical registration.

Tahitian and Malaysian combined team

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti's fifth-place finish received coverage in La Dépêche de Tahiti on 15 November 2017.

The article, titled "Cinquième place pour le team Tahiti-Malaisie", identified Ralph Tsing and Torea Adams as the Tahitian players who participated in the competition. [10]

According to the report, the team had originally intended to travel with a complete Tahitian squad.

Financial limitations prevented sufficient players from travelling, and the organisers arranged for the Tahitian competitors to join Malaysian players.

Tsing described the fifth-place finish as a positive achievement, particularly because the combined squad had been assembled specifically for the tournament and had not previously trained together.

The newspaper published a photograph of five players representing the combined team.

The identities of the Malaysian players in the photograph have not been independently established.

George Town International X-Ball Cup 2018

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan competed in the George Town International X-Ball Cup in Malaysia on 19 October 2018.

The squad entered the Amateur division and finished fifth out of 17 teams.

The result is recorded in the team's historical PBLeagues profile. [2]

World Paintball Championship 2019

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan was registered for the World Paintball Championship in Thailand, held from 29 November to 1 December 2019.

The team entered WPC Division 3 under the Mercy Limit 2 format.

PBLeagues confirms the team's participation but does not provide a final placing. [2]

New Zealand competitions

[edit]

International Pacific Championship 2014

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti competed in the NZPPL International Pacific Championship at Asylum Paintball in Kingseat, Auckland, on 25 and 26 October 2014.

The team entered Division 1 X-Ball and finished fourth out of eight participating teams. [2]

Contemporary team photographs identify several Tahitian players associated with this appearance, including Ralph Tsing, Matatini Wong Chou, Christian Theroux and Torea Adams.

Asylum Paintball Cup 2015

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti returned to New Zealand for the Asylum Paintball Cup on 26 and 27 September 2015.

The team entered the Open X-Ball division.

The appearance is recorded by PBLeagues, although no final placing is provided in the historical team profile. [2]

Auckland Paintball Cup 2016

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti competed in the Auckland Paintball Cup on 16 and 17 April 2016.

The team entered Division 2 X-Ball and finished seventh out of eight teams. [2]

New Zealand League Series 2019

[edit]

Contemporary photographic material documents additional Phoenix Tahiti activity at Asylum Paintball in Auckland during the New Zealand League Series in 2019.

A photograph published on 10 March 2019 identifies the team in connection with NZLS Event 1.

A final tournament placing has not been established from the available records. [11]

New Zealand Race Series 2023

[edit]

In October 2023, Phoenix Tahiti competed in the final round of the New Zealand Race Series at Arena Paintball in Feilding, New Zealand.

The competition attracted nine teams.

At the invitation of event organiser David Hopkins, Ralph Tsing assembled an international Phoenix Tahiti squad comprising five Tahitian players and two international teammates.

The documented roster included:

  • Ralph Tsing (Tahiti)
  • Torea Adams (Tahiti)
  • Steven Wong (Tahiti)
  • Emrick Amaru (Tahiti)
  • Kevin Brodien (Tahiti)
  • Brandon Miller (Australia)
  • Jarryd Fouche (South Africa)

The team's participation was documented in an interview with Tsing published by Air Tahiti Nui on 31 October 2023. [12]

Phoenix Tahiti completed the preliminary stage with six victories, one draw and one defeat.

The team advanced to the semifinals against Ballistics Unit.

After trailing 2-0, Phoenix Tahiti recovered to take a 3-2 lead before the match finished 3-3 in regulation time.

Ballistics Unit won the deciding sudden-death point.

Phoenix Tahiti subsequently defeated the Charcharodons 3-0 in the third-place playoff, securing third place overall.

The tournament was won by Expendables, who defeated Ballistics Unit 3-0 in the final.

Tsing had previously played with Expendables during the first two rounds of the 2023 New Zealand Race Series. Those appearances were separate from the Phoenix Tahiti team entered for the final round.

United States competitions

[edit]

AFPL SoCal Chaos 2016

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti competed in the American Federation of Paintball Leagues SoCal Chaos #3 tournament on 10 and 11 September 2016.

The team entered Division 4 X-Ball and finished eighth out of eight teams. [2]

NXL World Cup 2025

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti competed at the 2025 National Xball League World Cup, held in Kissimmee, Florida, United States, from 12 to 16 November.

The team entered Division 5 X-Ball.

Phoenix Tahiti completed its preliminary schedule with three victories and one defeat before advancing to the elimination rounds.

The team's elimination-stage results included:

  • Defeated Thunderducks, 3-0
  • Defeated Revolution, 2-1
  • Defeated Texas Rampage, 4-1
  • Defeated SoCal Havoc Misfits, 3-0

Phoenix Tahiti advanced to the Division 5 X-Ball final against Protocol D5.

Protocol D5 won the championship match 4-2, leaving Phoenix Tahiti as the division's runner-up. [13]

The result attracted media coverage in French Polynesia and represented a significant achievement for the team at one of the sport's largest international tournaments.

European competitions

[edit]

French Paintball Championship 2026

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti competed at the 2026 Championnat de France, organised by the Fédération Française de Paintball in Dreux, France, from 5 to 7 June 2026.

The championship was held at the paintball complex on Chemin Notre Dame de la Ronde in Dreux. [14]

The team's participation is documented through its own contemporary social media coverage, including photographs published under the title "Championnat de France 2026".

Players associated with the appearance included:

Phoenix Tahiti reported finishing second in its competition.

The result was reported through the team's own social media activity in June 2026, although a complete official divisional classification has not yet been independently recovered. [15]

The exact competition division and final match score therefore remain unconfirmed.

The appearance represented a documented European competition by Phoenix Tahiti, extending its international tournament history beyond Asia, Oceania and North America.

Tournament results

[edit]

The following table summarises documented international appearances by Phoenix Tahiti and related Tahitian squads.

Year Team name Tournament Country Division Result
2011 Fei Pi 1923 World Cup Asia Malaysia Division 1 19th of 21
2012 Tahitian Legion NZPPL Event 2, Hāwera New Zealand Cup Third-place playoff, result unconfirmed
2012 Phoenix Authority World Cup Asia Malaysia Division 2 17th of 28
2013 Phoenix Tahiti World Cup Asia Malaysia Division 3 47th of 54
2014 Phoenix Tahiti International Pacific Championship New Zealand Division 1 X-Ball 4th of 8
2015 Phoenix Tahiti Asylum Paintball Cup New Zealand Open X-Ball Not recorded
2016 Phoenix Tahiti Auckland Paintball Cup New Zealand Division 2 X-Ball 7th of 8
2016 Phoenix Tahiti AFPL SoCal Chaos #3 United States Division 4 X-Ball 8th of 8
2017 Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan World Cup Asia Malaysia Division 3 X-Ball 5th of 16
2018 Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan George Town International X-Ball Cup Malaysia Amateur 5th of 17
2019 Phoenix Tahiti New Zealand League Series Event 1 New Zealand Unconfirmed Not recorded
2019 Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan World Paintball Championship Thailand Division 3 Not recorded
2023 Phoenix Tahiti New Zealand Race Series, final round New Zealand Race format 3rd of 9
2025 Phoenix Tahiti NXL World Cup United States Division 5 X-Ball 2nd, runner-up
2026 Phoenix Tahiti Championnat de France France Division unconfirmed 2nd, team-reported

The table includes earlier Tahitian squads through documented continuity of players. It does not establish that all the listed entries belonged to one formally registered organisation.

International participation and development

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti has been notable for its use of international rosters to enable competitive participation outside French Polynesia.

Players associated with the organisation have travelled to tournaments in Malaysia, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, the United States and France.

Ralph Tsing has played a continuing role in organising international participation and developing connections with overseas teams.

Financial and logistical barriers have affected the team's ability to travel with complete Tahitian rosters. In some cases, the organisation has assembled mixed-nationality squads with players recruited from countries where competitions were being held.

The 2012 World Cup Asia, 2013 World Cup Asia, 2017 World Cup Asia and 2023 New Zealand Race Series appearances provide documented examples of this approach.

The team's activities have also been affected by the limited availability of competitive paintball facilities in French Polynesia.

A 2024 Tahiti Nui Télévision report documented the loss of several Tahitian paintball fields beginning in 2012 and the closure of a later practice area in Punaruu in 2022. [16]

These circumstances contributed to the importance of overseas competition for Tahitian players.

Legacy

[edit]

Phoenix Tahiti represents a longstanding example of competitive paintball participation from French Polynesia.

Beginning as a team founded by three friends in 2009, the organisation developed an international presence through repeated tournament appearances, cooperation with overseas players and participation across several competition divisions.

Its broader history includes Tahitian squads competing at World Cup Asia in 2011 and 2012, followed by appearances under the Phoenix Tahiti name in Malaysia, New Zealand, the United States and France.

The team's documented achievements include fifth place at World Cup Asia 2017, third place at the New Zealand Race Series 2023, second place in Division 5 X-Ball at the 2025 NXL World Cup, and a reported runner-up finish at the 2026 French Paintball Championship.

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. Phoenix Tahiti Paintball. Historical team description identifying its formation in 2009.
  2. PBLeagues: Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan. Historical team registration and tournament records, 2013 to 2019.
  3. Allan Phang, PALS World Cup Asia 2011 team announcements. 24 September 2011.
  4. Paintball Asia League Series. "Division 1: 2011 Ranking." Original season standings supplied to WikiPaintball.
  5. NZPPL Event 2, Hāwera, 2012. Original handwritten tournament scoreboard and contemporary Tahitian Legion team photograph, supplied to WikiPaintball.
  6. Fédération de Paintball. Papara Paintball competitor identification cards, 2012. Original photographs supplied to WikiPaintball.
  7. La Dépêche de Tahiti. "Une honorable 17e place." Fenua section, 2012. Contemporary report on Phoenix Authority at World Cup Asia.
  8. Paintball Asia League Series. "Division 3: 2013 Ranking." Original season standings supplied to WikiPaintball.
  9. Paintball World Cup Asia 2017. Original Division 3 preliminary scoreboards, second-round results, quarterfinal results and final rankings. Contemporary records supplied to WikiPaintball.
  10. Pereyre-Gobrait, Vaitiare. "Cinquième place pour le team Tahiti-Malaisie." La Dépêche de Tahiti, 15 November 2017, p. 34.
  11. New Zealand League Series. Contemporary photographic record identifying Phoenix Tahiti at NZLS Event 1, published 10 March 2019.
  12. Air Tahiti Nui. "Paintball : Ralph Tsing enchaine les bons résultats." 31 October 2023.
  13. PBLeagues: NXL World Cup 2025 final results. Official Division 5 X-Ball standings.
  14. Fédération Française de Paintball: Championnat de France 2026. Event information confirming dates and location, 5 to 7 June 2026.
  15. Phoenix Tahiti Paintball. Team social media reporting and photo album "Championnat de France 2026", including the reported runner-up result.
  16. Tahiti Nui Télévision. "Les associations sportives en mal d'infrastructures." 30 August 2024.
[edit]
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