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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.


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).
'''Phoenix Tahiti''' (also known as '''Phœnix Tahiti''', '''Phoenix Authority''' and '''Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan''') is a competitive paintball team based in [[Tahiti]], French Polynesia. Founded in '''2009''', the team has competed internationally in Asia, Oceania and North America.


Phoenix Tahiti has also competed under the name '''Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan''', which appears in international tournament records from 2017 onward.[1]
Phoenix Tahiti has participated in competitions organised by the [[Paintball Asia League Series]] (PALS), [[New Zealand Paintball Players League]] (NZPPL), [[Almost Famous Paintball League]] (AFPL) and [[National Xball League]] (NXL).


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]
'''Ralph Tsing''' has been a long-standing captain and organiser of the team, with his leadership dating to at least 2010 according to firsthand recollections from former teammate [[Michael Earley]].[2]
 
Phoenix Tahiti competed under the alternative name '''Phoenix Authority''' at the 2012 Paintball World Cup Asia. Original tournament accreditation cards document six players associated with this entry, including Tsing and Earley.[2][3]
 
The team's international achievements include fourth place at the 2014 NZPPL International Pacific Championship, fifth place at the 2017 World Cup Asia, third place at the 2023 New Zealand Race Series finale and '''second place in Division 5 X-Ball at the 2025 NXL World Cup'''.[4][7][9]


== History ==
== History ==


=== Formation in Tahiti ===
=== Formation ===
 
Phoenix Tahiti was established in '''2009''' by three friends who wanted to form a competitive paintball team combining players from different existing teams.
 
The team's original public description emphasised enjoying the sport and bringing players together.[1]


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 developed within the French Polynesian paintball community, initially participating in local activities before establishing an international tournament presence.


The team's original social media description explained that it was founded with an emphasis on enjoying the sport and playing together.
Its historical PBLeagues profile identifies '''Tahiti Ultimate Paintball''' in Punaauia as its home field.[4]


The founding account describes Phoenix Tahiti as a mixed group of players rather than a team formed exclusively from one existing club.[2]
=== Ralph Tsing ===


The names of all three original founders have not been independently established from the available historical sources.
'''Ralph Tsing''' has been closely associated with Phoenix Tahiti throughout its international tournament history.


The team became associated with the competitive paintball community in French Polynesia, participating in speedball tournaments and eventually travelling internationally.
Former teammate Michael Earley recalls Tsing serving as team captain from at least '''2010'''.[2]


Its historical PBLeagues profile lists '''Tahiti Ultimate Paintball''' in Punaauia, French Polynesia, as its home field.[1]
Tsing has continued to organise international tournament participation and has been involved in assembling teams for events outside French Polynesia.


=== Early international competition ===
His role in organising Phoenix Tahiti's 2023 New Zealand Race Series squad is independently documented in a contemporary interview published by Air Tahiti Nui.[7]


Phoenix Tahiti developed an international tournament presence during the early 2010s.
The exact date on which he first became captain has not been independently established.


The team registered on PBLeagues on '''2 September 2013'''.
== Early international competition ==


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.
=== World Cup Asia, 2012 ===


Phoenix Tahiti competed in Division 3 and finished '''47th of 54 teams'''.[1]
Phoenix Tahiti competed at the '''2012 Paintball World Cup Asia''' under the alternative name '''Phoenix Authority'''.


The result established the team's presence in one of Asia's major international paintball competitions.
Original tournament accreditation cards preserved in the personal collection of Michael Earley identify a '''Division 2''' entry registered as Phoenix Authority.[3]


Its participation also marked the beginning of a documented sequence of overseas tournament appearances.
Earley, who played with Phoenix Tahiti during the 2012 and 2013 seasons, confirms that Phoenix Authority was simply an alternative team name, rather than a separate organisation or combined squad.[2]


== Competition in New Zealand ==
The photograph documents six named player credentials and three additional support credentials.


=== NZPPL International Pacific Championship, 2014 ===
These records establish an international tournament appearance predating the team's September 2013 registration in PBLeagues.


Phoenix Tahiti competed at the '''NZPPL International Pacific Championship''' in Auckland, New Zealand, on '''25–26 October 2014'''.
The team's final placing at the 2012 tournament has not yet been recovered.


The team entered Division 1 X-Ball and finished '''fourth of eight teams'''.[1]
=== World Cup Asia, 2013 ===


The competition was part of the international activity associated with the New Zealand Paintball Players League.
Phoenix Tahiti competed at the '''2013 NAZA World Cup Asia''' in Malaysia from '''15 to 17 November 2013'''.


Phoenix Tahiti's participation demonstrated the connection between French Polynesian players and the New Zealand competitive paintball community.
The team entered '''Division 3 RaceTo-2''' and finished '''47th of 54 teams'''.[4]


=== Asylum Paintball Cup, 2015 ===
This is the earliest Phoenix Tahiti tournament entry in its surviving PBLeagues team history.


Phoenix Tahiti returned to Auckland for the '''Asylum Paintball Cup''' on '''26–27 September 2015'''.
Michael Earley also recalls competing with Phoenix Tahiti during the 2013 season.[2]


The tournament was hosted at [[Asylum Paintball]], a commercial and competitive paintball facility at the former Kingseat Hospital in South Auckland.
The available records do not establish a complete player roster for the November 2013 tournament.


Phoenix Tahiti entered the Open X-Ball division.[1]
== Competition in New Zealand ==


Its participation was recorded by PBLeagues, although the team's historical profile does not provide a confirmed final placing.
=== NZPPL International Pacific Championship, 2014 ===


The tournament attracted teams from New Zealand and overseas.
Phoenix Tahiti competed at the '''NZPPL International Pacific Championship''' in Auckland on '''25–26 October 2014'''.


Phoenix Tahiti's involvement formed part of its continuing participation in international competition across the South Pacific.
The team entered '''Division 1 RaceTo-4''' and finished '''fourth of eight teams'''.[4]


=== Auckland Paintball Cup, 2016 ===
This was an early documented top-four international finish for Phoenix Tahiti.


The team returned to New Zealand for the '''Auckland Paintball Cup''' on '''16–17 April 2016'''.
The event also strengthened connections between the Tahitian team and the New Zealand tournament community.


Phoenix Tahiti competed in Division 2 X-Ball and finished '''seventh of eight teams'''.[1]
=== Asylum Paintball Cup, 2015 ===


The event represented another documented appearance in the Auckland tournament circuit.
Phoenix Tahiti returned to Auckland for the '''Asylum Paintball Cup''' on '''26–27 September 2015'''.


=== New Zealand Race Series, 2023 ===
The event was held at [[Asylum Paintball]] in South Auckland.


Phoenix Tahiti achieved a podium finish at the final round of the '''2023 New Zealand Race Series'''.
The team competed in '''Open RaceTo-4'''.[4]


The competition took place at '''Arena Paintball''' in Feilding, New Zealand.
PBLeagues confirms the team's entry but does not provide a final placing in its surviving team results.


According to a contemporary interview published by Air Tahiti Nui on 31 October 2023, the team finished '''third of nine teams'''.[3]
=== Auckland Paintball Cup, 2016 ===


The team was assembled for the event by Tahitian player '''Ralph Tsing''', following an invitation from tournament organiser David Hopkins.
Phoenix Tahiti competed at the '''Auckland Paintball Cup''' on '''16–17 April 2016'''.


The squad included five Tahitian players alongside two international players.
The team entered '''Division 2 X-Ball''' and finished '''seventh of eight teams'''.[4]


The tournament was played in a five-versus-five X-Ball format.
The tournament represented another appearance in the Auckland competition circuit.


=== Tournament performance ===
=== New Zealand Race Series, 2023 ===


Phoenix Tahiti completed the preliminary stage with:
Phoenix Tahiti returned to New Zealand in October 2023 for the final round of the '''New Zealand Race Series'''.


* Six wins
The event took place at '''Arena Paintball''' in Feilding.
* One draw
* One loss


The team advanced to the semifinals, where it faced '''Ballistic Unit'''.
Ralph Tsing assembled the squad following an invitation from tournament organiser David Hopkins.[7]


After falling behind 2–0, Phoenix Tahiti recovered to lead 3–2.
The team included five players from French Polynesia and two international players.


The game finished 3–3 at the end of regulation time.
Phoenix Tahiti finished the preliminary stage with six victories, one draw and one defeat.


Ballistic Unit won the deciding sudden-death point, eliminating Phoenix Tahiti from championship contention.
The team advanced to the semifinals against Ballistic Unit.


Phoenix Tahiti then played '''Charcharodons''' in the third-place playoff.
After recovering from a 2–0 deficit to lead 3–2, Phoenix Tahiti finished regulation time tied 3–3.


The team won '''3–0''', securing third place at the tournament.[3]
Ballistic Unit won the deciding sudden-death point.


This result was particularly notable because several members of the squad were participating in an international tournament for the first time.
Phoenix Tahiti subsequently defeated Charcharodons '''3–0''' in the third-place playoff.


== International competition in Asia ==
The result secured '''third place of nine teams'''.[7]


=== World Cup Asia, 2013 ===
== Competition in Asia ==


Phoenix Tahiti's earliest documented PBLeagues appearance was at the 2013 NAZA World Cup Asia in Malaysia.
=== Paintball Asia League Series ===


The team finished 47th of 54 entries in Division 3.[1]
Phoenix Tahiti has maintained connections with the [[Paintball Asia League Series]] (PALS), participating in tournaments that attracted teams from across Asia, Oceania and other regions.


This marked an early stage in its international tournament development.
The team's international competition history includes several events in Malaysia and Thailand.


=== World Cup Asia, 2017 ===
=== World Cup Asia, 2017 ===
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Phoenix Tahiti competed under the name '''Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan''' at the '''2017 Paintball World Cup Asia''' in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Phoenix Tahiti competed under the name '''Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan''' at the '''2017 Paintball World Cup Asia''' in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.


The event took place on '''10–12 November 2017'''.
The tournament took place from '''10 to 12 November 2017'''.


The team entered Division 3 X-Ball and finished '''fifth of sixteen teams'''.[1]
The team finished '''fifth of sixteen teams''' in '''Division 3 RaceTo-2'''.[4]


This represented a substantial improvement over its recorded 2013 World Cup Asia result.
This was one of its strongest documented Asian tournament results.


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


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


The team competed in the Amateur division, finishing '''fifth of seventeen teams'''.[1]
The team entered '''Amateur Division 2 RaceTo-4'''.


This was another top-five international result for the team.
It finished '''fifth of seventeen teams'''.[4]


=== World Paintball Championship, 2019 ===
=== World Paintball Championship, 2019 ===
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Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan entered the '''2019 World Paintball Championship''' in Thailand.
Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan entered the '''2019 World Paintball Championship''' in Thailand.


The event took place from '''29 November to 1 December 2019'''.
The competition took place from '''29 November to 1 December 2019'''.


The team entered the '''WPC Division 3 – Mercy Limit 2''' category.[1]
The team entered '''Division 3 X-Ball, Mercy Limit 2'''.[4]


The PBLeagues historical record confirms its participation but does not display a final placing.
Its PBLeagues event listing confirms participation but does not provide a final team placing.


== Competition in the United States ==
== Competition in the United States ==


=== AFPL SoCal Chaos, 2016 ===
=== Almost Famous Paintball League, 2016 ===


Phoenix Tahiti participated in the '''AFPL SoCal Chaos #3''' tournament in Southern California on '''10–11 September 2016'''.
Phoenix Tahiti competed at the '''Almost Famous Paintball League (AFPL) SoCal Chaos #3''' tournament in Southern California on '''10–11 September 2016'''.


The team competed in Division 4 X-Ball, finishing '''eighth of eight teams'''.[1]
The team entered '''Division 4 RaceTo-3''' and finished '''eighth of eight teams'''.[4][6]


The event was the team's earliest United States tournament appearance identified in its historical PBLeagues profile.
Former Phoenix Tahiti player [[Michael Earley]] was living in San Diego at the time.


It demonstrated the expansion of Phoenix Tahiti's competitive activities beyond Oceania and Asia.
He attended the same tournament as a member of [[SD Crush]], meaning he was unable to compete for Phoenix Tahiti on that occasion.[2]
 
The event was a documented appearance for Phoenix Tahiti in American tournament competition.


=== NXL World Cup, 2025 ===
=== NXL World Cup, 2025 ===
Line 162: Line 169:
Phoenix Tahiti achieved one of its most significant international results at the '''2025 NXL World Cup''' in Kissimmee, Florida.
Phoenix Tahiti achieved one of its most significant international results at the '''2025 NXL World Cup''' in Kissimmee, Florida.


The event took place from '''12–16 November 2025'''.
The event took place from '''12 to 16 November 2025'''.
 
Phoenix Tahiti entered '''Division 5 X-Ball''' and advanced to the championship final.[9]
 
The team won three of its four preliminary matches before progressing through the elimination rounds.
 
=== Preliminary results ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Opponent
 
! Result
 
|-
 
| BR Barbies
 
| Won 3–0
 
|-
 
| Filthy Few
 
| Won 3–1
 
|-
 
| SoCal Havoc MOB
 
| Won 3–0
 
|-
 
| APF Family
 
| Lost 2–3
 
|}
 
=== Elimination rounds ===
 
Phoenix Tahiti subsequently defeated:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Opponent
 
! Result
 
|-
 
| Thunderducks
 
| Won 3–0


The team competed in '''Division 5 X-Ball''' and advanced through the elimination rounds to the championship final.[4][5]
|-


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


=== Qualification and elimination rounds ===
| Won 2–1


Phoenix Tahiti won three of its four preliminary matches.
|-


Its recorded results included:
| Texas Rampage


* 3–0 against BR Barbies
| Won 4–1
* 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.
|-


It subsequently defeated Thunderducks 3–0, Revolution 2–1 and Texas Rampage 4–1.
| SoCal Havoc Misfits


In the semifinals, Phoenix Tahiti defeated '''SoCal Havoc Misfits''' 3–0.[5]
| Won 3–0
 
|}
 
The victory against SoCal Havoc Misfits secured the team's place in the Division 5 championship final.[9]


=== Championship final ===
=== Championship final ===


Phoenix Tahiti faced '''Protocol D5''' in the Division 5 X-Ball championship final.
Phoenix Tahiti faced '''Protocol D5''' in the final.
 
Protocol D5 won '''4–2'''.
 
Phoenix Tahiti therefore finished '''second in Division 5 X-Ball''' at the 2025 NXL World Cup.[9]
 
The result was a major international achievement for the team.
 
It was a divisional result rather than an overall professional championship title.
 
== Players and personnel ==
 
Phoenix Tahiti has included players from French Polynesia and other countries throughout its international tournament history.
 
Its composition has varied between competitions.
 
The following records identify players associated with specific tournaments or, where complete event rosters are unavailable, their last recorded appearances in PBLeagues.
 
A player's last recorded event does not establish participation in every earlier tournament entered by the team.
 
=== World Cup Asia, 2012 ===
 
The original 2012 World Cup Asia accreditation photograph identifies six players under the Phoenix Authority team name.
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
|+ Phoenix Authority – World Cup Asia, 2012
 
! Player
 
! Evidence
 
|-
 
| '''Ralph Tsing'''
 
| Division 2 player accreditation
 
|-
 
| '''Moana Lei Foc'''
 
| Division 2 player accreditation
 
|-
 
| '''Christian Veroux'''
 
| Division 2 player accreditation
 
|-
 
| '''[[Michael Earley]]'''
 
| Division 2 player accreditation
 
|-
 
| '''Ku Zambiri'''
 
| Division 2 player accreditation
 
|-
 
| '''Tim Matthee'''
 
| Division 2 player accreditation
 
|}
 
Source: Original World Cup Asia accreditation photograph, 2012.[3]
 
The photograph also shows:
 
* Two unnamed pit-crew credentials
 
* One unnamed coach credential
 
The credentials establish the named players' registrations, but do not independently confirm that every accredited player entered a match.
 
=== World Cup Asia, 2013 ===
 
Michael Earley confirms that he was involved with Phoenix Tahiti during the '''2013 season''', following his 2012 participation.[2]
 
The team's PBLeagues entry confirms participation in the November World Cup Asia tournament.
 
However, the available records do not establish a complete roster or independently connect each historical member to that particular event.
 
=== NZPPL International Pacific Championship, 2014 ===
 
The historical PBLeagues membership records identify the following player whose last recorded event with the team was the 2014 NZPPL International Pacific Championship:
 
* '''Lepean Tamatoa'''
 
The staff records also identify:
 
* '''Heimanu Souday'''
 
* '''Tuarii Souday'''
 
The player and staff associations are recorded in historical PBLeagues tables.[5]
 
These names do not necessarily constitute the complete team roster.
 
=== Asylum Paintball Cup, 2015 ===
 
The historical PBLeagues membership records identify two players whose last recorded event with the team was the September 2015 Asylum Paintball Cup:
 
* '''Joinville Souday'''
 
* '''Matatini Wong Chou'''
 
Both have recorded associations with Phoenix Tahiti during more than one event.[5]
 
The publicly available information does not establish the complete 2015 playing roster.
 
=== Auckland Paintball Cup, 2016 ===
 
The historical membership records identify the following players with last recorded team appearances at an April 2016 Auckland/Asylum tournament entry:
 
* '''Kevin Brodien Sr'''
 
* '''Philippe Danloue'''
 
* '''Rick Faafatua'''
 
* '''Tommy Paie'''
 
The historical individual listings describe the April event using the Asylum Cup name, while the team's main event history lists the April 2016 Auckland Paintball Cup.[4][5]
 
These are documented player associations for that competition period rather than an independently recovered complete match roster.
 
=== AFPL SoCal Chaos #3, 2016 ===
 
The historical PBLeagues membership records identify two players whose last recorded appearance with Phoenix Tahiti was the September 2016 AFPL event:


Protocol D5 won the match '''4–2'''.
* '''Alfredo Valenzuela'''


Phoenix Tahiti therefore finished '''second in Division 5 X-Ball''' at the 2025 NXL World Cup.[4]
* '''Christian Veroux'''


The result was a major international achievement for the Tahitian team.
The historical staff list also identifies:


It should be described specifically as a Division 5 World Cup runner-up finish, rather than an overall professional world championship title.
* '''Leo Heath'''


The competition's official scoring records independently confirm the final score and placing.
These records provide named team associations at the American event.[5]


== Players ==
Michael Earley, a former Phoenix Tahiti player, attended the same tournament competing for SD Crush and was not part of the Phoenix Tahiti playing squad.[2]


=== Documented 2023 roster ===
The full Phoenix Tahiti roster for the event has not been independently recovered.


The 2023 New Zealand Race Series roster was documented in an interview with Ralph Tsing published by Air Tahiti Nui.[3]
=== World Cup Asia, 2017 ===
 
Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan finished fifth in Division 3 at the 2017 World Cup Asia.
 
The PBLeagues team results establish the event and final placing, but the available public records do not provide a complete individual roster for that tournament.[4]
 
Players appearing on later Phoenix Tahiti membership records cannot automatically be assigned to the 2017 event without further documentation.
 
=== George Town International X-Ball Cup, 2018 ===
 
The historical PBLeagues member records identify the following players whose last recorded team event was the October 2018 George Town International X-Ball Cup:
 
* '''Emir Rizal Maaruf'''
 
* '''Mat Zain Wan Fairul Anuar'''
 
Both are recorded in the historical membership database.[5]
 
Other players may have participated, but a complete event roster has not been recovered.
 
=== World Paintball Championship, 2019 ===
 
The historical PBLeagues records identify the following players whose last recorded team event was the 2019 World Paintball Championship in Thailand:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan – 2019 documented player associations
! Player
! Recorded team events
|-
| '''Adams Torea Sr'''
| 6
|-
| '''Azmi Masian'''
| 3
|-
| '''Bahyu Fajri Jr'''
| 1
|-
| '''Johari Tambi Yahaya'''
| 1
|-
| '''Mohamad Roshidi Manjurni'''
| 3
|-
| '''Mohd Hijjas Adam Mohamed Amran'''
| 2
|-
| '''Ralph Tsing'''
| 8
|-
| '''Shahrizat Shami'''
| 3
|}
The staff records also identify:
* '''Katell Perennou''' – three recorded team events, with the 2019 championship listed as the last
Source: PBLeagues historical member and staff records.[5]
The event counts represent appearances recorded in the team's PBLeagues history rather than complete career totals.
The 2019 event is the last recorded entry for these members in the historical database. This does not independently establish their participation in every match or constitute a complete official tournament roster.
=== New Zealand Race Series, 2023 ===
The 2023 New Zealand Race Series squad is documented in a contemporary interview with captain Ralph Tsing.
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Phoenix Tahiti – New Zealand Race Series, 2023
|+ Phoenix Tahiti – New Zealand Race Series, 2023
! Player
! Player
! Association
! Association
|-
|-
| '''Torea Adams'''
| '''Torea Adams'''
| French Polynesia
| French Polynesia
|-
|-
| '''Steven Wong'''
| '''Steven Wong'''
| French Polynesia
| French Polynesia
|-
|-
| '''Emrick Amaru'''
| '''Emrick Amaru'''
| French Polynesia
| French Polynesia
|-
|-
| '''Kevin Brodien'''
| '''Kevin Brodien'''
| French Polynesia
| French Polynesia
|-
|-
| '''Ralph Tsing'''
| '''Ralph Tsing'''
| French Polynesia
| French Polynesia
|-
|-
| '''Brandon Miller'''
| '''Brandon Miller'''
| Australia
| Australia
|-
|-
| '''Jarryd Fouche'''
| '''Jarryd Fouche'''
| South Africa
| South Africa
|}
|}


This roster applies specifically to the 2023 competition and should not be interpreted as the team's permanent membership throughout its history.
Source: Air Tahiti Nui, October 2023.[7]


=== Ralph Tsing ===
The squad combined five Tahitian players and two overseas players.


'''Ralph Tsing''' is a Tahitian competitive paintball player associated with international tournament participation.
The published names differ slightly from some historical PBLeagues entries, including those for Torea Adams and Kevin Brodien. These variations have been preserved as published rather than assumed to be identical individual records.


He was responsible for assembling the Phoenix Tahiti squad that competed at the 2023 New Zealand Race Series finale.
=== NXL World Cup, 2025 ===


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]
Phoenix Tahiti's Division 5 X-Ball runner-up finish is confirmed by the official NXL tournament records.[9]


His involvement illustrates the role played by Tahitian players in maintaining connections between French Polynesia and international paintball competitions.
However, the team's complete 2025 playing roster is not publicly displayed in the accessible PBLeagues archive.


=== International player participation ===
A contemporary French Polynesian news report described three Tahitian participants associated with the team's World Cup result, but the accessible report does not establish their names.[10]


Phoenix Tahiti's original founding description emphasised bringing together players from different teams.
The 2025 players should therefore not be reconstructed from earlier Phoenix Tahiti rosters without further evidence.


The documented 2023 roster demonstrates that this approach extended to international players.
=== Other historical members ===


The team included five Tahitians alongside players from Australia and South Africa.
The PBLeagues historical membership records also include:


The arrangement provided opportunities for Tahitian players to compete internationally while drawing on experience from other paintball communities.
* '''Andrew Harper''' – listed as a team member without a recorded event appearance


The available records do not establish whether the same roster model applied at every tournament.
His inclusion in the database does not establish participation in a particular tournament.
 
The historical team staff records additionally identify Heimanu Souday, Katell Perennou, Leo Heath and Tuarii Souday, whose documented event associations are listed above.[5]


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


The following table summarises selected verified international results.
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 
|+ Phoenix Tahiti – Selected international tournament results


{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Phoenix Tahiti – Selected international tournament history
! Year
! Year
! Tournament
! Tournament
! Country
! Country
! Division
! Division
! Result
! Result
|-
|-
| 2012
| Paintball World Cup Asia
| Malaysia
| Division 2, Phoenix Authority
| Player credentials documented; result unconfirmed
|-
| 2013
| 2013
| NAZA World Cup Asia
| NAZA World Cup Asia
| Malaysia
| Malaysia
| Division 3
 
| Division 3 RaceTo-2
 
| 47th of 54
| 47th of 54
|-
|-
| 2014
| 2014
| NZPPL International Pacific Championship
| NZPPL International Pacific Championship
| New Zealand
| New Zealand
| Division 1 X-Ball
 
| Division 1 RaceTo-4
 
| 4th of 8
| 4th of 8
|-
|-
| 2015
| 2015
| Asylum Paintball Cup
| Asylum Paintball Cup
| New Zealand
| New Zealand
| Open X-Ball
 
| Participated; placing unconfirmed
| Open RaceTo-4
 
| Participated; placing unavailable
 
|-
|-
| 2016
| 2016
| Auckland Paintball Cup
| Auckland Paintball Cup
| New Zealand
| New Zealand
| Division 2 X-Ball
| Division 2 X-Ball
| 7th of 8
| 7th of 8
|-
|-
| 2016
| 2016
| AFPL SoCal Chaos #3
| AFPL SoCal Chaos #3
| United States
| United States
| Division 4 X-Ball
 
| Division 4 RaceTo-3
 
| 8th of 8
| 8th of 8
|-
|-
| 2017
| 2017
| Paintball World Cup Asia
| Paintball World Cup Asia
| Malaysia
| Malaysia
| Division 3 X-Ball
 
| Division 3 RaceTo-2
 
| 5th of 16
| 5th of 16
|-
|-
| 2018
| 2018
| George Town International X-Ball Cup
| George Town International X-Ball Cup
| Malaysia
| Malaysia
| Amateur
 
| Amateur Division 2 RaceTo-4
 
| 5th of 17
| 5th of 17
|-
|-
| 2019
| 2019
| World Paintball Championship
| World Paintball Championship
| Thailand
| Thailand
| Division 3
 
| Participated; placing unconfirmed
| Division 3 X-Ball
 
| Participated; placing unavailable
 
|-
|-
| 2023
| 2023
| New Zealand Race Series finale
| New Zealand Race Series finale
| New Zealand
| New Zealand
| Five-man X-Ball
| Five-man X-Ball
| 3rd of 9
| 3rd of 9
|-
|-
| 2025
| 2025
| NXL World Cup
| NXL World Cup
| United States
| United States
| Division 5 X-Ball
| Division 5 X-Ball
| '''2nd'''
| '''2nd'''
|}
|}


Sources: PBLeagues historical team records, Air Tahiti Nui and NXL World Cup scoring records.[1][3][4]
Sources: Original 2012 accreditation photograph; PBLeagues; Air Tahiti Nui; official NXL World Cup results.[3][4][7][9]


The table contains documented results rather than a complete history of every tournament entered by Phoenix Tahiti.
The table records selected confirmed international appearances rather than every event in the team's history.


The team may have participated in additional local, regional and international competitions not represented in the surviving records.
== Paintball in French Polynesia ==


== Historical significance ==
Phoenix Tahiti's international activities have continued despite challenges affecting competitive paintball facilities in French Polynesia.
 
In August 2024, Tahiti Nui Télévision published a report about the shortage of sporting facilities.
 
Ralph Tsing described the loss of several paintball playing areas in '''2012''', including locations in Mahina, Papara, Punaauia and Mataiea.[8]


=== French Polynesian tournament paintball ===
He also discussed the loss of a further practice location in the Punaruu area during '''2022'''.


Phoenix Tahiti represents a sustained example of competitive paintball participation from French Polynesia.
The loss of local facilities reduced opportunities for regular training and competition.


The team's founding in 2009 and subsequent international tournament history document the development of Tahitian paintball beyond local recreational competition.
Phoenix Tahiti's continued participation in tournaments outside French Polynesia reflects the importance of international connections for the territory's competitive players.


Its participation in tournaments throughout New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States demonstrates the international connections available to players from the Pacific Islands.
== Historical significance ==


=== Connections with New Zealand ===
Phoenix Tahiti is a notable example of sustained international paintball participation by a team from French Polynesia.


New Zealand has been an important destination for Phoenix Tahiti.
Established in 2009, the team has maintained a presence in international tournament competition over more than a decade.


The team's documented appearances include tournaments in Auckland during 2014, 2015 and 2016, followed by its podium finish at Feilding in 2023.
Its activities have connected Tahitian paintball with events in New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States.


These competitions connected Tahitian players with established New Zealand teams, tournament organisers and facilities.
The team's history also demonstrates the changing composition of international amateur paintball squads, with players from French Polynesia and other countries participating together at different events.


The 2023 result also provided opportunities for players making their first international tournament appearance.
Original 2012 World Cup Asia credentials preserve details of an early tournament roster under the Phoenix Authority name.


=== International achievements ===
Later PBLeagues records document the team's participation and identify numerous historical players and staff.


Phoenix Tahiti's international record includes several notable performances.
The 2023 New Zealand Race Series podium and 2025 NXL World Cup Division 5 runner-up finish represent significant documented achievements.


Its fourth-place result at the 2014 NZPPL International Pacific Championship established the team among the leading finishers in that competition.
The team's continued international participation, despite challenges maintaining local playing facilities, forms an important part of the history of competitive paintball in French Polynesia.


Its fifth-place results in Malaysia during 2017 and 2018 demonstrated competitive progress in Asian tournament events.
== Historical documentation ==


The 2023 New Zealand Race Series podium represented another international achievement.
The team's history is supported by several types of sources.


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.
Its founding year is recorded in its original public description.


=== Preservation of records ===
The 2012 player accreditation photograph and firsthand testimony establish early international participation under the Phoenix Authority name.


Phoenix Tahiti's history is documented through a combination of team publications, PBLeagues records, contemporary interviews and tournament scoring systems.
PBLeagues records provide tournament results and historical membership information from 2013 to 2019.


The team's self-description provides evidence of its founding in 2009, while PBLeagues records its competition history beginning in 2013.
Air Tahiti Nui documents the 2023 New Zealand Race Series roster and podium finish.


The Air Tahiti Nui interview provides unusually detailed documentation of the team's 2023 roster and match results.
Official NXL records establish Phoenix Tahiti's second-place Division 5 X-Ball finish at the 2025 World Cup.


The NXL scoring database independently confirms its 2025 World Cup runner-up finish.
Historical PBLeagues member records identify individual players' last recorded events, but do not provide complete accessible rosters for every tournament.


These sources preserve the achievements of a team from a relatively small paintball community participating internationally over many years.
Consequently, player names are associated with specific events only where supported by accreditation, published rosters, firsthand participation evidence or the last-event information displayed in the historical database.


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


* [[Paintball in French Polynesia]]
* [[Paintball in French Polynesia]]
* [[Paintball in Oceania]]
* [[Paintball in Oceania]]
* [[Paintball in New Zealand]]
* [[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]]
 
* [[Almost Famous Paintball League]]
 
* [[National Xball League]]
* [[National Xball League]]
* [[NXL World Cup]]
* [[NXL World Cup]]
* [[Ralph Tsing]]
* [[Ralph Tsing]]
* [[Michael Earley]]
* [[SD Crush]]


== 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]. Reproduction of the team's published description identifying its establishment in 2009 by three friends.
# [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://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.
# Michael Earley, firsthand recollections supplied to WikiPaintball, October 2026. Confirms participation with Phoenix Tahiti in 2012 and 2013, Ralph Tsing's long-standing captaincy, Phoenix Authority as an alternative team name, and Earley's participation with SD Crush rather than Phoenix Tahiti at the September 2016 AFPL event.
# [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.
 
# [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.
# Michael Earley, personal photographic collection. Original photograph of '''2012 Paintball World Cup Asia''' Division 2 accreditation credentials for Phoenix Authority. Identifies Ralph Tsing, Moana Lei Foc, Christian Veroux, Michael Earley, Ku Zambiri and Tim Matthee, alongside two unnamed pit-crew credentials and one unnamed coach credential. Supplied to WikiPaintball in October 2026. A separate photograph records names written in sand during the same tournament period.
# [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.
 
# [https://pbleagues.com/team/qnCyzgX5g4pCgeVT Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan – Historical Team Profile]. ''PBLeagues''. Documents the team's home field, September 2013 registration and tournament appearances from 2013 to 2019.
 
# [https://pbleagues.com/team/qnCyzgX5g4pCgeVT Phoenix Tahiti – Historical Membership and Staff Records]. ''PBLeagues''. Historical player and staff tables, including recorded event counts and last-event information. Screenshots supplied to WikiPaintball in October 2026.
 
# [https://pbleagues.com/leagues/206 Almost Famous Paintball League]. ''PBLeagues''. Identifies AFPL as the Almost Famous Paintball League and documents its tournaments.
 
# [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 the Phoenix Tahiti roster, results and third-place finish at the New Zealand Race Series finale.
 
# [https://www.tntvnews.pf/sports/les-associations-sportives-en-mal-dinfrastructures/ Les associations sportives en mal d'infrastructures]. ''Tahiti Nui Télévision'', 30 August 2024. Report discussing the loss of paintball facilities in French Polynesia, including comments from Ralph Tsing.
 
# [https://pbleagues.com/event/8928 World Cup 2025 – Official Tournament Results]. ''PBLeagues''. Official NXL World Cup results confirming Phoenix Tahiti's Division 5 X-Ball runner-up finish following a 4–2 loss to Protocol D5.
 
# [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]. ''DROM-COM'', 20 November 2025. Reproduces French Polynesian news coverage of the team's runner-up finish.


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


* [https://www.facebook.com/ Phoenix Tahiti – Official social media platform]
* [https://pbleagues.com/team/qnCyzgX5g4pCgeVT Phoenix Tahiti – Historical PBLeagues team profile]
* [https://pbleagues.com/team/qnCyzgX5g4pCgeVT Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan – PBLeagues historical team profile]
 
* [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://pf.airtahitinui.com/actualites/ambassador/paintball-ralph-tsing-enchaine-les-bons-resultats Air Tahiti Nui – 2023 tournament interview]
* [https://pbleagues.com/scores/L316/E8928/scores/finalsScores.html 2025 NXL World Cup – Official final results]
 
* [https://pbleagues.com/event/8928 2025 NXL World Cup – Official tournament results]
 
* [https://www.localgymsandfitness.com/PF/Papeete/180926158404/Phoenix-Tahiti-Paintball Phoenix Tahiti – Historical team description]


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

Revision as of 17:02, 14 October 2026


Phoenix Tahiti (also known as Phœnix Tahiti, Phoenix Authority and Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan) is a competitive paintball team based in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Founded in 2009, the team has competed internationally in Asia, Oceania and North America.

Phoenix Tahiti has participated in competitions organised by the Paintball Asia League Series (PALS), New Zealand Paintball Players League (NZPPL), Almost Famous Paintball League (AFPL) and National Xball League (NXL).

Ralph Tsing has been a long-standing captain and organiser of the team, with his leadership dating to at least 2010 according to firsthand recollections from former teammate Michael Earley.[2]

Phoenix Tahiti competed under the alternative name Phoenix Authority at the 2012 Paintball World Cup Asia. Original tournament accreditation cards document six players associated with this entry, including Tsing and Earley.[2][3]

The team's international achievements include fourth place at the 2014 NZPPL International Pacific Championship, fifth place at the 2017 World Cup Asia, third place at the 2023 New Zealand Race Series finale and second place in Division 5 X-Ball at the 2025 NXL World Cup.[4][7][9]

History

Formation

Phoenix Tahiti was established in 2009 by three friends who wanted to form a competitive paintball team combining players from different existing teams.

The team's original public description emphasised enjoying the sport and bringing players together.[1]

Phoenix Tahiti developed within the French Polynesian paintball community, initially participating in local activities before establishing an international tournament presence.

Its historical PBLeagues profile identifies Tahiti Ultimate Paintball in Punaauia as its home field.[4]

Ralph Tsing

Ralph Tsing has been closely associated with Phoenix Tahiti throughout its international tournament history.

Former teammate Michael Earley recalls Tsing serving as team captain from at least 2010.[2]

Tsing has continued to organise international tournament participation and has been involved in assembling teams for events outside French Polynesia.

His role in organising Phoenix Tahiti's 2023 New Zealand Race Series squad is independently documented in a contemporary interview published by Air Tahiti Nui.[7]

The exact date on which he first became captain has not been independently established.

Early international competition

World Cup Asia, 2012

Phoenix Tahiti competed at the 2012 Paintball World Cup Asia under the alternative name Phoenix Authority.

Original tournament accreditation cards preserved in the personal collection of Michael Earley identify a Division 2 entry registered as Phoenix Authority.[3]

Earley, who played with Phoenix Tahiti during the 2012 and 2013 seasons, confirms that Phoenix Authority was simply an alternative team name, rather than a separate organisation or combined squad.[2]

The photograph documents six named player credentials and three additional support credentials.

These records establish an international tournament appearance predating the team's September 2013 registration in PBLeagues.

The team's final placing at the 2012 tournament has not yet been recovered.

World Cup Asia, 2013

Phoenix Tahiti competed at the 2013 NAZA World Cup Asia in Malaysia from 15 to 17 November 2013.

The team entered Division 3 RaceTo-2 and finished 47th of 54 teams.[4]

This is the earliest Phoenix Tahiti tournament entry in its surviving PBLeagues team history.

Michael Earley also recalls competing with Phoenix Tahiti during the 2013 season.[2]

The available records do not establish a complete player roster for the November 2013 tournament.

Competition in New Zealand

NZPPL International Pacific Championship, 2014

Phoenix Tahiti competed at the NZPPL International Pacific Championship in Auckland on 25–26 October 2014.

The team entered Division 1 RaceTo-4 and finished fourth of eight teams.[4]

This was an early documented top-four international finish for Phoenix Tahiti.

The event also strengthened connections between the Tahitian team and the New Zealand tournament community.

Asylum Paintball Cup, 2015

Phoenix Tahiti returned to Auckland for the Asylum Paintball Cup on 26–27 September 2015.

The event was held at Asylum Paintball in South Auckland.

The team competed in Open RaceTo-4.[4]

PBLeagues confirms the team's entry but does not provide a final placing in its surviving team results.

Auckland Paintball Cup, 2016

Phoenix Tahiti competed at the Auckland Paintball Cup on 16–17 April 2016.

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

The tournament represented another appearance in the Auckland competition circuit.

New Zealand Race Series, 2023

Phoenix Tahiti returned to New Zealand in October 2023 for the final round of the New Zealand Race Series.

The event took place at Arena Paintball in Feilding.

Ralph Tsing assembled the squad following an invitation from tournament organiser David Hopkins.[7]

The team included five players from French Polynesia and two international players.

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

The team advanced to the semifinals against Ballistic Unit.

After recovering from a 2–0 deficit to lead 3–2, Phoenix Tahiti finished regulation time tied 3–3.

Ballistic Unit won the deciding sudden-death point.

Phoenix Tahiti subsequently defeated Charcharodons 3–0 in the third-place playoff.

The result secured third place of nine teams.[7]

Competition in Asia

Paintball Asia League Series

Phoenix Tahiti has maintained connections with the Paintball Asia League Series (PALS), participating in tournaments that attracted teams from across Asia, Oceania and other regions.

The team's international competition history includes several events in Malaysia and Thailand.

World Cup Asia, 2017

Phoenix Tahiti competed under the name Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan at the 2017 Paintball World Cup Asia in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The tournament took place from 10 to 12 November 2017.

The team finished fifth of sixteen teams in Division 3 RaceTo-2.[4]

This was one of its strongest documented Asian tournament results.

George Town International X-Ball Cup, 2018

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

The team entered Amateur Division 2 RaceTo-4.

It finished fifth of seventeen teams.[4]

World Paintball Championship, 2019

Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan entered the 2019 World Paintball Championship in Thailand.

The competition took place from 29 November to 1 December 2019.

The team entered Division 3 X-Ball, Mercy Limit 2.[4]

Its PBLeagues event listing confirms participation but does not provide a final team placing.

Competition in the United States

Almost Famous Paintball League, 2016

Phoenix Tahiti competed at the Almost Famous Paintball League (AFPL) SoCal Chaos #3 tournament in Southern California on 10–11 September 2016.

The team entered Division 4 RaceTo-3 and finished eighth of eight teams.[4][6]

Former Phoenix Tahiti player Michael Earley was living in San Diego at the time.

He attended the same tournament as a member of SD Crush, meaning he was unable to compete for Phoenix Tahiti on that occasion.[2]

The event was a documented appearance for Phoenix Tahiti in American tournament competition.

NXL World Cup, 2025

Phoenix Tahiti achieved one of its most significant international results at the 2025 NXL World Cup in Kissimmee, Florida.

The event took place from 12 to 16 November 2025.

Phoenix Tahiti entered Division 5 X-Ball and advanced to the championship final.[9]

The team won three of its four preliminary matches before progressing through the elimination rounds.

Preliminary results

Opponent Result
BR Barbies Won 3–0
Filthy Few Won 3–1
SoCal Havoc MOB Won 3–0
APF Family Lost 2–3

Elimination rounds

Phoenix Tahiti subsequently defeated:

Opponent Result
Thunderducks Won 3–0
Revolution Won 2–1
Texas Rampage Won 4–1
SoCal Havoc Misfits Won 3–0

The victory against SoCal Havoc Misfits secured the team's place in the Division 5 championship final.[9]

Championship final

Phoenix Tahiti faced Protocol D5 in the final.

Protocol D5 won 4–2.

Phoenix Tahiti therefore finished second in Division 5 X-Ball at the 2025 NXL World Cup.[9]

The result was a major international achievement for the team.

It was a divisional result rather than an overall professional championship title.

Players and personnel

Phoenix Tahiti has included players from French Polynesia and other countries throughout its international tournament history.

Its composition has varied between competitions.

The following records identify players associated with specific tournaments or, where complete event rosters are unavailable, their last recorded appearances in PBLeagues.

A player's last recorded event does not establish participation in every earlier tournament entered by the team.

World Cup Asia, 2012

The original 2012 World Cup Asia accreditation photograph identifies six players under the Phoenix Authority team name.

Phoenix Authority – World Cup Asia, 2012
Player Evidence
Ralph Tsing Division 2 player accreditation
Moana Lei Foc Division 2 player accreditation
Christian Veroux Division 2 player accreditation
Michael Earley Division 2 player accreditation
Ku Zambiri Division 2 player accreditation
Tim Matthee Division 2 player accreditation

Source: Original World Cup Asia accreditation photograph, 2012.[3]

The photograph also shows:

  • Two unnamed pit-crew credentials
  • One unnamed coach credential

The credentials establish the named players' registrations, but do not independently confirm that every accredited player entered a match.

World Cup Asia, 2013

Michael Earley confirms that he was involved with Phoenix Tahiti during the 2013 season, following his 2012 participation.[2]

The team's PBLeagues entry confirms participation in the November World Cup Asia tournament.

However, the available records do not establish a complete roster or independently connect each historical member to that particular event.

NZPPL International Pacific Championship, 2014

The historical PBLeagues membership records identify the following player whose last recorded event with the team was the 2014 NZPPL International Pacific Championship:

  • Lepean Tamatoa

The staff records also identify:

  • Heimanu Souday
  • Tuarii Souday

The player and staff associations are recorded in historical PBLeagues tables.[5]

These names do not necessarily constitute the complete team roster.

Asylum Paintball Cup, 2015

The historical PBLeagues membership records identify two players whose last recorded event with the team was the September 2015 Asylum Paintball Cup:

  • Joinville Souday
  • Matatini Wong Chou

Both have recorded associations with Phoenix Tahiti during more than one event.[5]

The publicly available information does not establish the complete 2015 playing roster.

Auckland Paintball Cup, 2016

The historical membership records identify the following players with last recorded team appearances at an April 2016 Auckland/Asylum tournament entry:

  • Kevin Brodien Sr
  • Philippe Danloue
  • Rick Faafatua
  • Tommy Paie

The historical individual listings describe the April event using the Asylum Cup name, while the team's main event history lists the April 2016 Auckland Paintball Cup.[4][5]

These are documented player associations for that competition period rather than an independently recovered complete match roster.

AFPL SoCal Chaos #3, 2016

The historical PBLeagues membership records identify two players whose last recorded appearance with Phoenix Tahiti was the September 2016 AFPL event:

  • Alfredo Valenzuela
  • Christian Veroux

The historical staff list also identifies:

  • Leo Heath

These records provide named team associations at the American event.[5]

Michael Earley, a former Phoenix Tahiti player, attended the same tournament competing for SD Crush and was not part of the Phoenix Tahiti playing squad.[2]

The full Phoenix Tahiti roster for the event has not been independently recovered.

World Cup Asia, 2017

Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan finished fifth in Division 3 at the 2017 World Cup Asia.

The PBLeagues team results establish the event and final placing, but the available public records do not provide a complete individual roster for that tournament.[4]

Players appearing on later Phoenix Tahiti membership records cannot automatically be assigned to the 2017 event without further documentation.

George Town International X-Ball Cup, 2018

The historical PBLeagues member records identify the following players whose last recorded team event was the October 2018 George Town International X-Ball Cup:

  • Emir Rizal Maaruf
  • Mat Zain Wan Fairul Anuar

Both are recorded in the historical membership database.[5]

Other players may have participated, but a complete event roster has not been recovered.

World Paintball Championship, 2019

The historical PBLeagues records identify the following players whose last recorded team event was the 2019 World Paintball Championship in Thailand:

Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan – 2019 documented player associations
Player Recorded team events
Adams Torea Sr 6
Azmi Masian 3
Bahyu Fajri Jr 1
Johari Tambi Yahaya 1
Mohamad Roshidi Manjurni 3
Mohd Hijjas Adam Mohamed Amran 2
Ralph Tsing 8
Shahrizat Shami 3

The staff records also identify:

  • Katell Perennou – three recorded team events, with the 2019 championship listed as the last

Source: PBLeagues historical member and staff records.[5]

The event counts represent appearances recorded in the team's PBLeagues history rather than complete career totals.

The 2019 event is the last recorded entry for these members in the historical database. This does not independently establish their participation in every match or constitute a complete official tournament roster.

New Zealand Race Series, 2023

The 2023 New Zealand Race Series squad is documented in a contemporary interview with captain Ralph Tsing.

Phoenix Tahiti – New Zealand Race Series, 2023
Player Association
Torea Adams French Polynesia
Steven Wong French Polynesia
Emrick Amaru French Polynesia
Kevin Brodien French Polynesia
Ralph Tsing French Polynesia
Brandon Miller Australia
Jarryd Fouche South Africa

Source: Air Tahiti Nui, October 2023.[7]

The squad combined five Tahitian players and two overseas players.

The published names differ slightly from some historical PBLeagues entries, including those for Torea Adams and Kevin Brodien. These variations have been preserved as published rather than assumed to be identical individual records.

NXL World Cup, 2025

Phoenix Tahiti's Division 5 X-Ball runner-up finish is confirmed by the official NXL tournament records.[9]

However, the team's complete 2025 playing roster is not publicly displayed in the accessible PBLeagues archive.

A contemporary French Polynesian news report described three Tahitian participants associated with the team's World Cup result, but the accessible report does not establish their names.[10]

The 2025 players should therefore not be reconstructed from earlier Phoenix Tahiti rosters without further evidence.

Other historical members

The PBLeagues historical membership records also include:

  • Andrew Harper – listed as a team member without a recorded event appearance

His inclusion in the database does not establish participation in a particular tournament.

The historical team staff records additionally identify Heimanu Souday, Katell Perennou, Leo Heath and Tuarii Souday, whose documented event associations are listed above.[5]

Tournament results

Phoenix Tahiti – Selected international tournament results
Year Tournament Country Division Result
2012 Paintball World Cup Asia Malaysia Division 2, Phoenix Authority Player credentials documented; result unconfirmed
2013 NAZA World Cup Asia Malaysia Division 3 RaceTo-2 47th of 54
2014 NZPPL International Pacific Championship New Zealand Division 1 RaceTo-4 4th of 8
2015 Asylum Paintball Cup New Zealand Open RaceTo-4 Participated; placing unavailable
2016 Auckland Paintball Cup New Zealand Division 2 X-Ball 7th of 8
2016 AFPL SoCal Chaos #3 United States Division 4 RaceTo-3 8th of 8
2017 Paintball World Cup Asia Malaysia Division 3 RaceTo-2 5th of 16
2018 George Town International X-Ball Cup Malaysia Amateur Division 2 RaceTo-4 5th of 17
2019 World Paintball Championship Thailand Division 3 X-Ball Participated; placing unavailable
2023 New Zealand Race Series finale New Zealand Five-man X-Ball 3rd of 9
2025 NXL World Cup United States Division 5 X-Ball 2nd

Sources: Original 2012 accreditation photograph; PBLeagues; Air Tahiti Nui; official NXL World Cup results.[3][4][7][9]

The table records selected confirmed international appearances rather than every event in the team's history.

Paintball in French Polynesia

Phoenix Tahiti's international activities have continued despite challenges affecting competitive paintball facilities in French Polynesia.

In August 2024, Tahiti Nui Télévision published a report about the shortage of sporting facilities.

Ralph Tsing described the loss of several paintball playing areas in 2012, including locations in Mahina, Papara, Punaauia and Mataiea.[8]

He also discussed the loss of a further practice location in the Punaruu area during 2022.

The loss of local facilities reduced opportunities for regular training and competition.

Phoenix Tahiti's continued participation in tournaments outside French Polynesia reflects the importance of international connections for the territory's competitive players.

Historical significance

Phoenix Tahiti is a notable example of sustained international paintball participation by a team from French Polynesia.

Established in 2009, the team has maintained a presence in international tournament competition over more than a decade.

Its activities have connected Tahitian paintball with events in New Zealand, Malaysia, Thailand and the United States.

The team's history also demonstrates the changing composition of international amateur paintball squads, with players from French Polynesia and other countries participating together at different events.

Original 2012 World Cup Asia credentials preserve details of an early tournament roster under the Phoenix Authority name.

Later PBLeagues records document the team's participation and identify numerous historical players and staff.

The 2023 New Zealand Race Series podium and 2025 NXL World Cup Division 5 runner-up finish represent significant documented achievements.

The team's continued international participation, despite challenges maintaining local playing facilities, forms an important part of the history of competitive paintball in French Polynesia.

Historical documentation

The team's history is supported by several types of sources.

Its founding year is recorded in its original public description.

The 2012 player accreditation photograph and firsthand testimony establish early international participation under the Phoenix Authority name.

PBLeagues records provide tournament results and historical membership information from 2013 to 2019.

Air Tahiti Nui documents the 2023 New Zealand Race Series roster and podium finish.

Official NXL records establish Phoenix Tahiti's second-place Division 5 X-Ball finish at the 2025 World Cup.

Historical PBLeagues member records identify individual players' last recorded events, but do not provide complete accessible rosters for every tournament.

Consequently, player names are associated with specific events only where supported by accreditation, published rosters, firsthand participation evidence or the last-event information displayed in the historical database.

See also

References

  1. Phoenix Tahiti Paintball – Historical Team Description. Reproduction of the team's published description identifying its establishment in 2009 by three friends.
  1. Michael Earley, firsthand recollections supplied to WikiPaintball, October 2026. Confirms participation with Phoenix Tahiti in 2012 and 2013, Ralph Tsing's long-standing captaincy, Phoenix Authority as an alternative team name, and Earley's participation with SD Crush rather than Phoenix Tahiti at the September 2016 AFPL event.
  1. Michael Earley, personal photographic collection. Original photograph of 2012 Paintball World Cup Asia Division 2 accreditation credentials for Phoenix Authority. Identifies Ralph Tsing, Moana Lei Foc, Christian Veroux, Michael Earley, Ku Zambiri and Tim Matthee, alongside two unnamed pit-crew credentials and one unnamed coach credential. Supplied to WikiPaintball in October 2026. A separate photograph records names written in sand during the same tournament period.
  1. Phoenix Tahiti Aisawan – Historical Team Profile. PBLeagues. Documents the team's home field, September 2013 registration and tournament appearances from 2013 to 2019.
  1. Phoenix Tahiti – Historical Membership and Staff Records. PBLeagues. Historical player and staff tables, including recorded event counts and last-event information. Screenshots supplied to WikiPaintball in October 2026.
  1. Almost Famous Paintball League. PBLeagues. Identifies AFPL as the Almost Famous Paintball League and documents its tournaments.
  1. Paintball : Ralph Tsing enchaine les bons résultats. Air Tahiti Nui, 31 October 2023. Interview documenting the Phoenix Tahiti roster, results and third-place finish at the New Zealand Race Series finale.
  1. Les associations sportives en mal d'infrastructures. Tahiti Nui Télévision, 30 August 2024. Report discussing the loss of paintball facilities in French Polynesia, including comments from Ralph Tsing.
  1. World Cup 2025 – Official Tournament Results. PBLeagues. Official NXL World Cup results confirming Phoenix Tahiti's Division 5 X-Ball runner-up finish following a 4–2 loss to Protocol D5.
  1. Trois Tahitiens brillent à la NXL Paintball World Cup. DROM-COM, 20 November 2025. Reproduces French Polynesian news coverage of the team's runner-up finish.
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