International Amateur Open

The International Amateur Open (IAO) was a recurring paintball tournament and industry event held in Pennsylvania, United States. Established by Debra Dion Krischke in 1990 as the National Amateur Open, it adopted the International Amateur Open name in 1991. Debra and Ryan Krischke organised the event through Team Effort Events.[1][2]

Originally held at Three Rivers Paintball near Pittsburgh, the tournament combined amateur competition with trade exhibitions, industry conferences and social activities. Sponsor names included Cal Magnum, ZAP and Diablo.[1][3]

History

Establishment

Krischke established the National Amateur Open to provide competition for players outside the professional ranks. Canadian participation in the inaugural event preceded the adoption of the International Amateur Open name the following year.[1]

In a later interview, Krischke explained that the event was intended to serve recreational teams that could not practise or compete as frequently as established tournament teams. Eligibility and roster controls were developed to maintain its amateur classification.[2]

Competition during the 1990s

The 1993 ZAP International Amateur Open attracted 80 five-player teams and 40 ten-player teams. Outta Control won the five-player competition and Nemesis won the ten-player competition.[4]

The 1994 tournament attracted 60 five-player teams and 48 ten-player teams. Its programme also included a pump-marker competition.[5]

The 1996 edition introduced a novice five-player division and revised amateur eligibility rules.[6]

Move to the fairgrounds

In 2002, the tournament moved from Three Rivers Paintball to the Big Butler Fairgrounds. The new venue provided space for constructed playing fields and an indoor trade exhibition.[3]

The event adopted Diablo title sponsorship and Dick's Sporting Goods presenting sponsorship. Its programme included three-player, five-player and seven-player competition, with seven-player replacing the previous ten-player format.[3]

The tournament also hosted the debut of X-Ball through an eight-country Nations Cup. The United States won the competition.[3]

Three Rivers Paintball Festival

In 2006, the event returned to Three Rivers Paintball as the Three Rivers Paintball Festival. The revised programme emphasised novice, rookie and Young Guns competition alongside scenario games and woodland play.[1]

Industry programme

The IAO incorporated technical training, business conferences and trade exhibitions alongside tournament play. Manufacturers used its industry programme to present new equipment to dealers, field operators and players.[2][3]

Selected editions

• 1993 ZAP International Amateur Open
• 1994 ZAP International Amateur Open
• 1996 ZAP International Amateur Open
• 1998 ZAP International Amateur Open
• 2001 International Amateur Open
• 2005 International Amateur Open
• 2006 Three Rivers Paintball Festival

See also

• Debra Dion Krischke
• Three Rivers Paintball
• X-Ball

References

1. Dawn Mills, “IAO Goes Retro”, WARPIG, June 2006.
2. Bill Mills, “Debra Krischke — In the Hot Seat”, WARPIG, July 2011.
3. “Diablo International Amateur Open”, WARPIG, 2002.
4. Ken "Hollywood" Gilder, “Party Time in Pittsburgh: The 1993 Zap International Amateur Open”, Action Pursuit Games, January 1994, pp. 62–70 and 72.
5. Ken "Hollywood" Gilder, “The 1994 Zap International Amateur Open”, Action Pursuit Games, January 1995, pp. 62–67.
6. Staff report, “The 6th Annual ZAP International Open”, Action Pursuit Games, August 1996, pp. 30–32.