Living Legends

Living Legends is an American scenario paintball event series established in 2008 at CPX Sports in Joliet, Illinois. Originally developed as a gathering of influential figures from paintball's history and contemporary industry, the event combines large-scale woodsball competition with opportunities for recreational players to meet and play alongside notable paintball personalities.

The event was originally produced in collaboration with Smart Parts, Wayne Dollack and Kerry Rosenberry, and subsequently developed into one of the best-known annual scenario paintball gatherings in the United States.[1][2]

Following its early years in Illinois, Living Legends was held at several American paintball venues. Since 2022, its regular home has been Hell Survivors in Pinckney, Michigan.[3]

History

Establishment (2008)

Living Legends was established through a collaboration between CPX Sports and Smart Parts, with the inaugural event taking place on 5–6 April 2008 at CPX Sports in Joliet, Illinois.

The original concept was to bring together pioneering figures from paintball's early history and prominent contemporary players in a recreational scenario environment.

Wayne Dollack, an influential early scenario paintball organiser, was responsible for developing the gameplay. Kerry Rosenberry, commonly known as Viper, managed mission planning, command communications and scoring.

The inaugural game featured Craig Miller of DraXxuS leading one army against Sean Scott of Smart Parts, who commanded the opposing force.[1]

The event also encouraged new participation through a promotion offering complimentary rental equipment to eligible preregistered players, supported by Tippmann and CPX Sports.[1]

Growth at CPX Sports

Living Legends became an established annual event at CPX Sports during the late 2000s and early 2010s.

In May 2010, its third edition was held alongside the National Professional Paintball League Chicago Open. The arrangement brought professional tournament players, scenario participants and paintball industry exhibitors to the same venue.[2]

The sixth edition, held in May 2013, attracted more than 1,800 players according to contemporary reporting by Social Paintball.[4]

Living Legends VII, held in May 2014, attracted 2,219 registered players and involved 94 event staff. Contemporary coverage documented the use of 4,960 cases of paintballs during the event.[5]

The seventh edition also marked a change in event management. Sean Scott stepped down from his organisational role, with Honu taking over his responsibilities.[5]

The event continued at CPX Sports through its tenth edition, held on 19–21 May 2017. Rain and cold weather affected the opening part of the weekend, although Friday's pump and magazine-fed games went ahead.[12]

Changes of venue

Living Legends XI, subtitled Inferno, took place at Hell Survivors Paintball Playfield in Pinckney, Michigan, in May 2018 following the closure of CPX Sports.[6][13]

Connor Mackenzie commanded the Blue side against William "Mad Frog" Crook's Red side. During Saturday's play, The Collective transferred from Red to Blue to help balance the teams. Blue won the event, and The Collective received an award recognising its decision to change sides.[13]

The twelfth edition returned to the Chicago area, taking place at Legacy Adventure Park in Lockport, Illinois, from 17 to 19 May 2019.[7] The new venue had acquired attractions and playing-field components from CPX, including elements of Bedlam.[14]

The 2019 scenario pitted the Blue Crusade, led by Sebastian "Seabass" Alvarez, against the Red Di Inferi, led by Brandon "B-Rad" Paige. Contemporary reporting by James Pulliam put participation at more than 1,300 players. The Crusade won the event.[14]

Living Legends XIII was originally scheduled for May 2020 at Legacy Adventure Park but was cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The thirteenth edition subsequently took place from 14 to 16 May 2021 at Black Ops Paintball in Fayetteville, North Carolina.[8]

Living Legends XIV returned to Hell Survivors in May 2022. The Michigan venue subsequently became the event's regular location.[3]

Recent editions

Living Legends XVI took place at Hell Survivors from 16 to 18 May 2024, coinciding with the venue's 40th anniversary. The programme included magazine-fed competition and mechanical and pump paintball activities.[9]

Living Legends XVIII was held at Hell Survivors from 15 to 17 May 2026, featuring a scenario based on Egyptian and Norse mythology.[10]

Organisation

A 2019 report identified DJ Honu Fox and Lani Fox as leading the CPX production team. Co-producer Michael O'Connell contributed to the storyline and mission planning, while refereeing was provided by CPX staff and Solstice Law.[14]

Event format

Living Legends combines conventional large-scale paintball battles with structured scenario missions, specialised competitions and a concluding final battle.

The principal scenario divides participants into two opposing armies. Each army operates under a commanding officer and executive officer, with players organised into smaller formations known as legions.

These formations receive assigned objectives and participate in coordinated attacks and defensive operations.

The 2014 event incorporated separate skirmish battles alongside the principal scenario. Teams accumulated points through controlling objectives, completing missions and winning designated engagements.[5]

The event's format has evolved over time, with different scenarios introducing additional rules and objectives. In 2019, each side had seven legion commanders who organised players and received missions from the production staff.[14]

Final-battle scoring has also changed between editions. In 2017, the organisers replaced the slapstick objective on the mound between CPX's Bedlam and Armageddon fields with buckets into which players threw foam blocks to score points.[12] The 2019 final battle at Legacy Adventure Park combined slapstick objectives with cubes that players placed in barrels.[14]

The 2026 edition incorporated smaller legion battles, five-player competitions and individual missions involving puzzles, trivia and other activities. It also included a magazine-fed game and a final battle.[11]

Paintball industry participation

A defining characteristic of Living Legends has been its emphasis on bringing together different generations of paintball participants.

The original event was specifically organised to allow recreational players to compete alongside notable figures from paintball's history and contemporary professional scene.[1]

Later editions attracted professional players, equipment manufacturers, scenario teams and paintball personalities.

The 2014 event included appearances by Bud Orr, Greg Hastings and Damian Ryan, alongside representatives of major paintball equipment brands.[5]

The event also developed a substantial vendor exhibition, allowing manufacturers and retailers to engage directly with recreational players.

The 2017 event included a paintball museum display containing historical markers, equipment, patches and photographs. Attendees included Tom Kaye, Dan Colby and other equipment developers, players and industry figures.[12]

Paintball Hall of Fame

Living Legends has been associated with the Paintball Hall of Fame, providing a venue for recognising individuals who contributed to the development of the sport.

A Hall of Fame induction ceremony formed part of the opening programme at Living Legends X in 2017.[12] The 2019 event included the third instalment of the induction programme, recognising historical figures and industry pioneers.[7][14]

The tradition continued in subsequent editions. During Living Legends XVI in 2024, Skirmish USA founders Paul and Cleo Fogal were inducted into the Paintball Hall of Fame.[9]

Legacy

Living Legends became an important gathering within American scenario paintball by combining large-scale recreational competition with recognition of the sport's history.

Its original emphasis on bringing together paintball pioneers, professional competitors and recreational players distinguished it from events based primarily on military or fictional scenarios.

The event's documented attendance of more than 2,200 players in 2014 demonstrates its scale during the CPX Sports era.[5]

Living Legends has continued under the CPX Events name despite changes in venues and event management, maintaining its role as a gathering for the wider paintball community.

References

External links