Major League Paintball
Major League Paintball (MLPB) is an American paintball tournament organisation responsible for several professional and amateur paintball competition circuits. Its principal leagues include the National Xball League (NXL), Women's National Xball League (WNXL), NXL Europe and International Classic Paintball League (ICPL).[1]
Developed from the National Xball League organisation, MLPB was introduced as a broader international competition structure for the 2023 season. Its activities include tournament organisation, competition rules, player registration, event broadcasting and professional player statistics.[2][3]
History
[edit]Origins
[edit]Major League Paintball developed from the National Xball League, which was re-established in 2015 following the suspension of the Paintball Sports Promotions (PSP) national tournament programme.
The revived NXL was led by Tom Cole, a former professional paintball player and tournament organiser. Its inaugural season included three major tournaments, culminating in the Paintball World Cup in Florida.[4]
The organisation subsequently expanded beyond the United States.
In 2018, NXL Europe was established following the acquisition of the Millennium Series, which had operated as a major European tournament circuit since 1999.[5]
The International Classic Paintball League was introduced in 2019, followed by the Women's National Xball League in 2021.[6][7]
Establishment of Major League Paintball
[edit]On 25 October 2022, National Xball League LLC filed applications to register the Major League Paintball name and logo with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.[8]
In early 2023, the NXL publicly introduced Major League Paintball as an umbrella organisation for its expanding competition programmes.
The announcement introduced a revised player identification system, additional membership benefits, player insurance and expanded media coverage.
The new organisational identity made its tournament debut at the 2023 Sunshine State Major in Kissimmee, Florida.[2]
Major League Paintball subsequently expanded the integration of its European and American competition operations.
Tom Cole served as the organisation's president and chief executive officer.[3]
International development
[edit]In April 2023, Major League Paintball announced further development of NXL Europe under its wider organisational structure.
The European programme incorporated professional and semi-professional competition, women's divisions and international championship events.
Laurent Hamet, a longstanding organiser associated with the Millennium Series, joined MLPB as vice president of NXL Europe.[3]
Major League Paintball also supported international qualification pathways through the NXL Latin American Championships.
The 2026 Latin American Championship took place in Panama from 7 to 9 August, with the winner eligible to compete in the professional division of the 2026 NXL World Cup.[9]
Competition organisations
[edit]Major League Paintball oversees several tournament properties.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| National Xball League | Professional and amateur tournament competition in the United States |
| Women's National Xball League | Women's professional X-Ball competition |
| NXL Europe | European professional and amateur tournament circuit |
| International Classic Paintball League | Mechanical-marker competition, including traditional five-player and 10-player formats |
These leagues operate different competition formats and maintain their own tournament histories.[1]
National Xball League
[edit]The NXL organises major professional and amateur tournaments in the United States.
Its annual programme includes regional major events and the season-ending Paintball World Cup.
Competition divisions include professional, semi-professional and amateur X-Ball, alongside other formats.[10]
Women's National Xball League
[edit]The WNXL was established in 2021 to provide dedicated professional competition for women's paintball teams.
It operates alongside NXL tournaments and subsequently expanded into European competition.
MLPB identifies the WNXL as part of its wider programme to increase women's participation in competitive paintball.[6]
International Classic Paintball League
[edit]The ICPL organises traditional mechanical-marker tournament competition.
Its principal formats include five-player and 10-player paintball on woodland, Hyperball and artificial earth-mound fields.
The league's major championship event is the ICPL Classic Cup.[7]
Tournament administration
[edit]Major League Paintball uses PBLeagues International (PBLi) for tournament registration, scheduling, player classifications and historical results.
The system originated in 2003 as the American Paintball Players Association, developed by Chris Raehl.
MLPB subsequently used the platform's historical records to introduce a professional player statistics programme during the 2023 season.[11]
The organisation also operates competition membership programmes covering player registration and eligibility.
Its membership arrangements include competition licences and benefits applicable to participating leagues.[12]
Media and broadcasting
[edit]Major League Paintball provides live tournament broadcasts and archived competition coverage.
The organisation has worked with GoSports, a specialist paintball broadcasting service associated with producer Darren Cesena and commentator Matty Marshall.
GoSports has provided live coverage of professional tournament paintball, including NXL events.[13]
MLPB also markets its own broadcast and on-demand media service under the Major League Paintball Plus name.
Its media activities include live matches, archived tournament footage and documentary productions.[14]
Leadership
[edit]Major League Paintball's published leadership directory in 2026 identified the following officials:
| Position | Official |
|---|---|
| President and Chief Executive Officer | Tom Cole |
| Chief Financial Officer | Kevin Fillers |
| Commissioner | Jason Trosen |
| Events Director | Camille Lemanski |
| IT Director | Chris Raehl |
| Operations Director | Matthew Fraundorf |
| Referee Manager | Dan Perez |
| Director of NXL Europe | Barry Fuggle |
| Vice President of NXL Europe | Laurent Hamet |
The organisation also listed officials responsible for marketing, webcasting and international operations.[15]
See also
[edit]- National Xball League
- NXL Europe
- Women's National Xball League
- International Classic Paintball League
- PBLeagues
- Paintball World Cup
- GoSports
- History of tournament paintball
- X-Ball
References
[edit]- Major League Paintball, Our Brands. Official directory of competition leagues, tournament administration software and media operations.
- National Xball League, Dynasty Wins the Sunshine State Major Behind MVP Performance from Marcello Margott, 7 April 2023. Documents the debut of Major League Paintball.
- National Xball League, The NXL Europe Season Preview: New Growth Through the Major League of Paintball, 7 April 2023.
- Paintball Media, John Amodea, The New NXL: Everything You Need to Know, 1 May 2015.
- Major League Paintball, NXL Europe. Official history of the 2018 transition from the Millennium Series.
- Major League Paintball, Women's National X-Ball League. Official league history.
- Major League Paintball, International Classic Paintball League. Official competition description.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office, Major League Paintball, Trademark Registration 7567166. Application filed 25 October 2022 by National Xball League LLC.
- National Xball League, 2026 Latin American Championships. Official event and qualification information.
- Major League Paintball, National Xball League. Official tournament structure.
- Major League Paintball, PBLeagues International. Historical player database and 2023 statistics programme.
- Major League Paintball, Tournament+ Competitor Membership. Official competition membership information.
- Major League Paintball, GoSports. Official broadcasting information.
- Major League Paintball, Our Brands. Media and broadcast operations.
- Major League Paintball, Leadership. Official organisational directory, accessed October 2026.