My Trip to the 2025 NXL British Open

Traveling and competing around the world is one of the things that makes professional paintball so special, and a month ago I had the chance to experience that again at the 2025 NXL British Open. Every event has its own energy, but stepping onto foreign soil to play at a high level brings out a different kind of focus, challenge, and excitement. This is especially true for me as I have not played a single ranked tournament in 2025 and have not guested with a team in Europe in over 10 years!

The Journey & Arrival

Flying overseas for an event always adds an extra layer to the grind. Between the long flight, time zone shift, and limited practice time, you have to be disciplined with your preparation. For me, it’s about managing energy and a few delays! I was lucky that I was stranded in Frankfurt, Germany with an excellent Lufthansa lounge to keep me relaxed. Starting with hydration, recovery, and making sure YOUR'RE mentally sharp when game time comes around can be a challenge. By the time I landed late in Birmingham and got to the hotel, I was a little fatigued, no lie. Thankfully the team was waiting for me with proper hydration cans, laughs, and gifts!

The Venue & Atmosphere

The British Open has its own unique vibe. The fans are a reserved passionate type. The environment at the CPPS is incredible! I have always wanted to come and play at the CPPS and I could not have asked for a better opportunity and week! The support for paintball in the UK seems to grow. I had the chance to walk around and witness the players competing in the CPPS Series and it was uplifting to see a fresh mix of youth and veterans in the mix. You can defiantly feel the energy on the sidelines of the Pro field. The layout this event was aggressive but demanded precision and allowed for some really nice creativity, especially through the middle; lanes were punishing, and mistakes were capitalized on as always.

Competition with Ballern Factory Team

For this event, I had the opportunity to play with the Ballern Factory Team from Germany. Competing with these guys was an incredible experience. The chemistry we built over the event was undeniable, and the trust on the field grew with every point. Off the field with the team was a blast, we all shared the same great taste in drinks and food. Most might think that language or culture would pose an issue but at the end of the day we're the same little boys striving to be the best at shooting each other, We all face the same challenges and that binds us.

We battled our way through the semi-pro division, facing off against tough European teams that brought speed, aggression, and a unique style of play. The rules for only 4 pods brings it's own challenges and the ebb and flow of the games is much different than here in the USA. The level of competition forced us to constantly adapt and sharpen our execution. I’m proud to say we fought hard all weekend and came away with a 2nd place finish. Standing on that podium with the team was a moment I’ll never forget, being back in the UK, first time at the CPPS, and wonderful people in my team.

Lessons & Takeaways

What stood out for me was how important mental resilience and communication are at this level. International events test you in every way, this trip big time, travel fatigue, unfamiliar opponents, and constant pressure to perform dogged at me. I 100% made silly mistakes that cost us points and a few where thankfully my teammates helped pickup the slack. Being locked in with a group like Ballern, helped me find ways to rise above those challenges.

Beyond Paintball

Of course, trips like this are about more than just the games. Being able to explore a new country, spend time with new teammates off the field, and connect with fans overseas is something I’ll never take for granted. Paintball has given me opportunities I never imagined when I first picked up a marker, and traveling to the UK to play against the best in the world is a reminder of how far this sport has come and I know will continue to go.

Shout Outs

A huge thank you goes out to the NXL event staff and the venue at CPPS for putting on such a professional, well-run event. AINSLEY - YOU ARE AWESOME! Everything from the fields to the organization was top-tier and made this trip an incredible experience. I hope to get back next year and a million times over suggest the CPPS for anyone with the opportunity to play it.

I also want to give a special shout-out to Dye Europe for the support throughout the weekend. Having the right gear and backing makes all the difference when competing at this level, and their presence in the European scene continues to elevate the game.

Looking Ahead

The British Open was a test for me, traveling to Europe is not small task and it was tough to be away from my kids for that long. The great news is that the level of competition worldwide is higher than ever, and every event is going to demand more out of us as players. That was evident in the news coverage that was at the event giving the local paintball scene great coverage. I’m grateful for the chance to represent Ballern Factory Team and to compete on an international stage. Taking 2nd place in semi-pro is a huge step, and I’m hoping they reach the podium again in France!!!!