During the 2010 PSP World Cup, ProPaintball unveiled a rumor that the Russian Legion was shooting GI Sports Imperial paintballs. The Russians had been a Draxxus/Procaps team but for reasons unknown to ProPaintball, the team was said to have switched at the last minute. With the new paintballs loaded up, the Russian Legion went on to win the 2010 PSP World Cup paintball event.
This morning we received a note from Steve Rabackoff of GI Sports informing us that Russian Legion would be shooting GI Sports paintballs exclusively for the 2011 pro paintball season.
PRO Paintball caught up with Chris Lasoya of GI Sports to discuss the new 68 caliber paintballs the company debuted at the 2010 PSP World Cup. Watch as Chris breaks down the winning formula for the Russian Legion and Chicago Aftershock.
Less than 48 hours ago the 2010 season came to a close. Paintball players and fans alike hoped on planes and headed home, many looking forward to a relaxing off season. As today’s rumor report documents, many paintball teams have big plans in mind for the 2011 season. Read on for the latest paintball gossip.
Newport Entourage
Rumor has it that Rodney has been trying to merge Entourage with another Xball team for 2011. PRO Paintball insiders suggest that Rodney first attempted to work a deal with Dynasty but moved on when he learned that the team has well over 10 players. Sources report that an Entourage and Ironmen merger is on the table. A potential merger would combine the strength and experience of veteran Ironmen players with the speed and agility of Entourage players. It is worth noting that Kevin “SK” Bredthauer, Rodney’s friend and former teammate on Dynasty, is coaching the Ironmen and this could increase the potential odds for a merger. That is of course if Dave Youngblood signs off on it.
Los Angeles Ironmen
Sources around the Ironmen camp suggest that 2011 will be a new year for the men. PRO Paintball insiders suggest that the Ironmen will be refocusing on local players in an effort to reduce cost and build the program. The first player released from contract was Ryan Cohen and we expect a few more cuts are in the works. As of writing their is no word as to what Oliver Lang will be doing.
Russian Legion
The Russians dominated Chicago Aftershock in the PSP World Cup 2010 Finals for a strong 1st place finish. PRO Paintball insiders let on that the Russians may be considering testing their luck in the 7-man arena. As far as the roster is concerned we do not see much if any movement. Word has it the management is very happy with the teams performance this season and plan to continue full speed ahead. As rumored during the PSP World Cup, the Russian Legion has dropped Draxxus/Procaps and will be a GI Sports flagship paintball team in 2011.
Stay tuned for part 2 and part 3 as we share the latest rumors and news surrounding Sacrament XSV, Chicago Aftershock, San Diego Dynasty, Tampa Bay Damage, San Antonio X-Factor and many more.
With PSP World Cup a great success and now at an end, we reflect on the winners circle, the goal of all teams – make it to Sunday. Special thanks to our on-site photographer Mike Deep for all the great work @ Cup!
Earlier this week we learned that GI Sportz signed on as a sponsor of the PSP and would be launching a premium paint line just in time for World Cup. We caught up with former pro paintball players Steve Rabackoff and Chris Lasoya who represent the GI Sportz line of paintballs for a few details.
Video interview with Chris Lasoya coming online shortly.
According to Steve Rabackoff, the formula for the GI Sportz legendary imperial paintballs is similar to what was used by top pro paintball team Avalanche during their prime. These paintballs feature an ultra brittle hard to see purple shell with a vibrant yellow fill. According to Steve, this new paintball has provided top pro teams like Russian Legion and Chicago Aftershock the edge they needed to move on into the final round.
Stay tuned for a video interview with Chris Lasoya for an inside scoop at GI Sportz line of 68 caliber paintballs.
Today is the 4th and final day of the 2010 PSP World Cup where the best of the best compete for the World Championship Title. Read on for the latest scores and reports from the field.
Quarter Final Results:
08:00am – Damage (5) vs. Dynasty (4) – Quarter Game 1
Damage came back from a 4 to 2 deficit to win in over time against Dynasty. Both teams received 1 major. Very intense match up. Damage will move on.
08:50am - Infamous (7) vs. X-Factor (4) – Quarter Game 2
Infamous received 1 major while X-Factor received 2 minor penalties. Infamous will move on.
Semi Final Results
10:45am - Russian Legion (7)vs. Tampa Bay Damage (2)
11:30am – Chicago Aftershock (7) vs. LA Infamous (2)
Final Schedule:
01:45 EST – Tampa Bay Damage (7) vs LA Infamous (2)
Infamous received two majors on the final point. Tampa Bay Damage wins the series title for the PSP. Along with the series title for the NPPL, Damage has two series titles in the same season. The last team to accomplish this feat was Dynasty in 2005.
Chicago Aftershock (0) vs Russian Legion (7)
Final Standings:
1st – Russian Legion
2nd – Chicago Aftershock
3rd – Tampa Bay Damage
4th – LA Infamous
5th – SD Dynasty
6th – San Antonio X Factor
7th – Ironmen
8th – Vicious
9th – Impact
10th – Entourage
11th – Naughty Dogs
Saturday was a day filled with intense competition as divisional and pro paintball teams faced off to battle for their chance to play in the Finals. In case you missed the action, be sure to read up on all the action in Saturday’s News, Rumors and Scores Report. Here are the on-site photos from Saturday’s paintball matches. Special thanks to Mike Deep for all the great work!
Saturday Rumor Round Up:
A major disconnect between top pro paintball teams and their sponsors seems to be brewing. We’ve heard reports that Eclipse, Empire, GI Sportz, Sly and Draxxus are making moves in one form or another.
Russian Legion is rumored to be signing with SLY Equipment for Goggles and other gear and GI Sports for paintballs. This photograph of Russian Legion from Friday seems to all but confirm the SLY rumor.
Chicago Aftershock and Russian Legion are shooting GI Sportz 68 caliber paintballs at World Cup and word is they will continue next year.
08:00am – Entourage (5) vs. X-Factor (7)
X-Factor wins their first match at Cup and their record is now 1-2. Entourage has lost 3 consecutive matches and their record is 0-3. Aside from the penalties that the team received, 2 majors and 1 minor, Entourage had a strong match.
08:45am – Infamous (1) vs. Aftershock (7)
Chicago Aftershock has been shooting the new paintballs from GI Sportz and they seem to be working out very well. Infamous received 3 majors and 4 minors throughout the match.
09:30am – Impact (6) vs. X-Factor (7)
Impact’s Ryan Moorehead cleaned house on the dorrito side but had a dirty hang and started the game off on the wrong foot. Impact received 4 majors while X Factor received 1 major and 1 minor. When X Factor scored the 7th and final point there was 19 seconds in regulation play on the clock. X-Factor is now 2 wins, 2 losses. Impact is 2 wins, 1 loss.
10:15am – Aftershock (7) vs. Entourage (1)
11:00am – Impact (5) vs. Infamous (6)
This was a clean match, no penalties on either team and the clock expired. Impact is now 2 wins, 2 losses. Infamous is 2 and 1.
12:15pm -Russian Legion (7) vs. Naughty Dogs (1)
01:00pm – Ironmen (7) vs. Vicious (6)
01:45pm – Damage (1) vs. Dynasty (7)
Damage received three majors throughout the match.
02:30pm – Ironmen (7) vs. N.Dogs (1)
Naughty dogs received one majors and two minors.
03:15pm – Dynasty (3) vs. Vicious (7)
Dynasty received one minor.
04:00pm – Damage (2) vs. Legion (7)
Looks like Spence from Damaged received a suspension due to unsportsmanlike conduct.
Sunday Quarter Final Schedule:
Dynasty v Damage at 8
Infamous v XFactor at 8:50
Russian Legion and Aftershock receive buys into the semi finals.
PLAYER OPINIONS