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The 2025 tournament season is about to begin. To mark the season's kickoff, we spoke with the officials of the DPL, the ICS, and the PRIME Series and asked them for updates on the current status and season planning. The result is a comprehensive overview of this year's tournament offerings. Want to know what distinguishes the leagues and tournament series from each other? Find the answers here.
The paintball tournament season starts as usual in April or May. The first few match days are always particularly exciting – all the teams are eager to finally get out on the field after the long winter preparation and compete against "real opponents" at tournament level. Of course, the teams have already played numerous matches in preparation, and many of them know each other from joint training sessions over the past few months. But when you suddenly find yourself on a league field – with referees, scoreboard, and spectators – the adrenaline rushes through even the most seasoned Bundesliga player. Every tournament player probably knows that excited butterflies in their stomach when they stand on base for the first point of the season and the 10-second counter counts down with a loud beeping. Simply an incredible feeling! Shortly before the start of the 2025 tournament season, we wanted to find out what the various league formats and tournament series have to offer this year. To make the whole process as transparent and comparable as possible, we asked the organizers of the three major leagues – DPL, ICS, and PRIME – exactly the same questions. This way, you can directly compare the answers and get a better idea of which league or format is best suited to your team. It should be noted that there are still spots available in some leagues! So if your team still wants to play this year, you still have the chance to register. And now, our interview finally begins! We wanted to know…
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PBS Magazine: Dear league organizers, please describe your league for our readers in a few simple words and sentences. What sets you apart from other leagues? And what makes your league special or unique?
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DPL: First of all, our name and our over 20-year history certainly make us special. The German Paintball League (DPL) is unique in its form. A key point is that the DPL is a true competitive league where fair and sporting competition is the focus. Of course, we all know that paintball is more than just a sport. Our hobby gives us so much more – anyone who has immersed themselves in our scene understands this. Fun and a family atmosphere play a big role. At the same time, you sometimes notice a greater level of fierceness in the DPL than at other events. Rivalries don't always end immediately after leaving the pit, and it sometimes takes a little longer for that "we're all one family" feeling to return.
This is certainly also due to the fact that the DPL is arguably the most professional league in Germany – with a certain amount of fame that can be achieved here. Teams that really want to prove themselves in the competition usually choose the DPL. Our Germany-wide structure and our comprehensive league system, which offers a variety of features on our website, are also part of our professionalism. We also set standards in terms of media coverage that are rarely achieved in the German scene. A common point of criticism is the price: Yes, the DPL is often more expensive than fun cups or incomparable tournament series. But this revenue flows directly back into the sport.
For many years, the DPL has been actively committed to the further development and preservation of paintball in Germany. We have launched beginner programs, organized events such as Paintball Day and Beginner Days, and tested new support concepts with team coaches. We have also promoted a paintball livestream, created a German rulebook, trained hundreds of referees, represented the German national teams at international competitions, and actively supported the continued existence of tournament playing fields.
ICS: First of all, we'd like to emphasize that we don't compare ourselves to other leagues or series, nor do we presume to judge them. The ICS – Independent Club Series stands for PURE RAW PAINTBALL – by players, for players! Our concept is strongly influenced by the 99er BYO sessions, which we launched 13 years ago and have enjoyed immense popularity ever since. With us, you'll experience a real competitive feeling, have the chance to win big – all in a relaxed club atmosphere that's appreciated and loved far beyond Germany's borders. We're firmly by your side and support your desire to play as often as possible under fair conditions. When people leave with a smile, we know we did everything right.
PRIME: The PRIME Series differs in its concept and offerings for top teams and the amateur sector. In the amateur sector, we work with partners in neighboring countries to provide a strong range of junior players. With a European final and a paintball trip to Florida for the World Cup, we aim to offer real highlights. In the pro sector, our location in Solms, Germany, is the central hotspot for teams in Central Europe who want to prepare specifically for the NXL Pro or Semi-Pro. At the same time, we offer top German teams that don't compete in the NXL the opportunity to compete with and learn from Europe's best players.
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PBS Magazine: Where can you play your league format in the 2025 season? What locations are available, and what formats and divisions will be offered there?
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DPL: The DPL will offer leagues in many regions of Germany in the 2025 season – at different levels, depending on availability and demand. The following leagues will generally be offered for the respective experience levels:
Beginners:
Advanced:
Premier League:
Venues of the DPL 2025:
Many of these pitches are long-standing partners of the DPL, and we are incredibly grateful to them. None of this would be possible without a strong partnership. The players should also be aware that the pitches are essential to our hobby. Which league is actually played at which venue depends largely on the number of registered teams. The sooner teams decide and communicate with us, the better – because that also sends a signal to other teams. This can prevent the field from becoming too fragmented, which in the worst case scenario could lead to certain leagues not being played or not being fully staffed.
This would have negative consequences: Incomplete or even missing divisions don't offer the optimal competitive experience. In the worst case, individual teams break up, and the team landscape becomes thinned out. However, we're all the more pleased that new teams are being formed and competing in the DPL every year!
ICS: In a nutshell: in the SUNDAYSCLUB! Arguably the most magical field in Germany. Our series includes three divisions in the 5-man XBL and one division in the M3 HTB format. We also support the grassroots with a 3-man ROOKIE DIVISION. The next division up is the 5-man AMATEUR DIVISION, followed by SEMI-PRO and finally our highest division – the PRO DIVISION .
PRIME: In Germany, we offer the 1st and 2nd Bundesliga at a central location in Solms. In addition, there are Div2 (5-man) and Div3 (3-man) amateur divisions. Div2 and Div3 are also held at Battleground Paintball in Poland, while Div3 is also offered in Belgium. The European finals also take place in Solms.
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PBS Magazine: You certainly already have numerous teams registered for this season. Name three favorites that you think will be at the top of your top league this year.
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DPL: As a neutral league operator, it's difficult to name a clear favorite. However, it must be said that all of the currently registered Bundesliga teams are among the strongest in Germany—so any of them could be considered a potential title contender.
We are particularly pleased that the following teams have once again expressed their trust in us (in alphabetical order):
Ballistics Göttingen
BM United Deidenberg (BEL)
Dortmund BALLERN. Factory Team
P!MP Squad Cologne
Paintball Sports Factory Team Hanover
King of Kingz Ninja Squad Schwalmstadt
We're also pleased that some teams that had opted for other leagues are now competing again in the DPL Bundesliga. Sometimes it turns out that the grass isn't greener on the other side of the fence—so we warmly welcome them "home"!
ICS: That's difficult to answer, as all of our teams compete at a high level. In the 2024 season, Roxy Army from Denmark secured the overall victory. Basically, every registered team has a chance to become champion! The best thing to do is visit our website and vote for your personal favorite.
PRIME : Our three favorites are the NXL PRO teams Breakout Arena, PPArena and Gladiatori Unicusano .
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PBS Magazine: Can teams still register for your league or tournament series now, at the beginning of April 2025? If so, where are spots still available, and how can interested teams best contact you?
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DPL: Registration is still possible, provided the divisions aren't already full. Those interested in participating should decide quickly so the divisions can be completed in time—because the start of the season is just around the corner. Newcomers still have the opportunity to join the district league during the current season.
The easiest way to register is via the DPL website, where various contact options are available. In addition to email and the contact form, we also offer telephone support and can be reached via WhatsApp. In any case, we will work with the respective league coordinator to arrange short-notice participation. We welcome every team and individual player who is ready to bring color to the air!
ICS: We can only estimate how the situation develops. As of February 17, 2025, all divisions are already fully staffed – with the exception of our Pro Division! Stay up to date via our social media channels or check our website regularly to see if spots become available. To get in touch quickly, simply send an email to anmeldung@ics-paintball.de or send us a private message (PM).
PRIME: Registrations are still possible until April 15, 2025, depending on the division. We have reached the minimum number of 8+ teams, but we usually have room for up to 12 teams.
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PBS Magazine: What else would you like to tell our readers about your league or tournament format? Is there any important information we may have missed in our questions?
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DPL: Generally speaking, the DPL is already familiar to many as a veteran of the scene, and the questions asked cover a wide range of topics. Further information can be found at any time on our website at dpl-online.de. There's also a special beginners' section under the heading "Your Entry" – interesting not only for newcomers, but also for those who think they already know the DPL. After all, changes are always happening within the DPL. Adjustments, for example to the rules, are of course communicated via news articles. But there are also internal changes that aren't immediately apparent – these often only become apparent through direct communication.
If anyone has had a bad experience with the DPL in the past (and yes, there are certainly some), we would like to hear about it – ideally through direct communication. We take constructive feedback very seriously and are willing to learn from past mistakes. In many cases, we have already recognized where improvements are needed, and we are continuously working to change things for the better. Ultimately, however, this can only work together. This point also applies to other league operators and stakeholders: If we want to move tournament paintball forward, we must find a common path – free of old "politics" and outdated views. The DPL thanks every team, referee, league coordinator, field operator, mediagrapher, supporter, and everyone else involved for their tremendous support. Finally, we wish all players and everyone who helps shape the sport a successful season and many great moments with good people. Have a fantastic time on the fields!
ICS: We've said it all – but one more thing, and this is the most important thing of all: PLAY PAINTBALL! Experience unforgettable sessions with us at the club – WE MAKE MEMORIES!
PRIME: The PRIME Series is setting new standards: With the Grand Prize – a trip to America for the World Cup for Div3 – we're offering a prize that's perhaps never been seen before in the amateur league. There will be a supporting program for the Bundesliga to make our top league even more attractive for on-site spectators. So, grab the kids and come along – it'll be worth it!
That was our overview of the 2025 tournament season and the current offerings in the leagues and tournament series. We hope this interview has helped you decide which tournament series is best suited for your team. Regardless of which format you ultimately choose, we wish you lots of fun and a successful paintball season! We'll return to this topic later in the year and gather a season summary from the individual leagues and organizers. So stay tuned to see how paintball tournaments develop in 2025!
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