A Pro Paintballers Pay How Much

Introduction

Paintball has quickly become a popular sport for players of all ages and abilities. Professional paintball players must not only be skilled at the game, but they must also be well versed in the business world, as their success depends significantly on sponsorships, salary, and bonuses. In this article, we will delve into the topic of what a professional paintball player can expect to make and what statements from experts and professionals will offer some insight into the real-world earnings of the professional paintball player.

Main Topics

1. Salaries

2. Bonuses

3. Costs

4. Tournament Winnings

5. Charitable Donations

6. Job Prospects

7. Sponsorships

8. Industry in 2020

Salaries

Although it is difficult to get accurate information on individual salaries, professional paintball players can expect substantial compensation. Professional Athletes Database reports that the average salary for a professional paintball player is around $45,000 per year, with higher salaries usually earned from successful tournament placements. Depending on the level of experience, some players can earn upwards of $100,000. According to Monografias, this level of pay may be attributed to the evolution of the game, whereby the team sport has become a dynamic and technical exercise and, as such, the players have become more specialized in technique and strategy, thereby increasing the value associated with being a professional paintball player.

Bonuses

Although professional paintball players are typically rewarded for successful tournament placements, many teams do not pay their players actual bonuses, instead relying on endorsements or other sponsorships to supplement the players' salaries. However, some teams do provide bonuses for successful tournament placements. Paintball Access reports that Dynasty, one of the game's top teams, awarded their players with a share of $120,000 total prize money, where each player was given nearly $10,000 per podium finish.

Costs

Players at the professional level can expect to pay a variety of expenses considered part of the cost of doing business in paintball. Paintball Access reports that, while there may be some reimbursement for tournament fees, accommodation, and travel expenses, players must bear the responsibility for purchasing and maintaining their own equipment, such as markers, barrels, masks, and clothing. Furthermore, there may be additional expenses associated with livery, such as professional-grade banners and team photos.

Tournament Winnings

Professional paintball players enter tournaments to compete for the intersection's top prizes, cash awards and opportunities. The sport has grown in popularity and as a result, tournaments often feature large cash prizes that the professional paintball player can claim. According to Associacao Braziliera de Paintball, the Florida XPPL Open's cash prize has grown over the years to $100,000 for the winning team. Prize money also varies from one tournament to another, with the largest tournaments such as the PSP World Cup - which features the best teams in the world - offering top prizes of up to $200,000.

Charitable Donations

Although professional paintball players receive most of their income through their salaries, bonuses and tournament winnings, some participate in charitable events for various non-profit organizations. When organizers put on a charity event, like a tournament or a celebrity/all-star game, they often take all or a portion of the entry fees and donate it to a non-profit group or organization. For example, The Paintball Park at Camp Pendleton in California held the Soldiers of Paintball tournament in 2009, which raised more than $18,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project.

Job Prospects

Although professional paintball players often receive salaries and bonuses, there are few opportunities in professional paintball for full-time employment. Most teams operate on a limited budget, and while players may receive salary and bonuses, their jobs are generally contract-based, making it difficult to sustain long-term employment in professional paintball. As a result, most players opt to pursue careers in related fields, such as marketing, public relations and sales.

Sponsorships

In order to supplement their income, professional paintball players often rely on sponsorships from various companies, such as paintball equipment manufacturers and tournament organizers. Sponsorships are typically negotiated with teams based on a variety of factors, such as how frequently the player competes, their success in past tournaments, and their ability to generate publicity for the brand.

Industry in 2020

At present, the paintball industry is showing signs of steady growth despite a sluggish economy. According to IBIS World, the Paintball field and Equipment industry revenues are expected to increase by 1.8% per year from 2020 to 2025. This improvement in revenue is driven largely by the increase in paintball tournaments and the popularity of the sport among millennials.

Conclusion

Professional paintball players can expect to make a living from their passion, earning salaries that can range from as little as forty-five thousand dollars to over one-hundred thousand dollars. In addition to tournament winnings, players may also receive bonuses, endorsements, and sponsorships that can add to their overall income. Paintball is continuing to grow in popularity and the industry is projected to experience an increase in revenue and opportunities for professional players.