Editing BigGame Mahlwinkel (section)

== History ==

=== Euro Big Game ===

The original Euro Big Game was established by German paintball retailer and field operator Christian Kammerer.

The event initially took place in Veckring, France, before relocating to Mahlwinkel in eastern Germany. The event subsequently changed playing areas within the Mahlwinkel site.[1]

The former Soviet military installation offered extensive woodland terrain, bunkers, trenches and military infrastructure suitable for large-scale paintball competition.

By September 2012, Euro Big Game Mahlwinkel was attracting approximately 1,500 players. A contemporary report published by [[Planet Eclipse]] documented participation by Dutch scenario teams Black Bandits and Ghost Squad, including three days of competition involving flag objectives, defensive positions and missions across the former military base.[3]

The event continued expanding during the 2010s.

A December 2017 preview published by Paintball Sports reported that Euro Big Game regularly attracted more than 2,000 players. The event included military-style vehicles, organised missions, a substantial vendor exhibition and several days of camping and entertainment.[4]

Euro Big Game operated at Mahlwinkel until the period preceding the establishment of United Big Game in 2021.

=== United Big Game (2021–2024) ===

Following the end of the original Euro Big Game organisation, a new event was established under the name United Big Game.

The project was developed by organisers Robert and Steffen, who sought to continue the tradition of major scenario paintball events at Mahlwinkel.

The first United Big Game took place in May 2021 and attracted approximately 250 players.

The second event, held in May 2022, attracted approximately 730 ticket holders, according to figures published by Paintball Sports.[5]

Participation subsequently increased, with the 2023 event approaching 1,000 players.

The 2024 event was held over the traditional German Ascension Day holiday weekend. Contemporary reporting described improvements to compressed-air provision, paintball supply and event infrastructure.[6]

Despite the event's growth, United Big Game ceased operating following the 2024 edition. Paintball Sports reported that financial problems and disagreements within the organisation contributed to its conclusion.[2]

=== BigGame Mahlwinkel relaunch (2025) ===

In December 2024, Airsoft-Helden announced plans to continue the Mahlwinkel paintball event under a new organisational structure.

Airsoft-Helden had previously provided infrastructure for United Big Game and operated the Dark Emergency airsoft event at the same venue.

The new organisation collaborated with Paintball Sports and Weekend Warrior Shop, bringing together event infrastructure, paintball industry exhibitors and scenario game management.[2]

The relaunched event took place from 28 to 31 May 2025 under the name Paintball BigGame Mahlwinkel.

Approximately 550 participants attended the first edition under the new management structure.[7]

The event introduced a revised mission system featuring two opposing factions, the Red Reapers and Blue Brigade.

The Blue Brigade, commanded by Ken, won the 2025 event against the Red Reapers, commanded by Stephan.[7]

=== 2026 event ===

The 2026 BigGame Mahlwinkel was scheduled for 13–17 May at Airfield Mahlwinkel.

The programme included an arrival day on Wednesday, an open playing day on Thursday and the principal scenario missions on Friday and Saturday. Sunday was reserved for departure.[8]

The organisers continued the collaboration between Airsoft-Helden, Paintball Sports and Weekend Warrior Shop, with plans to expand participation and improve battlefield reinsertion points.[9]