Editing Living Legends (section)

== History ==

=== Establishment (2008) ===

Living Legends was established through a collaboration between CPX Sports and Smart Parts, with the inaugural event taking place on 5–6 April 2008 at CPX Sports in Joliet, Illinois.

The original concept was to bring together pioneering figures from paintball's early history and prominent contemporary players in a recreational scenario environment.

[[Wayne Dollack]], an influential early scenario paintball organiser, was responsible for developing the gameplay. [[Kerry Rosenberry]], commonly known as Viper, managed mission planning, command communications and scoring.

The inaugural game featured Craig Miller of DraXxuS leading one army against Sean Scott of Smart Parts, who commanded the opposing force.[1]

The event also encouraged new participation through a promotion offering complimentary rental equipment to eligible preregistered players, supported by [[Tippmann]] and CPX Sports.[1]

=== Growth at CPX Sports ===

Living Legends became an established annual event at CPX Sports during the late 2000s and early 2010s.

In May 2010, its third edition was held alongside the [[National Professional Paintball League]] Chicago Open. The arrangement brought professional tournament players, scenario participants and paintball industry exhibitors to the same venue.[2]

The sixth edition, held in May 2013, attracted more than 1,800 players according to contemporary reporting by ''Social Paintball''.[4]

Living Legends VII, held in May 2014, attracted 2,219 registered players and involved 94 event staff. Contemporary coverage documented the use of 4,960 cases of paintballs during the event.[5]

The seventh edition also marked a change in event management. Sean Scott stepped down from his organisational role, with Honu taking over his responsibilities.[5]

The event continued at CPX Sports through its tenth edition, held on 19–21 May 2017. Rain and cold weather affected the opening part of the weekend, although Friday's pump and magazine-fed games went ahead.[12]

=== Changes of venue ===

Living Legends XI, subtitled ''Inferno'', took place at Hell Survivors Paintball Playfield in Pinckney, Michigan, in May 2018 following the closure of CPX Sports.[6][13]

Connor Mackenzie commanded the Blue side against William "Mad Frog" Crook's Red side. During Saturday's play, The Collective transferred from Red to Blue to help balance the teams. Blue won the event, and The Collective received an award recognising its decision to change sides.[13]

The twelfth edition returned to the Chicago area, taking place at [[Legacy Adventure Park]] in Lockport, Illinois, from 17 to 19 May 2019.[7] The new venue had acquired attractions and playing-field components from CPX, including elements of Bedlam.[14]

The 2019 scenario pitted the Blue Crusade, led by Sebastian "Seabass" Alvarez, against the Red Di Inferi, led by Brandon "B-Rad" Paige. Contemporary reporting by James Pulliam put participation at more than 1,300 players. The Crusade won the event.[14]

Living Legends XIII was originally scheduled for May 2020 at Legacy Adventure Park but was cancelled during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The thirteenth edition subsequently took place from 14 to 16 May 2021 at Black Ops Paintball in Fayetteville, North Carolina.[8]

Living Legends XIV returned to Hell Survivors in May 2022. The Michigan venue subsequently became the event's regular location.[3]

=== Recent editions ===

Living Legends XVI took place at Hell Survivors from 16 to 18 May 2024, coinciding with the venue's 40th anniversary. The programme included magazine-fed competition and mechanical and pump paintball activities.[9]

Living Legends XVIII was held at Hell Survivors from 15 to 17 May 2026, featuring a scenario based on Egyptian and Norse mythology.[10]