Editing Jim Lively (section)

== Establishment of the International Masters ==

=== Industry changes ===

During the late 1980s, National Survival Game increasingly concentrated on equipment manufacturing.

Lively believed there was a need for tournaments open to teams and manufacturers outside the original NSG franchise network.

=== Planning in 1988 ===

In 1988, Lively travelled to California and met with industry figures including [[Marty Tripes]] and [[Ross Alexander]].[1]

Tripes was associated with JT protective equipment, while Alexander was involved with Line SI and the Bushmaster marker.

The group discussed the possibility of establishing a major international championship accessible to the wider paintball industry.

=== Nashville venue ===

Lively returned to Nashville and developed a proposal for a tournament.

He secured a venue and organised the first International Masters in 1989.

=== First International Masters ===

The inaugural [[International Masters]] took place in Nashville in 1989.[1]

The event combined competitive paintball with an industry trade show.

=== Development ===

The International Masters became one of the major American tournament events during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

It attracted teams, manufacturers, distributors and international visitors.

=== Industry exhibition ===

The Masters included a trade-show component.

Manufacturers used the event to display new markers, protective equipment and accessories.

The trade show provided an opportunity for businesses and players to interact directly.