Editing Bud Orr (section)

== Competitive paintball ==

=== Ironmen sponsorship ===

One of WGP's most significant early tournament relationships was with '''[[Ironmen (paintball team)|Bob Long's Ironmen]]'''.

Orr demonstrated the Autococker to [[Bob Long]], leading to a sponsorship relationship.

The Ironmen became one of WGP's earliest major factory-supported tournament teams.[1]

The team helped establish the Autococker's reputation as a high-performance competitive marker.

Historical accounts place the beginning of the relationship around 1990–1991.

A Paintball History examination of contemporary records identifies March 1991 as an early documented occasion on which the Ironmen used Autocockers in competition.[3]

=== Professional tournament use ===

During the 1990s, the Autococker became one of the most recognisable markers in professional tournament paintball.

It was used by leading teams and individual players.

The marker's mechanical operation, customisation potential and established tournament reputation contributed to its popularity.

The Autococker became a principal competitor to the '''[[Automag]]''' manufactured by [[Airgun Designs]].

The rivalry between the two designs became an important feature of tournament paintball equipment culture.

=== Bushwackers ===

WGP also supported the '''[[Bushwackers]]''' tournament team.

A historical profile described Orr's longstanding friendship with team member Ron Kilbourne as part of the relationship.[7]

The association formed part of WGP's wider tournament sponsorship activities.