Airsoft is growing phenomenally, that we can observe as the growth of airsoft all over the world is just mind-boggling. From an underground hobby played by neighbourhood friends in the 1980s, it is now a global sport, from small skirmishes in any small town, to thousands of players in milsim events. That is where airsoft at since over a quarter of a century ago when it slowly started out­ in Japan.

No need for us to explain airsoft to airsoft players. What we want to point out is that with the growing number of events and competitions happening world wide, it is now high time to see teams from different countries prove their mettle --- in a world airsoft tournament. No matter how these airsoft teams adopt names of different real world military units: SAS, SEALS, LRRP, Delta Force, Rangers or even their own home grown names that sound too tactical, do they have what it takes to say that they are some of the best in the airsoft world?

Rapier 01: World Airsoft Challenge is established to see if they are up to the challenge and bring airsoft to a whole new level.

Sowing the seeds of a global Airsoft competition

Rapier WAC does not aim to be big on its first year, but will slowly build up momentum over the years as airsoft spreads out to other countries that haven't been touched by this sport. The competition is geared towards those countries and territories that have mature airsoft communities and are experiencing growth in events and competitions.

One of the objectives of Rapier WAC is to help spread the organising of competitive tournaments aimed at improving the skills and playing experiences of airsoft players in various countries. The modest success of the world tournament shall be enough to spur further competitions.

Mind, Skills, Stamina, and Teamwork

Rapier WAC shall implement challenges aimed at knowing how teams think, work, act, and endure challenges:

1. Combat missions – these will be missions that will be issued out for the teams to accomplish. These can be a combination of object retrieval, VIP escort, hostage/rescue, diffuse the bomb, and room clearing. Only the teams with physically and mentally fit players are seen to be able to accomplish these.
2. Force on Force – teams shall be playing against each other in a fast and furious speedball type skirmish.

Lonewolves need not apply. We do not encourage lonewolves in this type of competition. Teams are the most important units in Rapier WAC. Even Rambo would not be accepted.

When?

Rapier 01 World Airsoft Challenge shall be held at the Clark Economic Development Zone in the province of Pampanga, Philippines on the 27th to 28th November 2009. Clark was the largest US Air Force base outside of continental US until it was closed down by the US military in 1991.  It is now a thriving industrial, commercial, and tourism hub with the Clark International Airport (Diosdado Macapagal International Airport) being a destination for many budget airlines coming from Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong. It is also an hour's ride from Manila, the Capital of the Philippines.

The warmth and friendliness of Filipinos is known worldwide, and shall be brought to bear in this event. The Philippines has one of the oldest and most mature airsoft communities in the world ever since the sport took root in the country in 1985. Furthermore, the Filipino airsoft community has the most extensive international airsoft network that is more than helpful to Popular Airsoft. There are many airsoft groups organising events and trainings all over the country and the support of the local governments to airsoft as a sport is at an all time high.

8-Man airsoft teams can join in this tournament

Popular Airsoft on its own has been organising its own country selection events in cooperation with local groups. It has competitions in the United States, United Kingdom, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. It is open to cooperation with airsoft events organisers in various countries.

The top three (3) teams in a Popular Airsoft recognised country tournament shall advance into the Rapier Finals. Airsoft tournament organisers interested in sending their own winners or being accredited for Rapier WAC can contact Popular Airsoft. There are no rigid rules for accreditation of country tournament winners for now as we want to encourage teams to participate and experience an truly international airsoft competition for the first time. Accredited country tournaments are just asked to help the teams raise the funds and logistics for them to participate in Rapier WAC.

Countries with no national tournaments

The rules in participation are relaxed and we shall allow the first three (3) teams from each country to participate in this world tournament.  This shall be on a first come, first served basis. What we expect from these teams after experiencing their first international tournament exposure, is a commitment to organise their own country tournaments to select teams for Rapier WAC in the future.

Interested teams and tournament organisers can contact [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details.

Enjoy Airsoft in the Philippines More

For teams, there is a parallel event called the Kami Wars. Even in the event of early elimination, teams can play in the Kami Wars which is a large scale event with a target of 2,000 players coming from many parts of the world.

Where to get information?

Point your browser to http://events.popularairsoft.com where the major events of Popular Airsoft shall be posted. A forum is in place to discuss booking, rules, travel planning, and other concerns for all interested parties.

Sponsorships and Partnerships

Rapier 01 WAC is being organised with the Kami Wars international event which shall be held at the same venue and will be on the 28th to 30th of November 2009. Sponsorship packages are just being finalised and both events are in included in the packages, so sponsors can hit two birds in one package.

Interested parties can contact [email protected] This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it regarding these sponsorship arrangements. Depending on sponsorship package, sponsors are allowed to setup booths and stands to promote their products and accorded other privileges.