The competitive airsoft scene turns its gaze to Iloilo City, Philippines, today as the Action Air World Shoot 2025 officially begins. This isn't just another Action Air event; it's a gathering of minds and marksmanship, hosted by the Philippine Practical Shooting Association (PPSA) with a nod and a wink from the Iloilo City Government. The curtain rises with a parade of participants at the Ateneo de Iloilo Gymnasium, a spectacle set to kick off around 5 PM PST (or a more civilised 10 AM for those of us on British Summer Time). Expect a truly international flavour, as elite Action Air shooters from 22 nations descend upon the city, all ready to show off their skills, and perhaps, their dubious fashion choices in competitive shooting attire.

UPDATE: We now have a video compilation of the Opening Ceremony taken at the Ateneo de Iloilo Gymnasium. The clips are not edited though with a background music added in some:

Tomorrow, the real fun commences. From July 30th through August 2nd, the Main Match promises a good deal of intense action and precision shooting across various courses. It’s a chance for competitors to prove their mettle, their steady hands, and their ability to hit targets that, let's be honest, probably aren't as challenging as their significant other's patience. The grand finale on August 3rd will feature a "fun shoot" – a phrase that always makes one wonder just how much "fun" can be had when competitive spirits are still simmering. This will be followed by the announcement of winners and the official closing ceremony, a testament to the camaraderie that, remarkably, often survives fierce competition.

Before anyone even thinks about pulling a trigger in anger, the unsung heroes of any competition, the Range Officers, have been diligently at work. Their pre-match sessions have been conducted with the kind of meticulousness usually reserved for brain surgery or dismantling a particularly stubborn flat-pack furniture item. These early preparations are, of course, rather important for ensuring everything is above board and safe. It's all part of the dance to ensure a level playing field, or rather, a level shooting range, as everyone gears up for what many consider a rather important tournament.

Now, for a spot of news that might cause a collective sigh of disappointment: the live broadcast of the opening ceremonies had to be benched. It appears the local mobile data decided to take a leisurely stroll instead of a sprint, making real-time streaming a bit of a pipe dream. But fear not, for those who missed the live action (or rather, the lack thereof), a recorded version will be uploaded once the digital dust settles. Keep an eye on the event's various pages or pop over to the Popular Airsoft YouTube channel – because who doesn't love watching things after they've happened? On the brighter side, the Main Match will be livestreamed over the next three days, so you can still get your fill of trigger-pulling glory in real-time.

To tide you over until the main event, a sneak peek into yesterday’s venue preparations and pre-match activities has been shared. These behind-the-scenes glimpses offer a fascinating insight into the calm before the storm – or at least, the slightly chaotic preparations before a storm of plastic pellets. It's a chance to soak in the atmosphere and perhaps spot a familiar face or two, all while wondering if anyone remembered to pack enough spare batteries.

Finally, a hearty pat on the back goes to PDI-Japan/X-Fire, who are proudly supporting Popular Airsoft's coverage of the Action Air World Shoot 2025. Their commitment to the sport is evident, helping to bring the thrilling world of competitive airsoft to a wider audience. So, for those of you who enjoy watching tiny projectiles fly with remarkable accuracy, stay tuned for ongoing updates, match highlights, and all the exclusive content you can shake a barrel at throughout the tournament.