A paintball festival for your greatest mission
When the first teams set up their camps on the former airfield, markers are prepared, and the factions forge their plans, more than just a weekend of gaming begins. Paintball Festival It brings together players from all over Europe, transforms individual squads into a powerful community, and turns five days into a mission that will be talked about for a long time.
This isn't about playing a few rounds between two nets and then heading straight home. It's about a site steeped in history, about tactical decisions under pressure, about rivalry on the court, and about that moment in the evening when players from both sides meet at camp. This is precisely what makes a true Big Game.
What really makes a paintball festival special
Size alone doesn't make a great event. What's crucial is that hundreds or thousands of players don't feel like random visitors, but rather become part of a shared scenario. Two factions, clear objectives, changing missions, and terrain that demands movement: this is how you create depth of gameplay that goes far beyond a single trigger pull.
Anyone familiar with BigGames knows that even the best mission can go awry if communication breaks down. A position might be reported too late, a flank left exposed, or a team might focus all its energy on an attack while the opposing faction secures points elsewhere. That's precisely where the appeal lies. The team with the most expensive equipment doesn't always win; often, it's the one that understands its roles, shares information, and pulls together at the right moment.
A multi-day format also changes the feel of the game. You have time to gel with your team, get to know new teammates, and adapt to the rhythm of the terrain. The first mission in the morning demands concentration. Later, an encounter with unfamiliar players might lead to a spontaneous alliance for the next challenge. And in the evening, stories are shared around camp—stories that aren't recorded on any scoreboard.
Two factions, one shared experience
Rivalry is an essential element of any good scenario. It gives direction to every move and transforms the terrain into more than just a backdrop. When two major factions are fighting over territory, resources, or mission objectives, every decision suddenly matters: Does your squad hold the line? Do you take a risk? Or do you wait for reinforcements to make the decisive push?
Nevertheless, paintball remains a sport that thrives on fairness. After a hit, players mark themselves; after a mission, they speak respectfully; and the opponent from just a moment ago might later be your neighbor at the campsite. This attitude unites the international community: play hard, win cleanly, celebrate together.
Five days of action at Mahlwinkel Airfield
From May 5th to 9th, 2027, Airfield Mahlwinkel will once again become the meeting place for players, teams, MagFed fans, scenario enthusiasts, and paintball newcomers. The long Father's Day weekend provides space for what is often lacking in a one-day event: relaxed arrival, setting up camp together, intensive days of play, and a finale that isn't over after just two hours.
BIGGAME Mahlwinkel combines large-scale gameplay with a festival atmosphere. Missions, factions, and tactical challenges await on the field. Beyond the action, camping, parties, side events, competitions, and the trade show are all part of the experience. Those who simply want to play will find a challenging and engaging environment. Those who arrive with their team for several days will also experience the unique sense of community that makes a BigGame so special.
The terrain of a former airfield has its own unique character. Wide open spaces, striking features, and long sightlines demand a different playing style than a classic woodland game. Cover, movement, supply lines, and communication become more important. For MagFed and scenario players, this is a great environment for tactical thinking. For recreational players, it's a chance to experience paintball on a significantly larger scale.
Your team isn't planning the festival on the side.
Individual players can join a faction and quickly find their place. Those traveling as a team should start planning together early. Especially with a larger group, preparation determines whether you arrive relaxed or spend the first morning scrambling over luggage, tents, and missing paintballs.
First, decide who will handle which booking and how you will travel. Then follow. Ticket category, campsite and possible early access options. Early access is particularly useful if you're coming with multiple vehicles, a large camp setup, or a long journey. Setting up early saves stress and gives you time to prepare for the weekend before the first major missions begin.
Even the Paintball pre-order It belongs on the team list. Planning your paint supply in advance avoids unnecessary trips and discussions on-site. The appropriate amount depends on playstyle, game days, and team role. An aggressive front-line player has different requirements than a player who holds positions or primarily uses MagFed. It's best to be realistic and discuss paint supplies with your squad early on.
Equipment: reliable beats overload
A multi-day event is where you'll see if your setup truly works. A marker you're familiar with, a tested HPA system, sufficient batteries, and clean running systems are more valuable than a new piece of equipment you'll only be testing on the field. Pack for changeable weather, dust, and long days of play. Spare parts, tools, a cleaning cloth, and a second mask, or at least a reliable spare lens, can make all the difference.
At the same time, it's important to remember that more gear doesn't automatically mean more performance. Carrying too much weight reduces mobility and energy. Some missions benefit from a lightweight setup with high mobility. Others benefit from MagFed equipment, radio communication, or a clear support role. Ultimately, your loadout needs to suit you, your mission, and your team.
Tradeshow, camping and the community between missions
A paintball festival isn't just about the moments when paint is flying. The trade show brings together dealers, manufacturers, brands, and players. It's all about new products, teamwear, markers, HPA, accessories, and conversations with people who live and breathe the sport. For gear enthusiasts, it's a chance to not only see equipment on screen but also to ask questions and get firsthand insights.
The camp is both a place of retreat and a social hub. It's where people cook, tinker, laugh, and plan for the next day. Teams from Germany meet players from the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Denmark, Great Britain, and many other countries. Language barriers often quickly disappear on the field because a clear goal and strong team spirit are universally understood.
Parties and side events certainly have their place, but they don't replace responsible preparation for the next day's competition. Anyone who wants to perform well for several days, support their team, and enjoy the grounds plans their recovery time just as carefully as their evening activities. This isn't about missing out on the festival experience, but rather the foundation for being fully present again the next morning.
Even your first Big Game can feel right.
A large-scale scenario can initially seem intimidating to newcomers. Many players, unfamiliar procedures, experienced teams, and a vast area: it all sounds overwhelming. In practice, it helps to be open-minded, listen carefully, and start with a simple plan. Register early, read the event information thoroughly, and ask experienced players or your faction leader if anything is unclear.
You don't have to dominate every mission the first time. Focus on playing cleanly, listening to calls, staying with your team, and getting a feel for the pace. A big game rewards players who stay focused. Often, the most valuable action isn't a spectacular run forward, but a well-secured position, timely information, or a player who brings their squad back together.
Plan early, travel together, experience it for longer
For teams and returning visitors, the festival doesn't begin at the entrance. It begins the moment you assemble your group, coordinate your arrival and camp, and define your roles within your faction. Booking early provides greater planning security. Tickets, Camping and additional options. Especially for groups, it's worth not waiting until just before the appointment.
From May 5th to 9th, 2027, is your chance to secure your spot at camp, assemble your team, and not just play paintball, but live it for five days. Talk to your squad now, finalize your bookings, and arrive with a plan – so you can get straight to work on your mission at the airfield instead of having to organize yourselves.