In this episode of the Planet Paintball Podcast, Hunter Patterson interviews Larry Motes, a significant figure in the paintball community, discussing his journey from a paintball enthusiast to a league operator. They explore the evolution of paintball tournaments, the establishment of the Carolina Field Owner Association, and the impact of changing formats and gear on the sport. Larry shares his experiences running events, the challenges faced, and his thoughts on the future of paintball, emphasizing the importance of community and competition in the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Paintball Journey

03:29 Early Days of Paintball

06:28 Formation of the Carolina Field Owner Association

09:32 Growth of Tournaments and Events

12:25 Challenges and Innovations in Event Management

15:29 Field Layouts and Competitive Strategies

18:34 Expansion Beyond the Carolinas

21:24 Reflections on Leadership and Business Challenges

23:17 The Birth of the Carolina Cup

25:15 Transitioning from Player to League Operator

27:19 The Evolution of Paintball Gear and Technology

31:00 The Current State of Paintball

33:14 Future Directions for Competitive Paintball

38:26 The Role of Regional Leagues in Paintball

41:35 Passing the Torch: The Next Generation of Players

45:53 The Evolution of Paintball Events

49:01 Memorable Paintball Experiences

51:51 Challenges and Triumphs in Paintball

54:37 Reflections on the Paintball Community

58:36 The Changing Landscape of Paintball Retail

01:01:41 The Legacy of Paintball Equipment

01:05:33 Introduction to Planet Paintball Podcast

01:06:04 Closing Thoughts and Future Engagements