2011 ACES Closes Out At Mt. Doom

The Alabama Challenge Event Series (or ACES) is the longest running competitive paintball tournament series in the state. I believe I competed in my first ACES sometime around 1999 or 2000. That being said, I haven’t competed in an ACES event since 2009 when I was retired from paintball (yeah, yeah…. Shut it! I’ll really retire after next year). That changed yesterday when I was able to play with team Pr1me at the ACES 5 man Finale at Mount Doom Paintball Park in Hanceville, AL. Alabama's longest standing paintball park. Check them out online at www.mtdoompaintball.com or on their Mt. Doom Facebook

Team PR1ME. OTB.

As for the event on 12/4/11, save for the occasional gust of wind, the weather couldn’t have been better. Pr1me got involved in the ACES because many of us started our competitive career there and wanted to give back. In order to do so, the team hosted two events this season at our field, as well as, entered a team in the series. (If interested, you can see our other blog post of the tournament hosted by Prime here)

Before and after you fill every pod, you have to say, "Roll Tide"

Members coming in as far as "from the other side of Jackson, MS" Solid young talent on these squads.

Six teams showed up to see what was what. Two teams in particular were vying for the series title. Those two team were Warped Kidz from Brandon, MS and Pr1me. The field was rounded out by another the boys from AGPOB, Phantom Regiment (PR) Gambit, PR Outkast, and a throw-together of familiar faces.

Some pre-game planning.

The field was smaller than PSP regulation and sparse with bunkers. But had a cool mixture of 7man and Xball format obstacles, after all who doesn't love "Car Washes"? Apparently, very few, as the center was played quite a lot. But if this worries you in any way, get excited because Mt. Doom and members of Phantom Regiment have combined forces to bring a PSP field out there, along with plans to extend the field length for the next season! Awesome! The referees while apparently beginners were all very cordial and graciously explained any calls that were made. Thumbs Up!

Chris Roark tries out the car wash. Griff, Bianca, Cam on back up duty.

When the dust settled after the prelims, the final four teams standing would face off in a round robin to determine who would take the prize. The four were Pr1me, Warped Kids, APGOB, and PR Gambit. Pr1me finished the day with 5 straight wins in the prelims and 3 more wins in the finals taking the event and series title. They were rewarded with trophies and cash. Warped Kids took 2^nd at the event and 2^nd place in the series. Once the final trophy was received, the final photo was taken, the last hand shook, the 2011 ACES came to a close. Fun was had by all and it was good to see everyone again.

Pr1me making funny faces. But that ain't funny money. Gettin' a sum for gettin' some! Alright!

To view the action head over to YouTube and see "gordotide's" handiwork. All above pics are screen shots from the following videos. Check'em Out!

Prime Paintball: A look at some of team Prime's play Did not know this was going to be made THANKS!

Pre-Games Preparation, see if you recognize anyone.

What do you Love? Paintball. An edit of a series of breakouts.

ACES is that place for beginners to get their taste of competition paintball. The atmosphere has always been open to all-comers and to serve only the purpose of enjoying and promoting the game. While the tough times have not kept the most resilient ballers away, we hope to see some fresh faces in 2012. Alabama had some pretty amazing accomplishments both regionally and nationally this season: LA Swat, Gameheads, Avarice, Pr1me. I'd venture to say most started out in ACES. Let's keep the ball rolling into 2012.