Malta Paintball continued its international campaign in the United Kingdom this weekend, finishing eighth out of 23 teams at the fourth round of the 2026 Central Premier Paintball Series (CPPS).
The event, held in Penkridge, Staffordshire, on 15 and 16 August, provided another valuable opportunity for the Maltese organisation to gain experience against some of Britain’s established paintball teams.
Malta was unable to field its full Malta-based squad due to player availability and the challenges of competing overseas, but received support from UK-based players. Despite the difficulties, the team secured eighth place and remains eighth in its division in the overall 2026 CPPS standings.
The CPPS is one of the UK’s leading tournament paintball competitions, attracting teams from across Britain and overseas. For Malta Paintball, regular participation offers valuable competitive experience that is difficult to obtain domestically.
New uniforms unveiled
The weekend also saw Malta Paintball debut its new national uniforms, produced ahead of the country’s upcoming international campaign with the support of VisitMalta.
The kits feature Malta’s traditional red and white colours and the Maltese cross and will be worn when the national team makes its historic debut at the UPBF World Championship Nations Cup in Dreux, France, on 2 and 3 September.
Manchester Rush captain joins Malta squad
Malta Paintball has also confirmed that Jay Guarino, captain of Manchester Rush, will represent Malta at the Nations Cup.
Guarino brings considerable experience from the UK tournament scene, with Manchester Rush finishing second at this weekend’s CPPS event.
He also has strong Maltese family connections through his mother’s side, whose family name is Borg, and has described Malta as a second home.
“Representing Malta in Dreux is a very proud moment for me and my family.”
Guarino said he was honoured to be part of the first team to represent Malta at the UPBF World Championship and acknowledged the challenge of facing some of the world’s strongest teams.
He added that the squad would give everything for the Maltese badge and hoped the country’s participation would help build the future of paintball in Malta.
Malta Paintball president Chris Cioffi welcomed Guarino’s arrival, saying his experience in the UK would be valuable to the national squad while highlighting his pride in his Maltese heritage.
Building the future of Maltese paintball
Malta’s Nations Cup appearance will be a landmark moment for the country’s paintball community, with the team set to compete internationally for the first time at World Championship level.
The tournament will feature national teams from around the world, with Malta among four countries making their World Championship debut in 2026.
Beyond the Nations Cup, Malta Paintball says its participation in the CPPS is part of a wider strategy to develop the sport locally, provide Maltese players with international experience and establish more regular tournament-style training and competition at home.
The organisation’s immediate focus, however, is clear: represent Malta on the international stage for the first time in Dreux next month.
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