NOMINEES FOR Insert Player of the Year
Nick Levial, Edmonton Impact.
When it comes to the Insert position on the field, Nick is perhaps the modern prototype for that position. Years ago, when the Wall bunker emerged on the XBall field, Nick carved out his role as one of the most relentless and aggressive center players in the world. Since then, he has developed a diverse and dangerous style of attack; he has a huge gun off the break, can quickly identify and expose opponent's weaknesses mid-game, and can attack through the center at a moments notice. He has been one of the centerpiece players for Impact during their historic, decade-long dominance in the pro division and seemingly redefines what an elite Insert player can be every season.
Ryan Greenspan, San Diego Dynasty
As most paintball players mature and age, they tend to slowly gravitate more towards the back-line of the field and become support players for their team. In his 20th season as a professional paintball player, Ryan Greenspan is doing exactly the opposite. He is utilizing his best-in-class IQ on the field to attack opponents from all levels. Whether its up the center of the field, from the back line, or right at the front of the action, Ryan has been an elite player in 2021. His ability to quickly diagnose holes in the opponents guard and viciously attack has made him one of the best Insert players in the league. While many of his peers have since retired and faded away, Ryan is arguably the best player in the World and will continue to hold that status for the foreseeable future.
Thomas Kim, San Diego Aftermath.
One of the most important elements of any Insert player is their versatility; Thomas Kim has all the versatility a coach could want on the paintball field. He has been an aggressive and stoic counterpunch player for Aftermath since joining the team at the start of the season. He is utilized both on the back line and in the center of the field often, and his elite gun-fighting skills are a big reason for Aftermaths success in 2021. He is frequently called upon to make big fills and close out points for San Diego, and his steely eyed demeanor makes him difficult to get off the field. Thomas should continue to be a critical piece for Aftermath as they look to make their mark on the top of the league next season.
Sergey Solnyshkov, Moscow Red Legion.
Sergey has been one of the most critical players in the history of Moscow Red Legion, with his time on the team starting all the way back in 2006. Sergey constantly retains an unmatched level of poise on the paintball field; he is virtually never phased by the situation and is always looking for an opening to exploit the opposition whether they are up or down on bodies. He has been a critical center presence for Red Legion this year, and is consistently called upon to play wherever the Red Legion needs him. He has one of the more feared guns in the league both off the break, and during the match cutting off zones and he continues to build his resume as one of the best Russian paintball players of all-time.
Demetrius Ninios, San Antonio XFactor.
Meter has been a staple of the San Antonio program for a number of seasons and has rapidly become one of the most versatile players in the game. He started his career as more of an attacker, but has since transitioned into a role where Xfactor coach Ryan Brand can utilize him anywhere on the field. He has a top-level gun off the break, and he is typically the guy that is relied on to fill the gaps in their line and close out games. His high-IQ and play recognition is perhaps his best asset, and has been invaluable for XFactor this season, making the finals twice and placing in the top 10 of every event this year. He can often be seen talking strategy with Ryan Brand between points and plays an important role in breaking down games. Look for Meter to continue to play a huge role for his squad, especially with rumors of Archie and Raney potentially retiring.