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Hall of Icons 2026 Nominees; Introducing Era's

  • Writer: Quinn Nadu
    Quinn Nadu
  • Oct 13
  • 3 min read

Updated: Oct 21

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - San Diego, California.


The Hall of Icons proudly unveils its official list of nominees for the Class of 2026 that honors the individuals whose passion, skill, and leadership have shaped the competitive landscape of professional paintball across generations. Each era honors a distinct chapter in the sport’s evolution; from the pioneers who forged its early path, to the superstars who defined its golden age, to the modern athletes carrying its legacy forward.


As we continue to evolve the concept of the Hall of Icons, led by the dedicated team of Ryan Greenspan and Quinn Nadu, we have introduced the new concept of Eras. In previous years the Hall of Icons judges have voted based on a single pool of nominees chosen by the board. For 2026 and future years, the Hall of Icons will elect a set number of inductees from each "Era" of the game described as the Growth Era (1983-2002), the Golden Era (2003-2011), and the Modern Era (2012-Current Year minus 3.)


GROWTH ERA, 1983-2002.

Honors the Sports Founders.

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The Growth Era recognizes the foundation builders of competitive professional paintball. These players were innovators, risk-takers, and ambassadors during the sport’s formative years, helping transform a grassroots pastime into a global competition. Their contributions set the standard for excellence and sportsmanship that all future generations would follow. Each respective career honors a critical aspect of the game enjoyed by millions today.


Growth Era Nominees:

  • Brahim Estephan

  • Chris Cole

  • Chuck Hendsch

  • Dale Price

  • David "Weasel" Cook

  • Dennis Mood

  • Fred Schultz

  • Hans Semelsberger

  • Ian Parsons

  • Spud Jackson

  • Kevin Bredthauer

  • Lane Wright

  • LD Dickinson

  • Mike Bruno

  • Mike Carey

  • Rodney Squires

  • Roland Issacs

  • Glenn Palmer

  •  Brad Maughan

  •  Little John Marques

  • Ron Nelson

  • Ronnie Simpkins

  • Ryan Williams

  • Wally Donner

  • Will Arroyo

  • Erik Felix

  • Steve "2-E" Barber

  • Oh Pawlak

  • Danny Banura

  • Ed Poorman

  • Mitch Karn

  • Glenn Forster

  • Jessica Sparks

  • Vu Hoang

  • Dan Wenschhof

  • Peter Bofill

  • Luke Wenschhof

  • Dan Bonebrake

  • Pete Robbo Robinson

GOLDEN ERA, 2003–2011

The Explosion of Pro Paintball.

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The Golden Era honors the legends who brought professional paintball into the mainstream spotlight. This period saw paintball become a worldwide phenomenon and the fastest growing extreme sport in the world featured on magazines and televisions across the country. These were the stars who helped define the NXL, NPPL, and PSP years; players whose skill, charisma, and consistency built the sport’s identity during its highest period of growth. Their impact continues to influence today’s elite athletes.


Golden Era Nominees:

  •  Aaron Tholey

  •  Alex Lundqvist

  •  Andy Kopcok

  •  Bart Blonski

  •  Bea Paxson

  •  Brandon Mayo

  •  Brian Cole

  •  Brian Fow

  •  Chino Carbajal

  •  Corey Bornstein

  •  Craig Daugherty

  •  Danny Manning

  •  Danny Tiljak

  •  Davey Williamson

  •  David Bains

  •  Duder Summers

  •  Eric Dearman

  •  Frank Connell

  •  Fred Halmone

  •  Glenn Takemoto

  •  Greg Hastings

  •  Jason Andre

  •  Jason Bornstein

  •  Jason Trosen

  • JC Whittington

  •  Johnny Perchak

  •  Kenny Klamper

  •  Lucian Blackburn

  •  Magued Idris

  •  Mapp Chimm

  •  Matt Blonski

  •  Max Lundqvist

  •  Micah Mcglocklin

  •  Mike Carthy

  •  Mikko Huttenen

  •  Neil Eberle

  •  Pete Utschig

  •  Riley Sullivan

  •  Rocky Knuth

  •  Roy Richard

  •  Rusty Glaze

  •  Sean McDonald

  •  Sebban Persson

  •  Spesh Robinson

  •  Tyler Humphrey

  •  Tyler Michaud

  •  William Bj Jolley

  •  Zack Long

  •  John Dresser


MODERN ERA (2012 – Current)

The Modern Class

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The Modern Era celebrates the athletes shaping today’s competitive game. These players are innovators on and off the field; mastering and redefining strategy, fitness, and media presence while inspiring the next generation. Their era defines the high professionalism of the modern game and sets the tone for paintball’s global future. All Modern Era nominees are considered eligible after three consecutive years of retirement from professional paintball, or under a special vote by the Hall of Icons Board.


Modern Era Nominees:

  •  Aj Lawhead

  •  Alex Martinez

  •  Alex Spence

  •  Bart Yachimec

  •  Brad McCurley

  •  Brandon Short

  •  Carl Markowski

  •  Chris Sosine

  •  Corey Field

  •  Damian Ryan

  •  Denis Golev

  •  Devin Odell

  •  Dixon Yang

  •  Drew Templeton

  •  Dusty Odell

  •  Grayson Goff

  •  Greg Siewers

  •  John Jackson

  •  Josh Ouimet

  •  LJ Woodley

  •  Mykel Kovar

  •  Paul Everett

  •  Scott Kemp

  •  Tim Propst

  •  Zack Wake

  •  Zane Yachimec



Voting and Induction Details


Voting for the 2026 Hall of Icons Class will open this fall with the select board of judges. Through intense debate, committee members will play the critical role in deciding which of these deserving nominees will be immortalized. Final inductees will be announced in late 2025, followed by the official 2026 Hall of Icons induction ceremony.


Media inquiries and partnership requests may be directed to the Hall of Icons media team.


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