Weekly Newsletter ft. Sergey Solnishkov of RED Legion
Infamous ProDNA Playing Hoodie, Clatter Paintball NXL Cincinnati Release, Video: MattTheGymRat
Infamous Paintball just got in a restock of the ProDNA Playing Hoodie. With this restock, Infamous has added Sage and Red colorways. The original black hoodie that they released in the offseason has been a staple in my gearbag. It’s always nice when paintball companies make sport-specific gear for us to use.
Hired Guns Paintball LLC has hopped on board as the first sponsor of the newsletter!
The guys at Hired Guns Paintball produce some really cool JT ears, soft goods, and they even have rash guards for BJJ as well.
Visit their website here: Hired Guns PB
Use code: BRANDONOLSON for 10% off your order
Friends of the newsletter, Stefan Delgado and Andy Horvath of Clatter Paintball are releasing a brand new poster for the NXL Cincinnati event this week. These posters are hand pulled - screen printed posters on American-made orange cardstock. All are signed and numbered. Clatter has given us the digital mockup of the poster and we have it attached down below. They have made just 50 copies, so make sure to snag one of these ultra-limited pieces of art at the event!
Also check out their website: clatterpaintball.com
715 Paintball has also decided to sponsor the newsletter! This small Wisconsin company is dedicated to providing great products for the local community. They have hooked up readers of the newsletter with a 15% off discount code. Use code PBDIRT15 at checkout to redeem to get 15% off your order. Check them out at 715paintball.com
A really cool piece of paintball content that I consumed this week is from Matt The Gym Rat. In the video, he showcases the new Push Propel marker while playing the ICPL Old Bay Classic. The video switches perspectives between raw footage and first-person gameplay. To me, there is nothing cooler than pink fill paint and crazy unique hybrid field layouts. If you’re not following one of the best creators in the sport, you need to subscribe to his YouTube and follow him on his socials.
Watch Here:
This week, Paintball Dirt is featuring Sergey Solnishkov in the Q&A segment. I’d love to give a giant shoutout to Ryan Gray for helping setting this up with a translator. I believe that I need to continue to use this newsletter to showcase unique voices and the people in this sport.
Huge thanks to Alex Sorenson of Big Papa Media for contributing this photo!
Q&A with Sergey Solnishkov of RED Legion
Red Legion has been incredibly consistent as of late. What do you think the team needed in order to consistently make deep runs into Sunday? What does it mean for the program to have Leonid Smotrov back?
“Thank you so much for your feedback — it truly means a lot. The team has been through a challenging period, facing the impacts of COVID-19, visa issues, and broader global disruptions. But we never lost focus. We kept training and continued to set ambitious goals. That persistence is now paying off. Smotrov’s return is undoubtedly a positive moment for the team. What’s most important is for Leonid to reflect on this experience, to learns from it, and to fully commit himself to the team moving forward.”
Your team has a philosophy of playing a ton of points. How much has this pace contributed to your personal development as a player?
“This style of play has shaped me from day one. When we started as X-ball in 2004, the coaching staff built the team to endure — to play long, grueling matches with full intensity. I was trained to play the 15th point with the same energy and focus as the first, even when the other team was exhausted. That kind of high-volume, high-intensity play forces you to stay mentally sharp and physically ready at all times. It absolutely molded me into the athlete I am today.”
As the core of Red Legion continues to put on spectacular performances, how do you see the players on the bench start to contribute more?
“Every team goes through cycles, and part of long-term success is being ready for those transitional moments. Sometimes a starter is injured or can’t make an event, and that’s when bench players need to step up. The key is preparation. We emphasize that everyone — starters or not — must train like they’re going to be called on tomorrow. It’s not about waiting; it’s about staying ready. That’s the culture we build, and I think more of our younger guys are starting to embrace that responsibility.”
You’ve spent some time as part of an American program (Heat). What do you find as the major differences between RL and most American teams?
“I have great respect for my time in Texas — we won multiple World Cups and were dominant in the league. But there’s something unique about Red Legion. It’s a lifestyle, not just a team. Our training doesn’t stop. It’s year-round, across multiple continents. That global discipline, that total commitment, is what sets Legion apart. It’s what makes us *athletes*, not just players. That mindset is something I carry with me every day.”
RL was one of the teams featured in the ESPN show from last season. What do you think needs to happen with the sport of paintball to see that kind of coverage really take off?
“That was a historic moment for our sport, for our sponsor DYE Precision, and for our club. Paintball has long been misunderstood — many still associate it with aggression or chaos. But the reality is, it’s one of the most respectful sports out there. You can’t even touch your opponent. It’s multi-gender, multi-age, and incredibly inclusive. I think to reach the next level of exposure, we need to continue educating the public, showing the discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship that define our game. Once people understand that, I believe media coverage will follow naturally.”
As a flexible player who is always attacking, how do you think you developed this style? Was it simply a product of the program’s teachings or something more personal?
“It’s both. In sports, we often talk about *selection* — the idea that the right people are chosen for the right roles. Back in 2003, I was selected by the coaching staff because they saw where paintball was headed. They knew the sport was evolving, and only active, aggressive, versatile athletes would thrive. But beyond that, this style also comes from within — from a mindset of always pushing forward, always adapting. The program gave me the tools, but the fire came from me.”
For aspiring PRO players, what do you think they need to do to make sure they have viable skill sets that PRO teams are looking for?
“Don’t be afraid to *play* — in the full sense of the word. Mistakes are part of the process. What matters is playing with heart, trusting your instincts, and being open to learning. If you do that — if you play with energy, intelligence, and humility — you’ll get noticed quickly. Talent matters, but mindset and work ethic are what make you stand out to professional teams.”
What are some of the things that you’ve done to make sure that you are always on the cutting edge of the elite players?
“For me, it’s about constant self-improvement. Go to the gym. Sharpen your mind. Refine your instincts. Age doesn’t matter — commitment does. When you surround yourself with people who share your ambition and put in the same effort, you’ll keep evolving. I push myself every day because I love this sport, and I want to be the best version of myself — not just for the team, but for the legacy I’m helping to build.”
Looking for real talk about paintball from players who live and breathe the game? The Maritime Paintball Podcast covers events, gear, and stories from every corner of the paintball world — live every Thursday at 8PM EST on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and 97.9FM CHSR Radio. Tune in and join the conversation! The guys have hopped on board as a sponsor of this newsletter and I couldn’t be more happy with the partnership.
