We have always wanted for airsoft to become a mainstream sport. The big reason for this is to give airsoft communities around the world to get the recognition and government support to develop the sport. One thing that makes a sport become mainstream? It is to become a spectator sport. There are perhaps more airsoft players than other sports that have recognition in the International Olympic Committee (IOC). But then they these sports have worldwide following given that more people are able to watch them into play through mass media.

Being a spectator sport is one thing that bugs airsoft. It is hard to design a game that would allow spectators follow the game minute by minute, second by second. There are risks involved as there are projectiles flying all over, so there's no guarantee to protect spectators and even the media who shall report on airsoft tournaments.

There are airsoft tournaments indeed, but our experience show us that there are hardly a show of regular followers and fans, with the exception of the players and their supporting groups themselves. When we mean spectator sport, such sport is also followed by fans who may or may not engage in the actual sport itself.

Practical shooting is the closest thing in the fireams industry to be considered a spectator sport. The race courses are predictable, and of course there is more media interest in practical shooting. Thus, we know of many practical shooting tournament such as the Steel Challenge, or Clay Shooting. Then there's the 3-Gun Nation.

I mention the 3-Gun Nation as it is competition that airsoft players can relate to. It is where players show off their skills in rifles, shotguns, and pistols in an action shooting style. 3-Gun Nation is the practical shooting event that is also shown in TV. Logistics wise, it is easier to setup the courses, as compared to a tactical competitions in the likes of "Combat Missions" or the upcoming "Most Lethal".

The National 3-Gun Association, through media properties “3-Gun Nation Television” and 3GunNation.com, was formed with one mission: to promote practical shooting by shining a light on amateur and professional shooters alike, as well as the guns, gear and lifestyle that define the high-octane sport of 3-gun competition. Bringing never-before-seen cash payouts to the table, 3-Gun Nation is quite simply changing the game.

3-Gun Nation takes place in several matches: Blue Ridge 3-Gun (Sabre Defense), MGM Ironman, Rocky Mountain (JP Enterprises), USA Midwest (FNH USA), and the Superstition Mountain Match (DPMS). Each competition offers cash prizes, and there is a top honor in the Championship in which the winner takes home US$25,000 as prize money.

Furthermore 3-Gun Nation is televised. Players and winners become celebrities on their own right.

The prize money is always a good incentive, and sponsorships even more crucial. The chance to become a practical shooting celebrity also helps in motivating competitors to hone their skills and try to be best of the best.

You can check the rules of the 3-Gun Nation at their website, and you can pattern a tournament based on such competition style but tailored to suit airsoft practical shooting. We need more of such events in order to provide airsoft enthusiasts the attraction of becoming professional airsoft shooters. They can be do such if there's a promise of fame and riches if they do turn professional.

What do you think? Is the 3-Gun Nation a good example of Airsoft becoming a real sport? Or should airsoft be a tactical sport, based on skirmish game but implementing standard tournament rules?