A Filipino-led airsoft squad based in the United Arab Emirates will carry the host nation’s banner when teams from around the world gather in Abu Dhabi for the upcoming World Airsoft Games scheduled from March 24 to 28.
Competing as representatives of the UAE, the group known as Level Zero Raiders will face dozens of international teams in a championship expected to draw participants from more than 20 countries. The tournament is considered the largest airsoft competition ever staged in the UAE.
Joseph Sambas, X team leader of Level Zero Raiders, spoke on behalf of the team about their journey to the international stage and what the opportunity represents for Filipino players in the Emirates.
“Our selection to represent the UAE in the World Airsoft Games was based on the organizers’ evaluation, where we submitted our team profiles and references to demonstrate that we are an elite and capable team,” Sambas shared with TGFM.
“Of course, representing the host country comes with a sense of pressure, especially knowing that our opponents are highly experienced and well-equipped. However, we are proud and grateful for the opportunity and excited to showcase our skills on this international stage.”
Formed in 2015, Level Zero Raiders has spent years building its reputation within the UAE’s competitive airsoft scene through consistent participation in local tournaments. The team has recorded multiple championship victories, including its ninth tournament title, and has also taken part in international events such as the G&G World Cup along with paintball competitions.
The team operates under the umbrella of the United Filipino Airsoft Group (UFAC), which is recognized by the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai and serves as a network for Filipino airsoft players in the UAE.
At its peak before the pandemic, the group had more than 30 active members. Changes in work commitments and relocations later reshaped the lineup, particularly as some players returned to the Philippines. Despite these shifts, the team has continued competing and remains active within the regional airsoft community.
The roster competing in the tournament is divided into two categories—Tactical and Speedsoft.
In the Tactical division, the team’s operators include Ronald Allan Brioso, the current team leader, Felipe Beratio Jr., assistant team leader, Joseph Sambas, X team leader, Peter Lorenz Dagalea, X assistant team leader, and Janry Bertulfo Gabut.
The Speedsoft lineup features Brioso, Beratio, Sambas, Dagalea, and William De Villa.
Supporting members include Kean Martin, John Santos, Moises Cangsuco, and Josephus De La Pena.
The team traces its roots to the group’s founders: Christian Derick Li, Ian Pagarigan, Rheo Quintana, and Ruther Felias, who helped establish Level Zero Raiders within the UAE’s growing airsoft community.
For readers unfamiliar with the sport, Sambas described competitive airsoft as a fast-moving, team-based activity centered on strategy and coordination.
“Participants use realistic-looking replica firearms that shoot small biodegradable plastic BBs and wear protective gear such as full-seal goggles, face masks, and often helmets or tactical clothing.”
Games are typically held on fields designed with buildings, barriers, and natural cover, requiring players to work in coordinated formations while making rapid decisions during engagements.
Training for the global tournament has intensified in the weeks leading up to the event.
“Our team has been preparing for the World Airsoft Tournament with training sessions twice a week, adjusted according to the availability of the field and members,” Sambas said.
“In addition to on-field practice, we conduct strategy sessions via Zoom to review team insights and plan for all possible scenarios.”
The championship will take place at a purpose-built venue at twofour54 covering more than 100,000 square metres. Organized by the UAE Airsoft Federation, the event is expected to bring together around 60 teams worldwide, with competitors from countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Kazakhstan, Germany, Australia, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The total prize pool is set at $280,000.
Matches will be played in two formats: Tactical, which features mission-based scenarios lasting about 30 minutes, and Speedsoft, a high-intensity format with rapid 90-second rounds. All players will compete in semi-automatic firing mode capped at 1.5 Joules.
While acknowledging the strong international lineup, Sambas said the team’s preparation centers on strengthening its own performance rather than tracking specific opponents.
“While we recognize that many talented and well-known teams from around the world will be participating in this event, our focus isn’t on watching other teams. Instead, we are concentrating on developing our own skills and refining our strategies to perform at our best.”
