DPS Santiago 2025 - Repeat and Chaos
DPS Santiago 2025 was played in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic. I was back competing with DR Outlaws, but this time I wasn’t alone. My homie Dakota was with me for this one.
I flew out on Thursday, December 4th. Before even boarding the plane, I got called to have my bag checked. There I was, explaining to police officers why a paintball marker is not a firearm, that it runs on compressed air and is made for sport.
After a little back and forth (and my gate almost closing), they finally let me go.
I landed in Santo Domingo, Osoria picked me up, and the first thing we did was eat. From there, we drove straight to Santiago and headed to the Airbnb. It was a long travel day, so we kept it simple and rested up.
The next day we picked up Dakota and went to walk the field. It was the same layout as World Cup, so we already felt comfortable. Knowing the layout well gave us confidence early.
Later that day, we went to Tamboril, known as the cigar capital of the world. Watching the entire process, from raw leaves to finished cigars, was honestly impressive. That night, we had amazing food back at the house and went to bed ready for Day 1.
Day 1 – Long Wait, One Game
Our first match was scheduled for 8:30 a.m., so we arrived at the field at 7 to get ready. We didn’t actually play until 10 a.m., which pushed the whole schedule back.
First game: Underrated.
And yes, Ceelos was there helping and playing with them.
The first few points were slow and tactical as we worked on tightening our communication. We secured the win 3–1.
Now here’s where things got interesting.
Our second match was supposed to be against a team from Canada. They had asked to move our game to the last slot of the day because their bags arrived late. After they played their first game at almost 5 p.m., they decided to drop out of the event entirely.
So we waited at the field from sunrise to sunset… for nothing.
We left a little frustrated but focused. Two games Sunday. Secure the top seed.
Sunday – Adjustments and Top Seed
We woke up early again for our 8 a.m. game, which started at 9.
Narcos from Puerto Rico.
Arguably our hardest match of prelims. It went back and forth, but we went up 2–1 and held it down after I flipped the field by attacking the snake side aggressively. That momentum shift sealed it.
Then, surprise.
The Canadian team suddenly decided they weren’t done after all. So instead of two games that day, we had three prelim matches.
The boys handled that game. I sat out and watched as they won 3–0.
Last prelim match was against Menteanah, the team fighting us for first seed. They also had a pro player in their lineup. We controlled the pace from the start and won 3–1.
That secured us the first seed going into semifinals.
During the lunch break, I traded jerseys with Ceelos. We keep running into each other at events, and I doubt it’ll be the last time.
Semifinals - Unexpected Turns
As the tournament continued, problems started showing up, limited air fills and not enough paint. On top of that, we were suddenly told we could only play semifinals with two pods each.
Dakota and I kept the best attitude we could, but between air issues, paint shortages, and format changes, it wasn’t ideal.
Also, no one told us semifinals were best of three.
First to two points wins.
So when we dropped two quick points, we got ready to adjust and fight back… only to realize it was over.
Despite all the changes and confusion, that meant third place.
Or so we thought.
When you’re the top seed and lose in semifinals, you automatically place third because you’re the highest ranked team eliminated.
We were waiting for the podium ceremony.
They started calling teams.
No third place call for us.
We looked at each other like… what?
I wasn’t sure if I misunderstood the format, so I called a friend who knows the scoring system well. She confirmed we should have gotten third and told me to give her a minute.
Fifteen minutes later, she called back.
We did get third place and the ranking was fixed.
So yes, another podium… one we almost didn’t receive.
Mistakes happen. We’ll take it.
That Sunday was also Dia de las Velitas, a Colombian tradition where we light candles and make wishes.
I gathered all the Colombians together, and we had a small, beautiful celebration right there in the Dominican Republic. It was one of those quiet, meaningful moments that stay with you.
I’m always grateful to Outlaws and Osoria for the opportunity to travel to the DR and compete. The energy at these events is unmatched.
Despite the format changes and a few bumps along the way, I can still say Dominican Republic remains one of my favorite events to play.
Another podium.
Another lesson.
And we’re just getting started.
