Filenews 25 December 2025 - by Petros Afxentiou
From a limited hobby of a few friends, airsoft has evolved in recent years into an organized activity with a nationwide presence, attracting more and more friends of strategy, teamwork and simulation.
Although in many European countries it is applied with clear safety rules, in Cyprus there is still no specific legislative framework regulating the conduct of competitions and the possession of the relevant equipment. This fact creates ambiguities for both those involved and the competent authorities.
Airsoft is a modern strategy and recreational game that simulates military or tactical scenarios, based on cooperation, teamwork, and respect for safety rules. Participants use custom-made replicas of weapons, known as airsoft replicas, which fire small, non-metallic low-power pellets. Airsoft is not aimed at physical harm, but at the experience of the game, tactical thinking and responsibility of the players. For this reason, it is usually carried out in specially designed or private spaces and is accompanied by strict rules of use and safety, which in many countries are also determined by the relevant legislation.
Rapid increase in players within a few years
The development of airsoft led to the creation of the Cyprus Airsoft Association, the first organized club on the island, with the aim of promoting the sport responsibly, safely and with clear operating rules.
The president of the club, Argyris Argyrou, speaking to "F", initially stated that, although air polo has existed in Cyprus since 2008, until today it is considered "illegal". "In the beginning, it was a very closed circle of people involved in the sport. In recent years, there has been increased interest, especially from people looking for an organized activity of strategy and cooperation," he noted. He made it clear that airsoft is different from paintball. "Airsoft is a more strategic game and more realistic. Its scripts are reminiscent of 'Call of Duty' and there are events worldwide." He emphasized that in 2020, due to the pandemic and confinement, many people began to be interested in airsoft. "We, because we love it, decided to found the association, which has 133 members. During the coronavirus pandemic, interest increased by 70% nationwide," he said.
As he explained, airsoft differs from other recreational simulation activities in that it is mainly based on strategy, planning, and the collaboration of various teams. The scenarios are reminiscent of tactical games, with an emphasis on realism and respect for the rules. "It is a sport that cultivates discipline, cooperation and responsibility. There are international events and Cypriot players participate from time to time in major events abroad", said Mr. Argyris.
Rules and safety
A basic condition for participation is the observance of strict safety rules and the use of appropriate protective equipment. Participation is for adults and the association places special emphasis on education and the cultivation of a sportsmanlike culture, safety, with the aim of responsibly engaging in the sport. "Airsoft is far from delinquency. It is an organized hobby with a clear philosophy," he underlined.
He clarified that a prerequisite for a team's participation in the game is the correct equipment and the observance of the rules. "To register, someone must be over 18 years old." He also explained that there is no set number of people to hold a game.
Airsoft in Parliament
At the moment there is no legislation concerning airsoft and the use of the related equipment. The association has taken the initiative to promote the issue to the competent committee of the Parliament. The law firm with which the association cooperates undertook the writing of a memorandum, which was sent to the speaker of the Parliament, as well as to the president and the members of the Legal Committee. According to the memorandum, "the legislative regulation of airsoft will contribute to the strengthening of public order and security, while, at the same time, it will lay the foundations for the responsible and controlled development of the sport, in accordance with the standards in force in other member states of the European Union". According to the memorandum, the amendment of the "Firearms and Non-Firearms Law of 2004 (113(I)/2004)" and the Regulations is requested, in order to enable the development of airsoft in the Republic of Cyprus.
The MP of the Democratic Rally, Prodromos Alambritis, prepared a relevant law proposal, which was submitted to the Legal Committee. Speaking to "F", he said that the goal is to have a positive outcome to the whole issue. "What we want is for airsoft to be registered in Cyprus. While in Europe and other countries it is regulated and institutionalized, in Cyprus the airsoft is in the air."
He added that there will be consultation with competent bodies and the whole effort is in a positive direction. "We hope that it will be put up for discussion in January. I think there will be no reactions. A lot of people are involved in airsoft and we want the youth to be involved in various sports. It is important to proceed with the registration of the airsoft."
The president of the union underlined that they are waiting for the discussion of the issue, adding that they are in common line with the Police. "We are asking for an amendment to the legislation on Weapons, as was done in the case of paintball. At the moment there are over 6,000 airsoft guns in Cyprus," he said. He clarified that they can import airsoft weapons from all European countries.
The "battlefield" and the briefing of the Police
Regarding the scope of the games, he said that no specific points have been determined. "In many countries, the nearest Police Station is informed that airsoft races are taking place in a specific area and time. This is what we want to do. We will identify about 10 areas and in consultation with the Police, air polo matches will be held."
Continuing, he said that the goal is for the matches to be registered through the Association's website. "Thus, the Police will know at all times where a game is taking place and if it is licensed. In case a team is found in a place, it will be possible to check if it has a license or if the match has been registered."
He stressed that the areas will be marked so that the public is informed. "There have been cases where a hunter entered the playground. We immediately shouted the word 'blind' and stopped the game," he said.
What equipment is needed and how much does it cost
To start working with airsoft, a gun, goggles, mask, belt and vest are required. The prices of weapons range from €100 to €1,800. Magazines for electric weapons cost around €15 , while for gas-fired weapons they range between €50 and €60. The total cost of the necessary equipment ranges on average from €700 to €1,000. "One can also play with equipment worth €500, but he will not be able to compete with his opponents on an equal footing," he noted.
In conclusion, he noted that the people involved in airsoft are citizens of all ages and professional backgrounds. "We are family men, workers, people who love this sport. We want to be able to practice it and promote sports safely and legally in Cyprus, as is the case abroad."
