Anyone who knows IWA OutdoorClassics and has followed it over the years will know that, in addition to the classic hunting and shooting sports segments, IWA has primarily covered self-protection, but also the needs of law enforcement and the military. The latter has become less and less important in recent years due to the enormous growth of Enforce Tac. Nevertheless, the IWA offers added value for manufacturers and equipment suppliers from the tactical and military spectrum, as the focus has shifted.
The fast-growing action sports segment will play a greater role at IWA 2025
The new magic word is action sports. This includes shooting disciplines such as dynamic shooting, airsoft and paintball. The markets here are growing rapidly, and end users and players are generating enormous demand in the civilian sector for tactical equipment. The principle here is that equipment designed for the military or law enforcement fulfils a certain quality standard and provides an additional appeal. Consumers are prepared to spend money on their hobby sport and are happy to dig into their pockets for these brands.
If you look at the list of exhibitors in Hall 6, for example, you can recognise a certain pattern. Tasmanian Tiger, Carinthia, Pentagon Tactical, Agilite, M-Tac, Berghaus and Goldeck are just some of the manufacturers that see enormous potential in the civilian market – and therefore also want to be represented at the IWA. This market segment can be just as exciting for the specialised trade: IWA OutdoorClassics is a good time for every retailer to approach the topic.
IWA OutdoorClassics 2025 – Growing demand in the airsoft and paintball sector ensures increasing exhibitor numbers
While we're on the tactical side of things, it's also worth taking a look at the "Airsoft Hall". Because a lot has happened there in recent years. The top exhibitors include companies such as NOVRITCH, LCT Airsoft, Wolverine Airsoft, Nuprol, Redwolf, Jolly and Clawgear. IWA is becoming increasingly interesting for manufacturers from the airsoft sector. A look at the MOA in Taiwan shows how great the potential of the Asian market still is for players and dealers in Europe. An exciting growth market for the IWA. Germany's largest event organiser, Airsoft Helden, is also a strong partner and multiplier. In 2025, Airsoft Helden will also be in charge of a course and offer dealers a first port of call for information about the airsoft sector and its market potential. There will even be a stage format, also organised by Airsoft Heroes. For the first time, the product range will also be supplemented by suppliers from the paintball segment. From markers and paint grenades to cartridges, everything can be found at the trade fair.
IWA OutdoorClassics wants to position itself with these developments and at the same time fulfil its own claim to cover the entire spectrum of civilian shooting. On the other hand, according to IWA organisers, there is also the motivation to connect different target groups with each other. It is desirable, for example, that traditional specialist hunting retailers can use the IWA to find out about other segments and make initial contacts – and vice versa. Synergies are obvious here, it just requires openness to be able to learn from each other.
all4shooters.com conclusion on airsoft at IWA 2025
Airsoft is still a segment that polarises such a traditional industry as the hunting gun trade. However, the IWA is not a hunting trade fair in the traditional sense and therefore cannot be compared with German trade fairs such as Jagd & Hund. The IWA serves the entire civilian shooting market and has to fulfil a difficult task here: bringing together representatives from different sectors, networking and providing points of contact. At the same time, one should always bear in mind that IWA can only offer a stage for networking, but ultimately the willingness of visitors to open up to these market segments is decisive. Our appeal: get involved in something new and consciously dare to look outside the box. Where sales figures in the traditional sector are falling, we believe that modern, growing segments such as airsoft can be a sensible addition, especially as there are many potential customers here who take their hobby very seriously and are prepared to spend money on it.
You can find more information about IWA OutdoorClassics 2025 on the organizer's website.
