Airsoft is a modern combat sport or recreational hobby in which participants eliminate opponents by shooting one another with small projectiles called bb's that are usually made of plastic. These bb's are propelled from a gas, electric, or spring powered airsoft gun. Participants typically use varying types of airsoft guns based upon real firearms, as well as tactical gear and accessories used by modern military and police organizations.

Airsoft has its roots in Japan during the late 1950s, where firearms were difficult or impossible to obtain due to local laws; inhabitants sought a legal alternative to firearms and came up with airsoft guns. Airsoft is still popular in several Asian countries, especially Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, the Philippines and Indonesia. The vast majority of airsoft guns, accessories, and after market upgrade parts are also manufactured in these countries.

There is also a growing interest in North America and Europe, especially in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Spain, Poland, Lithuania, Portugal, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Italy, Belgium (which is also visited by Dutch players, as the game is illegal in the Netherlands), Denmark, Chile, Argentina, all of which are bolstered by an active and expanding Internet scene.