The Fighting Game Community is mourning the passing of Daniel “Mobstaz” Frontera, who passed away on Monday at the age of 25. Frontera was a relative newcomer to the scene, but had already endeared himself to many with his positive attitude and strong work ethic. In less than a year within the scene, he helped organize major events like The Brooklyn Beatdown, and has contributed as a member of our SRK writing team.
A GoFundMe to cover the costs of Frontera’s funeral was launched on Tuesday, and all venue fees collected during this Wednesday’s Next Level Battle Circuit will be donated to Mobstaz’s family.
Frontera shared his passion for gaming as a member of several different communities. He began working with ESL’s Halo community in 2014, and after making the jump to Street Fighter V, he helped oversee The Brooklyn Beatdown and New Legacy, bringing the East Coast fighting game community some of the esports attention it has lacked.
“Although he has only been involved with the FGC for under a year, Mobstaz has contributed so much of his value time and effort to make sure our events run as efficiently as possible,” New Legacy organizer Dwayne D’Nyce Buchanan said. “He was my partner in crime for New Legacy and if it wasn’t for him, the event wouldn’t have become a success.”
He added, “Words cannot describe how kind and unselfish he was. Always willing to go above and beyond.”
Walter Padilla was a friend to Frontera, having worked with him on several events. He too was touched by Frontera’s selflessness and determination.
“He was known as the 24-hour man because he was seriously available 24/7, whenever and for whatever you needed him for, and he never said no,” Padilla said. “The FGC needs more young people like him who step up and look to push the scene towards great things.”
Sources: GoFundMe; Walter Padilla; D’Nyce
