General
Esports Pro Victor Davila: From Gaming Glory to Felony Charges in Utah
Esports and gaming professional, Victor Davila, has recently come under the spotlight, but not for reasons one might expect. The well-regarded figure in the U.S. fighting game community (FGC) has been charged with two felonies in Logan City, Utah. The charges stem from allegations that Davila attempted to solicit sex from an undercover police officer, who was posing as a 13-year-old girl
On 18 August 2023, Victor Davila was taken into custody in Logan City. The arrest followed an online interaction where Davila allegedly communicated with what he believed to be a 13-year-old girl. In reality, he was conversing with an undercover police officer. The police claim that during this conversation, Davila expressed interest in a casual sexual encounter, even after being informed of the “girl’s” age. Despite reservations and acknowledging potential legal repercussions, Davila agreed to meet. Upon arriving at the predetermined location, he was promptly arrested.
Evidence from the case includes messages from Davila’s phone, which have been seized by the Logan City Police. Following his arrest, Davila was charged with attempted rape of a child, a first-degree felony, and enticing a minor, a second-degree felony. He is currently held in the Cache County jail, awaiting a bail hearing.
Davila’s Professional Background
Victor Davila’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the esports community, given his prominent position in the industry. He was recently associated with the gaming group Tampa Never Sleeps as a sales manager. Prior to this, he had a significant stint with MSI, where he was involved in event production, influencer collaboration, and partnership management. His contributions to MSI included fostering relationships with influencers, promoting the brand at major U.S. events like CES, Dreamhack, PAX, E3, and more. He also played a crucial role in MSI’s sponsorship endeavors, including partnerships with Combo Breaker 2022 and Offline TV.
However, his association with MSI ended in July, after over two years of service in various capacities. Before his time at MSI, Davila was involved with several collegiate esports companies and even founded the gaming and esports-centric events company, Space Productions. He later sold this venture but continued to make waves in the industry with initiatives like the Utah Collegiate Esports Conference.
The Community Reacts
The news of Davila’s arrest and the subsequent charges have elicited strong reactions from the esports community. Tampa Never Sleeps’ CEO, Tong Lee, expressed his shock and dismay on social media, stating that the company would sever all ties with Davila. Lee’s statement highlighted the gravity of the charges and his personal disappointment upon hearing the news.
Davila’s past collaborations extend beyond Tampa Never Sleeps. He has had business interactions with Offline TV and renowned musician Park Jae-hyung, also known as EAJPark. As the story unfolds, many await further comments from these associates.
Presumption of Innocence
While the allegations against Davila are severe, it’s essential to remember the cornerstone of the American legal system: a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. As the case progresses, more details will undoubtedly emerge, shedding light on the truth behind these charges.
