Bobby Aviles
Bobby Aviles (died August 2022), also known as Bobcat, was an American professional tournament paintball player. He competed for several prominent professional teams, including San Diego Aftermath, Infamous, the Los Angeles Ironmen and AC Dallas. His career developed from the Southern California amateur tournament scene of the early 2000s, where he was a member of Hostile Kids.[1][2][3]
Aviles became known for his aggressive offensive playing style, versatility and ability to compete at the highest levels of professional paintball. He participated in tournaments internationally and was involved in player development and coaching.[4][5]
According to Iconic Paintball, Aviles accumulated more than a dozen professional tournament victories during his career. He was posthumously inducted into the publication's Hall of Icons as part of its Class of 2024.[6]
Aviles died in August 2022. His death prompted tributes from professional players and the wider paintball community.[7][8]
| Full name | Bobby Aviles |
|---|---|
| Nickname | Bobcat |
| Nationality | American |
| Died | August 2022 |
| Sport | Paintball |
| Discipline | Professional tournament paintball |
| Playing style | Offensive, versatile |
| Early team | Hostile Kids |
| Professional teams | San Diego Aftermath, Infamous, Los Angeles Ironmen, AC Dallas |
| Other documented team | Hollywood HK |
| International participation | Asia, Europe and South America |
| Professional tournament victories | More than 12 (Iconic Paintball retrospective) |
| Recognition | Hall of Icons, Class of 2024 |
| Status | Deceased |
Early paintball career
[edit]Southern California
[edit]Aviles developed as a tournament player in Southern California during the early 2000s.
The region was an important centre of competitive paintball, with professional teams and dedicated tournament facilities including SC Village.
Young players regularly participated in informal competitive games and practice sessions alongside established professional competitors.
This environment helped develop a generation of players who subsequently entered professional tournament paintball.
Hostile Kids
[edit]Aviles was a member of the original Hostile Kids tournament team.
The team emerged from the Southern California amateur paintball scene during the early 2000s.
According to former captain Alex Cadalso, Hostile Kids initially developed from a youth tournament organised by Hostile Takeover at Tombstone Paintball in Corona, California.[1]
The original players included Scott Kressin, Mark Kressin and Steve Nabi.
The team subsequently expanded by recruiting players from other local teams.
Cadalso identified Aviles among the players who joined the expanded roster.
Cal Jam
[edit]Hostile Kids recruited Aviles, Josh Meyers and Vinnie Palmieri while preparing for Cal Jam seven-player competition.
The team also recruited Cassidy Sanders and Alex Cadalso from Mutiny.
Cadalso subsequently reported that Hostile Kids finished second in the amateur division at Cal Jam.[1]
The precise event date and complete roster require independent verification.
Early tournament experience
[edit]Hostile Kids also competed under the name Check It Factory at National Professional Paintball League events.
Cadalso reported sixth and fifth-place amateur finishes at Huntington Beach and Las Vegas respectively.
The team also recorded a reported fourth-place amateur finish at a PSP Pomona ten-player event.
Although Aviles was a documented Hostile Kids member, his participation in each individual tournament has not been independently established.
Professional career
[edit]San Diego Aftermath
[edit]Aviles became associated with San Diego Aftermath, a Southern California tournament organisation developed under Mike Hinman.
Aftermath became known for producing talented young professional players.
A February 2013 article discussing the team's return to competition identified Aviles among the prominent players who had developed through the organisation.[2]
Other players named in the same account included Alex Goldman, Marcello Margott, Dalton Vanderbyl and Zack Wake.
Aftermath played an important role in the development of Southern California professional paintball during the 2000s.
Infamous
[edit]Aviles subsequently competed with Infamous.
He was documented as an Infamous player in contemporary tournament reporting during the early and mid-2010s.
Infamous was one of the established professional organisations competing in major American tournament leagues.
Aviles became known for his aggressive offensive play and ability to advance rapidly through the field.
World Cup Asia 2012
[edit]A December 2012 firsthand account by an Argentine participant at World Cup Asia described Aviles playing for Infamous.[3]
The writer highlighted his ability to move aggressively into the snake after his team gained an early numerical advantage.
The account described Infamous using strong opening lanes before allowing its forward players to advance.
Aviles was particularly noted for his speed through the snake and his ability to convert an advantage into an attacking position.
This account provides contemporary evidence of his playing style.
PALS Thailand 2013
[edit]In February 2013, Social Paintball reported that Aviles would participate in a special American Dream Team at the opening event of the Paintball Asia League Series in Bangkok, Thailand.[4]
The roster was announced as including:
- Oliver Lang
- Yosh Rau
- Damien Ryan
- Bobby Aviles
- Jerry Desvarieux
- Tim Montressor
The team brought together professional players from Dynasty, Infamous and Edmonton Impact.
The event took place at Express Way Paintball Club in Bangkok.
International competition
[edit]Aviles participated in tournament paintball outside the United States.
His documented international activities included appearances in Asia and South America.
He also played in European competition later in his career.
His international participation contributed to his recognition among players outside the American professional leagues.
International tournaments and coaching
[edit]Colombia
[edit]In 2014, Aviles participated in a tournament in Bogotá, Colombia.
A contemporary report by Destiny Paintball identified him as a guest professional player for a team called Way Out.[5]
The report described a match in which Destiny lost 3–2 to the team featuring Aviles.
Way Out subsequently finished second in the tournament's C1 division.
The report also credited Aviles with providing sideline coaching to Destiny players during the event.
Ecuador
[edit]In December 2016, Ecuadorian paintball reporting announced Aviles as a participant in an international tournament in Guayaquil.[9]
The report identified him as a professional player associated with Infamous.
It also announced that he would conduct a paintball clinic during the tournament weekend.
The event was expected to include participants from Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia, Peru and the United States.
This appearance illustrates his involvement in international player development.
Coaching
[edit]Aviles was known for sharing his experience with developing players.
Contemporary accounts document his involvement in coaching clinics and informal sideline coaching.
His activities extended beyond professional competition into supporting other players.
Los Angeles Ironmen
[edit]Joining the Ironmen
[edit]Aviles joined the Los Angeles Ironmen for the 2016 professional season.
A March 2016 report from DYE Paintball identified him as one of three new Ironmen players at the NXL Las Vegas Open.[10]
The other additions were Scott Kemp from San Antonio X-Factor and Chris Schehr from TopGun.
The report identified Aviles as arriving from Infamous.
2016 NXL season
[edit]The Ironmen entered the 2016 season with a substantially changed roster.
DYE's event report noted that the team was still developing coordination among its new players.
Although the Ironmen showed promise at the Las Vegas Open, they did not advance to Sunday competition.
Later Ironmen career
[edit]Aviles continued to be associated with the Ironmen in subsequent seasons.
A 2019 NXL scouting report identified him as a player who had departed the organisation during the offseason.[11]
The report described his move to AC Dallas.
AC Dallas
[edit]Aviles joined AC Dallas following his departure from the Los Angeles Ironmen.
A 2019 Major League Paintball scouting report specifically identified the transfer.
The move formed part of a broader series of roster changes affecting several professional teams.
The exact dates of his first and final appearances for AC Dallas require confirmation through tournament rosters.
Playing style
[edit]Offensive approach
[edit]Aviles was known for an aggressive offensive playing style.
He was particularly effective at exploiting opportunities created by his teammates.
A contemporary World Cup Asia account described him advancing rapidly into the snake after Infamous established an advantage.[3]
Versatility
[edit]Iconic Paintball's 2024 retrospective highlighted Aviles's versatility.[6]
He was capable of adapting his approach to different competitive situations.
Tactical approach
[edit]The same retrospective described his willingness to challenge conventional strategy.
His style emphasised initiative and offensive pressure.
Leadership
[edit]Aviles was also remembered for his leadership.
Former teammates and members of the paintball community described him as supportive of other players.
His reputation extended beyond his individual performance on the field.
Hostile Kids and HK culture
[edit]Early community
[edit]Aviles was part of the generation of Southern California players associated with the original Hostile Kids.
The team became influential within the tournament scene during the early 2000s.
Its members were associated with competitive streetball and the emerging agg subculture.
Hollywood HK
[edit]Aviles remained connected to the wider HK community after the original Hostile Kids roster dispersed.
A 2009 paintball blog identified Aviles wearing an HK jersey during the USPL West Coast Open.[12]
The article associated the jersey with Hollywood HK and the equipment manufacturer Tanked.
HK Army
[edit]The Hostile Kids identity subsequently became associated with the commercial brand HK Army.
Aviles's early involvement with the tournament team should be distinguished from the founding and ownership of the later equipment company.
His membership in Hostile Kids does not establish that he was a founder of HK Army.
Professional achievements
[edit]Tournament victories
[edit]Iconic Paintball's Hall of Icons biography credits Aviles with more than a dozen professional tournament victories.[6]
The publication does not provide a complete event-by-event list within its short biography.
Individual championships should therefore be documented separately using tournament records.
International participation
[edit]Aviles competed in multiple international paintball markets.
Documented appearances included:
- World Cup Asia, 2012
- PALS Thailand, 2013
- Bogotá tournament competition, 2014
- Guayaquil international tournament activities, 2016
His participation in European professional paintball was also recalled by teammates following his death.
Recognition among players
[edit]Aviles was recognised by other professional players for his skill.
In a May 2010 interview, a San Antonio X-Factor player identified Aviles among his favourite paintball players, alongside Dave Bains and a player from Russian Legion.[13]
This provides contemporary evidence of Aviles's reputation among professional competitors.
Death
[edit]August 2022
[edit]Aviles died in August 2022.
Members of the paintball community publicly discussed his death on 8 August 2022.[7]
The announcement prompted tributes from players and people associated with professional tournament paintball.
The precise date and cause of death have not been independently established through the sources used for this article.
Memorial fundraiser
[edit]Professional player Scott Kemp organised a memorial fundraiser on behalf of Alicia Aviles.[8]
The fundraiser described Aviles by his nickname Bobcat and recalled his international professional career.
It also emphasised his relationships with teammates, referees, media personnel and younger players.
The campaign sought financial support for his family and memorial service.
The memorial was scheduled for 24 September in Canyon Country, California.
Community response
[edit]Aviles's death was widely mourned within the paintball community.
Players remembered both his competitive ability and his willingness to help others.
Several tributes emphasised his personality, generosity and relationships within the sport.
Hall of Icons
[edit]Class of 2024
[edit]Aviles was posthumously inducted into the Iconic Paintball Hall of Icons as part of the Class of 2024.[6]
The recognition highlighted his achievements and influence on professional paintball.
Career assessment
[edit]The Hall of Icons biography credited Aviles with:
- More than a dozen professional tournament victories
- Exceptional offensive ability
- Versatility across different playing situations
- Leadership
- A distinctive tactical approach
The publication also highlighted his reputation as a supportive teammate.
Legacy
[edit]The induction recognised Aviles as one of the notable players of the sport's professional era.
It also preserved his achievements for later generations of paintball players.
The Hall of Icons is an editorial recognition programme operated by Iconic Paintball, rather than an official induction administered by a paintball governing body.
Historical significance
[edit]Southern California player development
[edit]Aviles emerged from the competitive environment that produced several prominent professional players during the early 2000s.
His development through Hostile Kids and San Diego Aftermath illustrates the importance of local amateur teams and practice communities.
Professional tournament paintball
[edit]Aviles competed for several major professional organisations.
His career spanned different teams and periods of American tournament paintball.
International influence
[edit]Aviles participated in events and coaching activities in Asia and South America.
These appearances helped connect American professional paintball with developing international tournament communities.
Playing style
[edit]His aggressive and versatile playing style became an important part of his reputation.
Player mentorship
[edit]Aviles was remembered for his willingness to assist younger and less experienced players.
Posthumous recognition
[edit]His 2024 Hall of Icons induction preserved his contribution to professional paintball history.
Timeline
[edit]| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| Early 2000s | Joins the expanded Hostile Kids tournament roster |
| Early-to-mid 2000s | Develops through Southern California amateur tournament paintball |
| 2000s | Associated with San Diego Aftermath |
| 2009 | Documented wearing an HK jersey at the USPL West Coast Open |
| 2010 | Named as a favourite player in an interview with a professional competitor |
| 2012 | Competes with Infamous at World Cup Asia |
| 2013 | Announced as a member of the American Dream Team at PALS Thailand |
| 2014 | Competes in Bogotá, Colombia, as a guest professional player |
| 2016 | Joins Los Angeles Ironmen from Infamous |
| December 2016 | Announced as a participant and clinic instructor at an international tournament in Ecuador |
| 2019 | Identified as transferring from the Ironmen to AC Dallas |
| August 2022 | Dies; tributes published by the paintball community |
| September 2022 | Memorial service scheduled in Canyon Country, California |
| 2024 | Posthumously inducted into the Iconic Paintball Hall of Icons |
See also
[edit]- Hostile Kids
- HK Army
- San Diego Aftermath
- Infamous
- Los Angeles Ironmen
- AC Dallas
- Alex Cadalso
- Mike Hinman
- Scott Kemp
- Todd Martinez
- Agg
- Streetball
- SC Village
- Paintball Sports Promotions
- National Xball League
- Paintball Asia League Series
- History of professional paintball
References
[edit]- "From Street Rats to World Class Pros — The HK Army", Alex Fraige, republished by ThisISPaintball. Historical interview with Hostile Kids captain Alex Cadalso identifying Bobby Aviles as a member of the team.
- "San Diego Aftermath Is Reborn & Chicago Infamous Emerges in Division 1", Social Paintball, 13 February 2013. Identifies Aviles among the professional players developed through San Diego Aftermath.
- "Argentina Experience World Cup Asia 2012", Portal Paintball Argentina, December 2012. Firsthand account describing Aviles's offensive playing style with Infamous.
- "2013 PALS Thailand Begins This Weekend", Social Paintball, 26 February 2013. Announces Aviles as a member of the American Dream Team.
- "Destiny Paintball News", Destiny Paintball. Contemporary tournament report describing Aviles's participation and coaching activities in Bogotá, Colombia.
- "Class of 2024", Iconic Paintball. Posthumous Hall of Icons recognition describing Aviles's professional achievements and playing style.
- "Heartbreaking Weekend in the Community. Rest in Peace #32", r/paintball, 8 August 2022. Contemporary community discussion confirming Aviles's death.
- "Bobby Aviles", memorial fundraiser organised by Scott Kemp on behalf of Alicia Aviles, 2022. Tribute and memorial information.
- "5 países en torneo de Guayaquil", NeoPaintball, 8 December 2016. Announces Aviles's participation and coaching clinic at an international tournament in Ecuador.
- "DYE 2016 NXL Vegas Wrap-Up", DYE Paintball, 2016. Identifies Aviles as a new Los Angeles Ironmen player arriving from Infamous.
- "Scouting Report — Los Angeles Ironmen", Major League Paintball PLUS, 2019. Identifies Aviles's departure from the Ironmen to AC Dallas.
- "SEBURO — August 2009", SEBURO Paintball Blog, 2 August 2009. Contemporary account identifying Aviles wearing an HK jersey during the USPL West Coast Open.
- "JR Dominguez 32 Paintball — May 2010", JR Dominguez 32 Paintball, May 2010. Professional player interview naming Bobby Aviles among the interviewee's favourite players.