When Hector Molina arrived at The Bolt for what he thought was a tour, the lifelong Chargers fan was ecstatic to get a chance to walk around the new facility for the first time.

What he didn't expect was Chargers General Manager Joe Hortiz to be waiting for him at the front entrance.

And when Hortiz surprised him with the announcement that he was the team's International Fan of the Year, Molina was overcome with emotion.

"I'm still in shock," Molina said. "I think it's one of the best [moments] of my life."

Molina was named the 2024 Chargers International Fan of the Year for representing the Bolts from Tijuana, Mexico in the second year of the NFL's contest that celebrates international fans of all 32 clubs.

As a Chargers fan in Mexico, Molina has been a dedicated member of the fan base and has become a recognizable face at Bolts games throughout the years.

And his fandom goes way back as he can remember.

His father, a big Chargers fan, played college football in Mexico, so Molina grew up as fan of the team and the sport.

He remembers watching games with him growing up, but his earliest memory as a fan of the Bolts comes from one of their most iconic games, the 'Epic in Miami.'

"When I watched that game I said, 'I'm really a Chargers fan,'" Molina said. "Since then, I'm more [of a fan]."

From Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow, Junior Seau, LaDainian Tomlinson and more, he's seen all his favorite Chargers throughout his fandom.

Molina eventually became a season ticket holder later in his life, scoring seats in the front row near the end zone, where he quickly stood out and became a fan favorite.

Rocking his iconic, homemade luchador mask, he would hype up the crowd from his seat and became a staple, even finding himself on television at times when they would pan to the crowds.

His distinct mask caught the attention of former Chargers throughout the years as he interacted with the players during his time including Shawne Merriman, whom he gave a mask to. In a recent encounter with Merriman this past season, the former Charger even said he still had the mask in his home.

It started off as an idea, and it turned into something more.

"I love lucha libre, so I think about that and made the mask… It brings a lot of emotions and I think I feel like I can cheer up other people," Molina said. "That's why I decided with the mask."

You could still find Molina at Chargers games nowadays as he makes the trips for some home games with the mask and can be seen hyping up the Bolt Fam.

But where his passion has really shined the most has been in growing the Chargers fanbase in Tijuana, where he has gone above and beyond.

The fanbase is strong, as they sometimes get together in restaurants to watch the games. However for some, the prospect of going to a game is a bit difficult because of all the logistics of the trip.

It's why Molina, with some help from those closest to him, began to organize everything from the tickets to the buses for groups of Chargers fans in Mexico to make a trip to SoFi Stadium.

What started as a group of taking 10 people has grown to up to 120 people this past season from all different parts of Mexico — a number that he believes will only continue to grow as the years go on.

"This year, it was like 120 people for the Titans game," Molina said. "Now everybody in Tijuana calls me and say, 'Help me with the tickets and how to get to the stadium. Tell me how to do it and how much.'

"I think this year, I'll bring like 180 people or so to the stadium," Molina added. "I think next year it's going to be even more because the people love the experience and that I can help them come to the stadium."

It's something he takes his own time to do because it's important to him, and wants to help the Bolts fans in Mexico.

"I love that I could make the Chargers fan base in Tijuana grow and I take that responsibility because I like it," Molina said. "It's nice when people in the streets see me and say, 'Oh you're the guy who takes people to the Chargers.' I feel proud."

Now as the Chargers International Fan of the Year, Molina reflected everything up to this point, as this is an honor that he holds in a high regard.

"Everything. The team relates me to my dad," Molina said. "My dad is upstairs, he passed away and I have that connection with him, with my childhood, with my friends. It's not the game, it's everything around the game. Friends, family, tailgating."

He later added: "That means everything to me. Some people have other hobbies, but I tell people my main thing is Chargers. I really love this game and this team forever."

Getting the chance to tour The Bolt and its facilities was a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience for Molina — but it won't stop there.

As the Chargers International Fan of the Year, Molina will also represent the Bolts at the 2025 NFL Draft and have the opportunity to announce a Day 3 draft selection on stage in Green Bay.

Molina said Lambeau Field was one of his dream stadiums to visit, and now getting to do it while representing the Bolts makes it even sweeter.

"One of the stadiums I wish to be at some time in my life is Lambeau Field," Molina said. "I think it's the most historic field in the NFL.

"It was one of my dreams," Molina added. "Being there with my team and everything, I still can't believe it."