GTA Voice Actors Head to Tampa’s National Gaming Expo

Meet The Gta Cast At Nge

The National Gaming Expo (NGE) in Tampa is turning up the heat for video game enthusiasts by bringing in the voices behind Grand Theft Auto’s most famous characters. Organizers announced that Shawn Fonteno (Franklin Clinton), Ned Luke (Michael De Santa) and Steven Ogg (Trevor Philips) will appear at the Tampa Convention Center this fall. Passes are live on www.nationalgamingexpo.com, and fans who use the code “GTA15” at checkout will receive a 15% discount on all ticket tiers.

Fonteno, known to his followers as @solo118, teased the lineup in a recent Instagram post that featured a behind-the-scenes snap of him in a motion-capture suit. The expo’s official caption urged gamers to “🚨MEET THE CAST OF THE GTA FRANCHISE!!🚨” with an eye-catching call to action for discounted tickets.

Shawn Fonteno’s Voice & Career Highlights

Shawn D. “Solo” Fonteno shot to gaming fame as the voice and live-action performer of Franklin Clinton in Grand Theft Auto V (2013). His work combined voice-over and motion capture, setting a new benchmark for interactive storytelling. According to his Wikipedia profile, Fonteno’s career spans roles in television, film and music—he even appeared in the post-apocalyptic drama The Book of Eli in 2010.

On his Instagram feed (@solo118), Fonteno recently delighted followers with two notable posts: one announcing his NGE appearance and a personalized promo code (“FONTENO15”), and another teasing the highly anticipated next installment with the caption “GtaVI finna be Craccin ⭐⭐⭐.” Both signals show that he’s deeply connected to the GTA community and excited for its future.

Beyond Franklin: Michael And Trevor

Michael De Santa’s smooth criminal persona is voiced by Ned Luke, an actor with over two decades in film and television, including guest spots on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Steven Ogg brings chaos to the screen as Trevor Philips, earning praise for his performance in both GTA V and roles on HBO’s Westworld and The Walking Dead. Seeing all three together in one room offers fans a rare chance to hear firsthand what it takes to bring Los Santos’s outlaw lifestyle to life.

Ticket Details & Event Highlights

The three-day convention runs October 15 to 17. Ticket options include:
• General Admission: Access to panels, expo floor and free play areas.
• VIP Passes: Early entry, seated Q&A access, and a limited-edition swag bag.
• Insider Bundles: Combines VIP perks with private meet-and-greet slots.
• Mobile App: Customize your schedule and access exclusive giveaways.

All passes qualify for the 15% off promo when “GTA15” is entered at purchase. Shoppers can also bundle tickets with hotel packages via the expo site for discounted rates at partnering hotels in downtown Tampa.

Expo highlights extend beyond the GTA panels. Visitors can compete in Esports tournaments, test the latest VR demos, browse indie developer showcases, and enter the annual cosplay contest for a shot at cash prizes. Major sponsors include top hardware brands and popular streaming platforms.

Registration opens at 9 AM daily, with early bird check-in options for VIP ticket holders starting at 8 AM. Onsite parking is available at the convention center garage and nearby lots, with shuttle service from select hotels.

What Fans Can Expect

At the GTA panel, Fonteno, Luke and Ogg will share stories from the studio floor—from the challenges of recording emotional scenes to the improvisation that made Franklin, Michael and Trevor so memorable. Autograph sessions are scheduled throughout each day, with photo-op slots booked on a first-come, first-served basis. For those unable to attend in person, NGE will stream key segments live on its Twitch channel, giving global audiences front-row access.

Meeting the talents behind Grand Theft Auto’s most beloved characters has never been easier. Whether you grew up navigating San Andreas or carving up Los Santos’s high-stakes missions, the National Gaming Expo promises an immersive experience—and your chance to grab a slice of gaming history. Head to www.nationalgamingexpo.com, lock in your tickets with “GTA15,” and prepare to step into the world of GTA like never before.

Trivia

Shawn Fonteno’s character Franklin Clinton is a prominent member of the game's storyline, dealing with themes of street life and redemption.

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Pratibha

 

Pratibha holds a master's degree in English from Madras University. A bookworm from a young age, she devours books and digital humanities to nourish her writing projects. Pratibha began her writing career in 2018 and has experience writing formal, informal, and technical content.

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