Pokémon TCG World Champion Honored by the President of Chile

Fernando Cifuentes, the 18-year-old Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile. This article details his remarkable journey and the presidential reception.

A Presidential Welcome at Palacio de La Moneda

On Thursday, Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors were invited to Palacio de La Moneda, the presidential palace. They enjoyed a meal with the President and participated in a celebratory photo opportunity. The Chilean government expressed immense pride in their achievement, with several high-ranking officials joining the President in congratulating the players.

President Boric's Instagram post highlighted the positive influence of trading card games on youth, emphasizing the collaborative spirit fostered within competitive communities.

Cifuentes received a commemorative framed card featuring himself and Iron Thorns, his championship Pokémon. The card's inscription reads: "Fernando and Iron Thorns. Ability: World Champion. Fernando Cifuentes, from Iquique, made history as the first Chilean world champion at the 2024 Pokémon World Championships Masters Finals in Honolulu, Hawaii."

President Boric's Pokémon fandom is well-known; during his 2021 campaign, he cited Squirtle as his favorite. Following Cifuentes' victory, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs gifted him a Squirtle and Pokéball plush.

Cifuentes' Unlikely Path to Victory

Cifuentes' journey wasn't without challenges. He narrowly avoided elimination in the Top 8, after his opponent, Ian Robb, was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct. This unexpected turn led to a semifinal match against Jesse Parker, which Cifuentes won, ultimately defeating Seinosuke Shiokawa to claim the $50,000 prize.

For more on the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, see our related article.