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 were warmly welcomed, shared a meal with the President, and participated in a group photograph. 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 community spirit and camaraderie fostered through competition.

Cifuentes received a unique commemorative card featuring himself and Iron Thorns, his championship Pokémon. The card's inscription reads (translated from Spanish): "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 Pokémon. Following Cifuentes' victory, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs presented him with a Squirtle and Pokéball plush.

Cifuentes' Dramatic Path to Victory

Cifuentes' journey wasn't without its challenges. He narrowly escaped elimination in the Top 8, after his opponent, Ian Robb, was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct. This unexpected turn of events led Cifuentes to the semifinals against Jesse Parker, whom he defeated, ultimately triumphing over Seinosuke Shiokawa to secure the $50,000 prize.

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