Chilean President Recognizes Pokémon TCG World Champ

Chilean Pokémon TCG World Champion Meets President Boric: A Celebration of Triumph and Community

Fernando Cifuentes, the 18-year-old Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile at Palacio de La Moneda. This momentous occasion saw Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors welcomed to the presidential palace for a celebratory meal and photos with President Boric and other government officials. The government expressed immense pride in their achievements at the World Championships.

President Boric's Instagram post highlighted the positive influence of trading card games on youth, emphasizing the collaborative spirit fostered within these competitive communities. Cifuentes' victory was further commemorated with a custom-framed card featuring him and his championship Pokémon, Iron Thorns. The card 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 adds a unique layer to this celebration. A known Pokémon enthusiast (his favorite is Squirtle), he received a Squirtle plushie from the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2021.

A Dramatic Path to Victory

Cifuentes' journey wasn't without its challenges. A near-elimination in the Top 8 against Ian Robb, followed by Robb's disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct, led to an unexpected semifinal match against Jesse Parker. Cifuentes ultimately triumphed, defeating Parker and runner-up Seinosuke Shiokawa to claim the $50,000 prize.

For a comprehensive recap of the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, explore our related article!