Chilean President Honors Pokémon TCG World Champion
Fernando Cifuentes, the 18-year-old Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile. On Thursday, Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors were invited to Palacio de La Moneda, the presidential palace, for a special luncheon and photo opportunity with President Gabriel Boric.
The Chilean government lauded the players' achievements, particularly their advancement to the second day of the World Championships. Government officials joined the President in congratulating the talented group. President Boric's Instagram post highlighted the positive social impact of trading card games, emphasizing the collaborative spirit fostered within these competitive communities.
Cifuentes received a commemorative framed card featuring himself and Iron Thorns, the Pokémon that secured his victory. The card's inscription reads: "Fernando and Iron Thorns. Ability: World Champion. Fernando Cifuentes, from Iquique, made history as the first Chilean to win the Pokémon World Championships 2024 Masters Finals in Honolulu, Hawaii." President Boric's known fandom of Pokémon likely contributed to this special recognition; he previously stated Squirtle was his favorite Pokémon.
Cifuentes' Path to Victory: A Near Miss
Cifuentes' journey wasn't without drama. He narrowly avoided elimination in the Top 8, after his opponent, Ian Robb, was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct. This unexpected turn of events propelled Cifuentes to the semifinals against Jesse Parker, whom he ultimately defeated, before claiming victory over runner-up Seinosuke Shiokawa and the $50,000 prize.
For more information on the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, please see our related article.
