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. This remarkable event took place at Palacio de La Moneda, the presidential palace, where Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors enjoyed a meal and a photo opportunity with President Boric and other government officials.
The presidential visit highlighted the Chilean government's pride in Cifuentes' achievement and the positive impact of competitive card games on youth, fostering collaboration and friendship.
Cifuentes received a commemorative framed card featuring himself and Iron Thorns, his championship Pokémon. The card 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 adds an interesting layer to the story. A known Squirtle enthusiast (a fact revealed during his 2021 presidential campaign), he received a Squirtle plushie from the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs in recognition of his love for the franchise.
A Thrilling Path to Victory
Cifuentes' journey wasn't without drama. A near-elimination in the Top 8 against Ian Robb (who was disqualified 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, please see our related article.
