Chilean President Recognizes Pokémon Champ

Chilean Pokémon TCG World Champion Meets President Boric: A Celebration of Skill and Sportsmanship

Fernando Cifuentes, the 18-year-old Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile. This remarkable event, held at Palacio de La Moneda, the presidential palace, saw Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors welcomed with a celebratory meal and photographs. The Chilean government expressed immense pride in their accomplishments, recognizing the players' advancement to the second day of the World Championships. Government officials joined President Boric in congratulating the talented group.

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 personalized, 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 adds a unique layer to this story. A known fan himself (favoring Squirtle), he received a Squirtle plushie from the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2021.

A Thrilling Path to Victory

Cifuentes' journey was filled with drama. A near-elimination in the Top 8 against Ian Robb was overturned when Robb's disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct propelled Cifuentes to the semifinals against Jesse Parker. He ultimately triumphed, defeating Parker and runner-up Seinosuke Shiokawa, securing the $50,000 grand prize.

For more on the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, explore our related article!