Chilean President Honours Pokémon TCG World Champ

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, which took place at Palacio de La Moneda, the presidential palace, involved Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors.

A Presidential Reception at Palacio de La Moneda

The group enjoyed a meal with the President and participated in a celebratory photo opportunity. The Chilean government expressed immense pride in the players' achievements, with several high-ranking officials joining the President in congratulating them. President Boric highlighted the positive social impact of trading card games, emphasizing the community and friendship they foster.

A Commemorative Card and Presidential Pokémon Fandom

Cifuentes received a framed custom card featuring himself and Iron Thorns, his championship Pokémon. The card's inscription translates to: "Fernando and Iron Thorns. Ability: World Champion. Fernando Cifuentes, from Iquique, made history as the first Chilean to be crowned world champion at the 2024 Pokémon World Championships Masters Finals in Honolulu, Hawaii." The President's Pokémon fandom is well-known; he's a fan of Squirtle, a fact celebrated after his 2021 election win with a gift of a Squirtle plushie from the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs.

Cifuentes' Unlikely Path to Victory

Cifuentes' journey wasn't without its challenges. He narrowly escaped elimination in the Top 8, benefiting from Ian Robb's disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct. This unexpected turn of events led him to the semifinals against Jesse Parker, whom he defeated, ultimately triumphing over Seinosuke Shiokawa to claim the $50,000 prize.

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