Chilean President Honors World-Winning Pokémon TCG Competitor

Chilean President Honors Pokémon TCG World Champion

Eighteen-year-old Fernando Cifuentes, the reigning Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile at Palacio de La Moneda. Cifuentes, along with nine fellow Chilean competitors, enjoyed a meal and photo opportunity with President Boric and other government officials. The government expressed immense pride in their achievements at the World Championships.

President Boric highlighted the positive social impact of trading card games, emphasizing the camaraderie and sportsmanship they foster. Cifuentes received a commemorative framed card featuring himself and his championship Pokémon, Iron Thorns, with an inscription detailing his historic win as the first Chilean World Champion in the Pokémon World Championships 2024 Masters Finals in Honolulu. The President's appreciation for Pokémon is well-known; he's a self-proclaimed fan, having previously expressed his fondness for Squirtle.

Cifuentes' Path to Victory

Cifuentes' journey to the $50,000 grand prize was dramatic. A near-elimination in the Top 8 against Ian Robb, who was subsequently disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct, propelled Cifuentes to an unexpected semifinal match against Jesse Parker. He ultimately triumphed, defeating Parker and runner-up Seinosuke Shiokawa.

For a comprehensive recap of the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, please see our related article.