Pokémon TCG Champion Feted by Chilean President

Eighteen-year-old Fernando Cifuentes, the reigning Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile. This article details Cifuentes' remarkable journey and his visit to Palacio de La Moneda.

A Presidential Reception at Palacio de La Moneda

Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors were invited to the presidential palace. They enjoyed a meal with President Boric and participated in a photograph session. The Chilean government expressed immense pride in their achievement, with several high-ranking officials joining in the celebration. President Boric's Instagram post highlighted the positive social impact of trading card games, emphasizing the collaborative spirit they foster.

Cifuentes received a commemorative framed card featuring himself and Iron Thorns, his championship Pokémon. The card's 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 a unique element to this story. A known fan himself (his favorite Pokémon is Squirtle), he received a Squirtle plushie from the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs in 2021.

Cifuentes' Unlikely Victory

Cifuentes' path to victory was far from easy. He narrowly avoided elimination in the Top 8, after his opponent, Ian Robb, was disqualified for unsporting conduct. This unexpected turn of events led to a semifinal match against Jesse Parker, which Cifuentes won, ultimately defeating Seinosuke Shiokawa and claiming the $50,000 prize.

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