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. On Thursday, Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors were welcomed to Palacio de La Moneda, the presidential palace.
The group enjoyed a meal with President Boric and participated in a photograph session. The Chilean government expressed immense pride in the players' achievements, particularly their advancement to the second day of the World Championships. High-ranking government officials joined President Boric in congratulating the talented team.
President Boric's Instagram post highlighted the positive influence of trading card games on youth, emphasizing the collaborative spirit fostered within these competitive communities.
Cifuentes received a commemorative framed card featuring himself and Iron Thorns, the Pokémon that secured his victory. 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 familiarity with Iron Thorns is noteworthy, given his own love of Pokémon. During his 2021 presidential campaign, he declared Squirtle his favorite Pokémon. Following Cifuentes' win, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs presented him with a Squirtle and Pokéball plush.
A Dramatic Path to Victory
Cifuentes' journey to the championship wasn't easy. He narrowly escaped elimination in the Top 8 against Ian Robb, who won the match but was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct. This unexpected turn of events propelled Cifuentes to the semifinals against Jesse Parker, whom he defeated. He then triumphed over Seinosuke Shiokawa to claim the $50,000 prize.
For more information on the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, please see our related article.
