Chilean Pokémon TCG World Champion Meets President Boric: A Celebration of Triumph and Community
Fernando Cifuentes, the 18-year-old Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile at Palacio de La Moneda. This momentous occasion, shared with nine fellow Chilean competitors, included a celebratory meal and photos with President Boric and other government officials. The government publicly lauded Cifuentes and his fellow competitors for their achievements at the World Championships.
President Boric's Instagram post highlighted the positive social impact of trading card games, emphasizing the collaborative spirit fostered within these competitive communities.
Cifuentes received a personalized framed card commemorating his victory, featuring himself and his championship Pokémon, Iron Thorns. 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 Pokémon World Championships 2024 Masters Finals in Honolulu, Hawaii."
President Boric's Pokémon fandom adds a unique layer to this story. A known Pokémon enthusiast (his favorite is Squirtle!), he received a Squirtle plushie from the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs following Cifuentes' win.
A Dramatic Path to Victory
Cifuentes' journey to the championship was far from easy. He narrowly escaped elimination in the Top 8 after his opponent, Ian Robb, was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct. This unexpected turn of events propelled Cifuentes into the semifinals against Jesse Parker, a match he ultimately won, culminating in a victory over Seinosuke Shiokawa and a $50,000 prize.
For further details about the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, please refer to our related article.
