Pokemon TCG Champion Earns Presidential Recognition

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 achievement and his visit to Palacio de La Moneda.

A Presidential Welcome at Palacio de La Moneda

Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors were invited to the presidential palace on Thursday. They enjoyed a meal with President Boric and participated in a group photograph. The Chilean government expressed immense pride in their accomplishment, and other government officials also attended to congratulate the players. President Boric's Instagram post highlighted the positive community aspects of trading card games, emphasizing their role in fostering collaboration and friendship.

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 to win the Pokémon World Championships 2024 Masters Finals in Honolulu, Hawaii." The President's familiarity with Iron Thorns is unsurprising, given his known love of Pokémon (Squirtle being a particular favorite, as revealed during his 2021 presidential campaign). He even received a Squirtle plushie from the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs to celebrate Cifuentes' victory.

Cifuentes' Dramatic Path to Victory

Cifuentes' journey wasn't without its challenges. He narrowly escaped elimination in the Top 8 after his opponent, Ian Robb, was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct. This led to an unexpected semifinal match against Jesse Parker, which Cifuentes won, eventually securing the $50,000 prize by defeating Seinosuke Shiokawa.

Learn more about the 2024 Pokémon World Championships in our related article!