The Pokémon TCG World Champion was honored with a meeting with the President of Chile. Dive into the details of their inspiring meeting and Fernando Cifuentes’ incredible journey to becoming the world champion.
From Pokémon TCG Champion to Having Breakfast with the President of Chile
A Historic Meeting at Palacio de La Moneda
At the young age of 18, Fernando Cifuentes, the reigning Pokémon TCG World Champion, experienced a momentous honor on Thursday. He, along with nine other Chilean competitors, were invited to the iconic Palacio de La Moneda, the official residence of the President of Chile.
Their visit was marked by a warm reception at the presidential palace, where they enjoyed a delightful meal with the President and participated in a vibrant photo session. The Chilean government expressed immense pride and admiration for these nine players who had advanced to the second day of the competition. Esteemed government officials were also present to extend their congratulations to this talented group.
In an Instagram post, President Boric highlighted the positive influence of trading card games on youth, noting how these communities nurture collaboration and friendship through competition.
In addition to the recognition, Cifuentes was presented with a large, framed custom card depicting himself alongside Iron Thorns, the Pokémon that helped him secure the championship. The card's inscription, translated from Spanish, reads: "Fernando and Iron Thorns. Ability: World Champion. Fernando Cifuentes from Iquique made history as the first Chilean to be crowned world champion at the Pokémon World Championships 2024 Masters Finals in Honolulu, Hawaii."
It's noteworthy that the President of Chile is a Pokémon enthusiast himself. During his 2021 presidential campaign, when asked about his favorite Pokémon, he expressed his affection for Squirtle. To celebrate his victory, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs gifted him a Squirtle and Pokéball plushie, acknowledging his love for the Pokémon anime.
Cifuentes’ Near-Elimination and Subsequent Win
Cifuentes’ path to victory was not without challenges. He narrowly escaped elimination during the Top 8 match against Ian Robb. Robb won the match but was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct—making an inappropriate gesture on camera. This unexpected turn of events allowed Cifuentes to advance and face Jesse Parker in the semifinals. Despite the setback, Cifuentes triumphed over Parker and runner-up Seinosuke Shiokawa to claim the $50,000 grand prize.For a comprehensive overview of the 2024 Pokémon World Championship, explore our detailed article below!
