Chilean President Honors Pokémon TCG World Champion
Fernando Cifuentes, the 18-year-old Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile. This remarkable event took place at Palacio de La Moneda, the presidential palace, on Thursday.
The visit included a luncheon with President Boric and other government officials, along with a celebratory photo opportunity. The President publicly acknowledged the achievement of Cifuentes and nine other Chilean competitors who advanced to the second day of the World Championships. President Boric highlighted the positive social impact of trading card games, emphasizing their role in fostering collaboration and friendship among young people.
Cifuentes received a commemorative framed card featuring himself and Iron Thorns, his championship Pokémon. The card's inscription reads: "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." This recognition is particularly noteworthy given President Boric's known affinity for Pokémon (his favorite is Squirtle).
A Thrilling Path to Victory
Cifuentes' journey to victory was dramatic. He narrowly escaped elimination in the Top 8 after his opponent, Ian Robb, was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct. This unexpected turn of events propelled him to the semifinals against Jesse Parker, whom he defeated en route to the championship and the $50,000 prize.
Learn more about the 2024 Pokémon World Championships in our related article (link to be inserted here).
