Chilean Pokémon TCG World Champion Meets President Boric: A Celebration of Triumph and Community
Eighteen-year-old Fernando Cifuentes, the newly crowned Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile at the Palacio de La Moneda. Joined by nine fellow Chilean competitors, Cifuentes enjoyed a meal and photo opportunity with President Boric, reflecting the nation's pride in their achievements at the World Championships. Government officials also extended their congratulations to the talented group.
President Boric highlighted the positive social impact of trading card games, emphasizing the collaborative spirit fostered within these competitive communities. Cifuentes' victory was further celebrated with a personalized framed card featuring him and his championship Pokémon, Iron Thorns. 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."
The President's appreciation for Pokémon is well-known; he publicly declared his fondness for Squirtle during his 2021 presidential campaign. This shared passion adds a unique dimension to Cifuentes' remarkable achievement.
Cifuentes' Path to Victory: A Dramatic Turn of Events
Cifuentes' journey wasn't without its challenges. A near-elimination in the Top 8 against Ian Robb took a surprising turn when Robb was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct. This unexpected twist propelled Cifuentes to the semifinals, where he ultimately triumphed over Jesse Parker and runner-up Seinosuke Shiokawa, securing the $50,000 prize.
Learn more about the 2024 Pokémon World Championships in our related article!
