"Chile's President Honors Pokémon TCG World Champion"

The Pokémon TCG World Champion was honored with a meeting with the President of Chile. Read on to learn more about their meeting and Cifuentes’ remarkable journey to the top.

From Pokémon TCG Champion to Having Breakfast with the President of Chile

A Historic Meeting at Palacio de La Moneda

At just 18 years old, Fernando Cifuentes, the reigning Pokémon TCG World Champion, was bestowed with a remarkable honor on Thursday when he and nine fellow Chilean competitors were invited to Palacio de La Moneda, the official residence of the President of Chile.

During their visit, the group enjoyed a warm reception at the presidential palace, where they shared a hearty meal with the President and participated in a lively photo session. The Chilean government expressed its utmost pride and admiration for the nine players who advanced to the second day of the competition. Esteemed government officials were also present to greet and congratulate the talented group.

In his Instagram post, President Boric highlighted the positive impact of trading card games on young people, noting that these communities foster a spirit of collaboration and friendship through competition.

In addition to the recognition, Cifuentes received a large, framed custom card featuring himself and Iron Thorns, the Pokémon he used to clinch the championship. The card's inscription, translated from Spanish, reads: "Fernando and Iron Thorns. Ability: World Champion. Fernando Cifuentes, hailing from Iquique, made history as the first Chilean to be crowned world champion during the Pokémon World Championships 2024 Masters Finals in Honolulu, Hawaii."

The President of Chile, a known Pokémon fan, is no stranger to the game. During his 2021 presidential campaign, he revealed his fondness for Squirtle. To celebrate his victory, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs presented him with a Squirtle and Pokéball plushie as a gesture of appreciation for his love of the Pokémon anime.

Cifuentes’ Near-Elimination and Subsequent Win

Cifuentes’ path to the top was fraught with challenges. He narrowly avoided elimination in 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 led to Cifuentes facing Jesse Parker in the semifinals. Despite the odds, Cifuentes triumphed, defeating Parker and runner-up Seinosuke Shiokawa to claim the $50,000 grand prize.

For more details on the 2024 Pokémon World Championship, check out our article below!