Fernando Cifuentes, the 18-year-old Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile. This article details his remarkable journey and the presidential reception.

A Presidential Breakfast and Celebration at Palacio de La Moneda

On Thursday, Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors were invited to Palacio de La Moneda, the presidential palace. They enjoyed a meal with the President and a celebratory photo opportunity. The Chilean government lauded their achievements, particularly their advancement to the second day of the World Championships. High-ranking officials joined the President in congratulating the players.

President Boric's Instagram post highlighted the positive community aspects of trading card games, emphasizing the collaborative spirit fostered through competition.

Cifuentes received a commemorative framed card featuring himself and Iron Thorns, the Pokémon instrumental in his victory. The card's inscription reads: "Fernando and Iron Thorns. Ability: World Champion. Fernando Cifuentes, from Iquique, made history as the first Chilean world champion at the 2024 Pokémon World Championships Masters Finals in Honolulu, Hawaii."

President Boric's familiarity with Iron Thorns is unsurprising, given his known love of Pokémon. During his 2021 presidential campaign, he cited Squirtle as his favorite Pokémon. Following Cifuentes' win, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs presented him with a Squirtle and Pokéball plush.

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 unexpected turn led to a semifinal match against Jesse Parker, which Cifuentes won, ultimately defeating Seinosuke Shiokawa to claim the $50,000 prize.

For more information on the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, see our related article.