Chilean President Recognizes Pokémon TCG Champion

Eighteen-year-old Fernando Cifuentes, the reigning Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile at Palacio de La Moneda. This momentous occasion saw Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors welcomed with a celebratory meal and photograph session. The Chilean government publicly lauded their achievements, highlighting the players' success in reaching the second day of the competition. President Boric himself, a known Pokémon fan (his favorite is Squirtle!), praised the positive community and collaborative spirit fostered by trading card games. The President's recognition extended beyond a simple meeting; Cifuentes received a custom-framed card commemorating his victory with his championship Pokémon, Iron Thorns. The card's inscription proudly proclaims Cifuentes' historic win as the first Chilean World Champion in the Pokémon World Championships 2024 Masters Finals in Honolulu.

Cifuentes' journey wasn't without its challenges. A near-elimination in the Top 8 due to his opponent's disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct led to an unexpected semifinal match against Jesse Parker. Despite this setback, Cifuentes triumphed, ultimately defeating Parker and runner-up Seinosuke Shiokawa to secure the $50,000 prize. His remarkable story underscores the dedication and skill required to reach the pinnacle of competitive Pokémon TCG.

[Image: Fernando Cifuentes with President Boric and other officials at Palacio de La Moneda] [Image: Cifuentes' custom commemorative card featuring Iron Thorns] [Video Embed: Highlights from Cifuentes' World Championship run]

Further details on the 2024 Pokémon World Championships can be found in a related article.