Chilean Pokémon TCG World Champion Meets President Boric: A Celebration of Triumph and Community

Fernando Cifuentes, the 18-year-old Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile at Palacio de La Moneda. This remarkable event saw Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors enjoy a meal and photo opportunity with President Boric and other government officials. The government expressed immense pride in their achievement at the Pokémon World Championships 2024.

President Boric's Instagram post highlighted the positive influence of trading card games, emphasizing the collaborative spirit fostered within these competitive communities.

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 world champion at the Pokémon World Championships 2024 Masters Finals in Honolulu, Hawaii."

President Boric's Pokémon fandom adds a unique layer to this story. A known Squirtle enthusiast (a fact revealed during his 2021 presidential campaign), he even received a Squirtle plushie from the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs.

A Thrilling Path to Victory

Cifuentes' journey wasn't without its dramatic turns. A near-elimination in the Top 8 against Ian Robb (who was later disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct) led to an unexpected semi-final match against Jesse Parker. Cifuentes ultimately triumphed, defeating Parker and runner-up Seinosuke Shiokawa to claim the $50,000 prize.

Learn more about the 2024 Pokémon World Championships in our related article!