TCG World Champion Receives Presidential Honor in Chile

Chilean President Honors Pokémon TCG World Champion

Fernando Cifuentes, the 18-year-old Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile. This momentous occasion took place at Palacio de La Moneda, the presidential palace, where Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors were welcomed with a celebratory meal and a group photograph with President Boric. Government officials joined in congratulating the talented group, highlighting their achievements at the World Championships.

President Boric, himself a Pokémon enthusiast (a Squirtle fan, to be precise!), lauded the positive impact of trading card games on youth, emphasizing the camaraderie and sportsmanship they foster. Cifuentes received a personalized framed card commemorating his victory, featuring himself and his championship Pokémon, Iron Thorns. The card 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."

Cifuentes' Path to Victory: A Near Miss

Cifuentes' journey to the $50,000 grand prize was dramatic. He narrowly escaped elimination in the Top 8, benefiting from Ian Robb's disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct. This unexpected turn of events propelled him to the semifinals against Jesse Parker, whom he defeated, ultimately triumphing over runner-up Seinosuke Shiokawa.

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