Champion Celebrated for Pokémon TCG Mastery

Chilean Pokémon TCG World Champion Meets President Boric: A Celebration of Skill and Sportsmanship

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. Joined by nine fellow Chilean competitors, Cifuentes and his team enjoyed a meal and photo opportunity with President Boric, reflecting the nation's pride in their achievements at the World Championships. Government officials also extended their congratulations to the talented group.

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

Cifuentes' victory was further commemorated with a personalized framed card featuring him and his championship Pokémon, Iron Thorns. The card's 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." President Boric's own Pokémon fandom adds a delightful layer to this celebration; his well-known appreciation for Squirtle underscores the game's broad appeal.

Cifuentes' Journey to Victory: A Thrilling Upset

Cifuentes' path to victory was anything but predictable. A near-elimination in the Top 8 against Ian Robb, followed by Robb's disqualification for unsportsmanlike conduct, propelled Cifuentes into an unexpected semifinal match against Jesse Parker. Overcoming this challenge, he ultimately triumphed over Parker and runner-up Seinosuke Shiokawa, securing the $50,000 grand prize.

For a complete recap of the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, explore our related article.