Eighteen-year-old Fernando Cifuentes, the reigning Pokémon TCG World Champion, received an extraordinary honor: a meeting with the President of Chile. This article details Cifuentes' remarkable achievement and his visit to Palacio de La Moneda.
A Presidential Reception at Palacio de La Moneda
Cifuentes and nine fellow Chilean competitors were invited to the presidential palace for a warm reception, including a meal with President Boric and a group photograph. The Chilean government expressed immense pride in their accomplishments, with several high-ranking officials joining the President in congratulating the players. President Boric’s Instagram post highlighted the positive social impact of trading card games, emphasizing their role in fostering collaboration and friendship.
A Commemorative Card and Presidential Pokémon Fandom
Cifuentes received a framed custom card featuring himself and Iron Thorns, his championship Pokémon. The card's inscription states: "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 appreciation for Pokémon is well-known; he previously declared Squirtle as his favorite Pokémon during his 2021 presidential campaign.
Cifuentes' Unexpected Path to Victory
Cifuentes' journey wasn't without challenges. He narrowly escaped elimination in the Top 8 after his opponent, Ian Robb, was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct. This led to an unexpected semifinal match against Jesse Parker, which Cifuentes won, ultimately securing the $50,000 prize and defeating runner-up Seinosuke Shiokawa.
For further information on the 2024 Pokémon World Championships, please see our related article.
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