The Pokémon TCG World Champion was honored with a meeting with the President of Chile. Read on to learn more about their meeting and Cifuentes’ remarkable journey to the top.
From Pokémon TCG Champion to Having Breakfast with the President of Chile
A Historic Meeting at Palacio de La Moneda
At just 18-years old, Fernando Cifuentes, the reigning Pokémon TCG World Champion, was bestowed with a remarkable honor on Thursday when he and nine fellow Chilean competitors were invited to Palacio de La Moneda, the official residence of the President of Chile.
During their visit, the group had a warm reception at the presidential palace, enjoying a hearty meal with the President and participating in a lively photo session. The Chilean government also expressed its utmost pride and admiration for the nine players who had advanced to the second day of the competition. In addition to the President, other esteemed government officials were present to greet and congratulate the talented group.
In his Instagram post, President Boric emphasized the positive impact of trading card games on young people, noting that these communities foster a spirit of collaboration and friendship through competition.
In addition to the recognition, Cifuentes received a large, framed custom card featuring himself and Iron Thorns, the Pokémon he used to clinch the championship. The card's inscription, translated from Spanish, reads: "Fernando and Iron Thorns. Ability: World Champion. Fernando Cifuentes, hailing from Iquique, made history as the first Chilean to be crowned world champion during the Pokémon World Championships 2024 Masters Finals in Honolulu, Hawaii."
It's no surprise that the President of Chile is familiar with Iron Thorns. He himself is a big Pokémon fan. During his 2021 presidential campaign, when asked about his favorite Pokémon , he revealed his fondness for Squirtle. To celebrate his victory, the Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs presented him with a Squirtle and Pokéball plushie as a gesture of appreciation for his love of the Pokémon anime.
Cifuentes’ Near-Elimination and Subsequent Win
Cifuentes’ road to the top wasn’t without its hiccups, however. He narrowly avoided elimination in the Top 8 match against Ian Robb. Robb won the match but was disqualified for unsportsmanlike conduct—making an inappropriate gesture on camera. This shocking turn of events led to Cifuentes unexpectedly facing Jesse Parker in the semifinals. Despite this, Cifuentes prevailed, defeating Parker and runner-up Seinosuke Shiokawa to win the $50,000 grand prize.
For more details on the 2024 Pokémon World Championship, check out our article below!
Regardless, a win is a win, and Cifuentes meeting the President of Chile is a significant victory for trading card games and gaming as a whole. The days of games being dismissed as mere hobbies for the young are long gone. They are now widely recognized by various institutions as a cultural cornerstone, especially with the inclusion of eSports in the Olympics.
Source:
Chilean President Gabriel Boric’s Post on Instagram
CNN Chile’s "It was no coincidence: Why was Gabrielf Boric given a Squirtle?"
