Summary
The winner of thePokemon TCGWorld Championships 2024 was invited to meet with the President of Chile. The impressive acknowledgment highlights thePokemon TCGChampion’s win and how big a dealPokemonand gaming in general have become in the public eye.
The Pokemon World Championshipswas held recently, and Fernando Cifuentes took home the grand prize for thePokemon TCGMasters competition. While the competition wasn’t without its hiccups and controversy, the winner has received praise from fellow competitors and ended up bringing home a $30,000 USD prize.
Fernando Cifuentes hails from Chile, and accordingly, his country’s President invited him to the Presidential Palace La Moneda for a photoshoot, breakfast, and for the President to offer his congratulations in-person. The government also invited the nine Chilean players who made it to the second day of competition. Photos shared from the experience show Cifuentes and his fellow competitors meeting the President and a number of officials, including the Minister General Secretariat and Minster of Foreign Affairs.
This is quite an honor to be given to anyone, let alone aPokemon TCGchampion. While fans of the game know how intense it can be at high levels of competitive play, it wasn’t all that long ago that video games and tabletop games were largely frowned upon by many adults in general, let alone governmental officials. However, the world has changed. More people are playing games than ever, and eSports and competitions like these have become a big deal, not only for the skill involved but for the prizes the competitors bring home. Gaming has become such a mainstay in culture thateSports even have a place in the Olympicsnow.
Pokemon TCG Player’s Path to Champion Wasn’t Smooth
While this encounter has likely thrilled the 18-year-old, the experience almost didn’t happen. Initially, Cifuentes lost against Ian Robb for the right to move on to the semi-finals of the Masters bracket. However,Ian Robb was immediately disqualifiedfrom the competition following his win, as he seemingly performed an obscene gesture on-camera while celebrating. As a result, Cifuentes was allowed to take his spot and proceed, and the player ended up bringing home the grand prize.
Cifuentes has proven himself as being an incredible competitor. As he’s only 18 years old, it will be interesting to see if he continuesplayingPokemon TCGand advancing his career, or moves on to something else. Another match-up between Cifuentes and Robb, for example, would be interesting to watch.
Pokemon TCG
Pokemon TCG (Trading Card Game) is a collectible and strategy based card game based on Nintendo’s Pokemon franchise. Two players face off against one another, battling one Pokemon at a time and attempting to knock them out to claim one of six prize cards. The cards have also become highly collectible with some in particular selling for thousands of dollars.
