Fernando Cifuentes, the TCG Master Division world champion (alongside other competitors from Chile) got an official reception with the Chilean president Gabriel Boric alongside other officials including the Japanese ambassador to Chile Ito Takako:
This is probably due to Fernando being the first Pokémon world champion from Chile, but definitely also due to Gabriel Boric famously being a Pokémon fan himself. During his election campaign he was asked what his favorite starter was and replied “Squirtle always” and then after he got elected he was presented with a Squirtle plush during the first official visit by a Japanese delegation
I believe that’s a first and truly shows how far Pokémon has come, since the generation that originally grew up with it can now hold official positions.
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This is so cool thanks for sharing! Also their president being a fan of pokemon is surreal!
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“Pokémon Latam” response to the official reception (Twitter):
“Play Pokémon” response to the official reception (Twitter):
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Close-up of the custom card Fernando got at the event, so cool!
Fun fact - He is the first Pokémon World Champion from Chile in any game or age division! 


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This is so wholesome. He will surely remember this forever.
Thank you for ruining this moment!
Gonna translate this card to English because it’s extremely cool:
Fernando & Iron Thorns (
)
HP: 230
BASIC POKÉMON
Ability: World Champion
Fernando Cifuentes native from Iquique, made history and proclaimed himself as the first chilean in being World Champion of “Masters Finals” of Pokémon World Championships 2024 (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Volt Twister (140)
Weakness:
x2
Resistance: None
Retreat:

Card Number: J01/001
Mark: C
I couldn’t identify the illustrator … it’s too blurry …
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