All 9 Champions in Pokémon, Ranked

Over its more than two decades of history, the Pokémon anime series has introduced some of the most impressive and talented trainers the world has ever seen. From the most powerful Gym Leaders of each region, who represent the first test for novice fighters, to the imposing and dangerous criminal teams that roam the planet, there is no shortage of incredibly skillful combatants looking to become the best of the best.

Even among the large number of amazing trainers that have been introduced in the anime, there are a select few that have demonstrated time and again why they are considered the best of the best: the Champions. While undeniable that every single one of the active Champions in the mainline Pokémon anime has more than earned their title, their performances across the franchise are a clear indication of the level of strength they hold, making it easy for fans to discern who is the strongest of them all.

9 Geeta

Paldea Champion

After Ash’s journey as the protagonist of the Pokémon anime ended 3 years ago, a new and exciting world needed to be explored to keep the franchise alive. The anime was transported to the Region of Paldea, which works quite differently to the ones fans grew accustomed to. The Champion of this land, a talented woman by the name Geeta, is not only among the strongest trainers, but she also fulfills an administrative role, making sure things run smoothly.

This heavy load of work, combined with the fact that those who manage to surpass the strong members of the Elite Four and challenge her are rarely ever enough of a threat for her to use her real team, gives her far less time to train. This results in Geeta feeling more like a powerful mentor for the heroes, but not an ultimate goal to defeat, which mirrors the lesser impact the members of her Elite Four had on the series.

8 Iris

Unova Champion

Better known for being one of Ash’s strongest companions throughout the anime, Iris’ journey as a trainer did not start with her as Unova’s Champion. When she first joined Ash, she was an aspiring fighter who dreamed of having a powerful team of Dragon-Type Pokémon. Through an outstanding effort and the will to keep going even when things got hard, Iris was able to quickly rise to the top, taking the spot of Champion from Alder.

Iris might be younger and less experienced than most other champions in the Pokémon franchise, but she is by no means weak. Her Pokémon are genuinely terrifying in combat, her imposing Haxorus in particular. She is one of the only few trainers who were able to push Ash past his limits, proving herself as an opponent who should never be underestimated. Lamentably, despite being one of, if not the, strongest trainers in Unova, her insufficient experience does play against her during important battles.

7 Steven Stone

Hoenn Champion

Even though champions are more often than not involved in important affairs that involve their regions, there is no one as active and willing to help Hoenn as Steven Stone. While his background as the son of one of the world’s most powerful men would make it easy for him to be arrogant and cruel, this could not be further from the truth.

Steven is a caring and adventurous man who made a name for himself as a trainer and archaeologist. Steven specializes in the study of evolutionary stones, particularly those used by the most powerful Mega Pokémon. His friendly personality does not prevent him from being a calculating and challenging opponent who works hand in hand with his trusted Metagross and other Steel-Type monsters to crush his adversaries.

6 Diantha

Kalos Champion

While being a Champion often involves being the defender of the region, some of those who hold this prestigious title also develop their careers in other ways. Diantha is not only the strongest trainer in the Kalos region, she's also a beloved movie star, whose elegance and poise made her a massive success across the world. This has made many fans over the years see her as a weak trainer who chose fame over power.

I reality, Diantha is by far one of the most skilled and underrated combatants in the series. Unlike most other champions, who tend to rely on raw power to win fights, her style is controlled and premeditated. Just like her signature Pokémon, Gardevoir, she prefers a more strategic approach, often using the opponent’s weaknesses against them before landing the final blow.

5 Lance

Kanto & Johto Champion

The first-ever Champion, and perhaps the most iconic, Lance is a proud fighter whose fierce spirit burns just as bright as the flames of his Dragon-Type Pokémon. Unlike his peers, who tend to allow themselves time to relax, the final and most difficult challenge for trainers in the Kanto region is always looking for ways to better himself.

Although still kind in his own way, Lance is direct, never holding back, whether in combat or while teaching a novice trainer about their weaknesses. If he is not trying to solve a crime or battling for the fate of the world, Pokémon’s original Dragon Tamer is often seen training with his Dragonite, one of the most powerful pseudo-legendaries in the franchise.

4 Cynthia

Sinnoh Champion

While the Pokémon anime series has no shortage of amazing and iconic girls who make the story that much more interesting, none of the strongest female trainers in the franchise reach the level of the fearsome Cynthia. Behind her charming and friendly attitude, with some people even looking up to her as a mentor or inspiration, hides one of the most feisty fighters in the series.

In battle, Cynthia allows herself to break away from her polished and elegant persona, setting free her most savage side. Alongside her Garchomp, the Champion of the Sinnoh region distinguishes herself by an aggressive and overwhelming fighting style that relies on tiring her opponents to beat them as quickly as possible. There's a reason why most fans consider the Champion who scares them the most, and she has worked hard to earn that title.

3 Red

Kanto Champion

There are only a few characters as iconic to the Pokémon franchise as the legendary Red,the protagonist of the original Red and Green games, as well as one of the strongest trainers in the franchise. His story is similar to that of most young trainers, setting off on a journey to become the best. In a matter of weeks, Red went from a novice to one of the most powerful fighters in the Kanto region, defeating Gym Leaders one after the other.

His most impressive feats come from the fact that he, albeit with the help of a few other trainers, dismantled the operations of Team Rocket, defeating their leader, who had not been defeated before. Shortly after, Red was able to defeat and capture Mewtwo, widely considered one of the strongest Legendary Pokémon of all time.

2 Leon

Galar Champion

Across the Galar region, all young and hopeful trainers dream about growing to become as strong as their Champion, the unbeatable Leon. A kind, prideful, and powerful man, this charming fighter gained the hearts of his entire region with his epic battles and fierce determination to never lose. For many years, he was considered the strongest trainer in the world, and with good reason, as he was Ash’s strongest ever opponent.

His battle style was elegant but strong, with each move carefully calculated to deal as much damage as possible without compromising his defense. Moreover, Leon was known for being the best Charizard trainer in history, with his imposing Fire-Type lizard reaching levels of power that could only be compared to those of Legendary Pokémon.

1 Ash Ketchum

World Champion

By far the most well-known and beloved trainer in the Pokémon anime, Ash Ketchum is someone who needs no introduction. Once an arrogant but kind novice from Pallet Town, this brave boy traveled the world with the only objective of becoming the best of the best. Ash fought against a long list of powerful rivals who pushed him to better himself after every fight. While his journey was not easy, as proven by the various League Challenges in which he fell short, he never gave up.

Ash's efforts were rewarded by the time he arrived in the Kalos region, during which he was the favorite to become Champion, although this dream would only become true in Alola. Later, during the World Coronation Series, Ash and his loyal Pikachu, arguably one of the most loved characters in the franchise, demonstrated their superiority in combat by defeating the world’s best trainers. It took over two decades, but the hero who inspired millions of children proved he was the very best there ever was.