Top 10 Best Pokemon Champions
In the world of Pokémon, Champions are the ultimate trainers - the ones who've battled through the ranks, conquered the Elite Four, and emerged at the very top of the regional leagues.Each Champion has a unique style and strategy, making every battle feel personal and unforgettable. Whether they specialize in a specific type or have a lineup that covers all the bases, Champions are masters at using their Pokémon to challenge and surprise. Some Champions go down in history for their intense battles, the suspenseful showdowns, and sometimes even the inspiring messages they share about strength, determination, and friendship. They've earned respect not only from the characters within the games but from players around the world who often spend hours, sometimes even days, preparing to face them.
Cynthia is the Champion of the Sinnoh region known for her versatile and powerful team, especially her iconic Garchomp. She has consistently ranked as one of the most challenging Champions to defeat in various Pokémon games. Cynthia is better than all the other champions by a long shot. Prior to Gen 6, her first Pokémon had three immunities and no weaknesses. And then it gets worse - you have to face the onslaught of the rest of her team, including her Garchomp, who is arguably the best pseudo-legendary. Her team is well-balanced, covering any weaknesses her other Pokémon may have.
Is Garchomp 4x weak to Ice? Switch in Lucario. Lucario weak to Fighting? Switch in Roserade or Togekiss (in Platinum). Additionally, her Pokémon were at very high levels in the games she debuted in. Overall, Cynthia's team is what makes her a great champion, one that will not go down without a fight.
Red, often regarded as one of the strongest trainers in Pokémon lore, is the player character from the original games and later appears as a Champion on Mt. Silver in Pokémon Gold and Silver. He is known for his high-level team, including a powerful Pikachu. Red deserves to be above Steven and Cynthia. He is stronger and has caught a lot of Pokémon. But it's not just that - you never battle him in the Pokémon League. He just serves as a hidden final boss.
Red has caught all 152 Pokémon and has been to all the regions. He has also defeated Blue and forced Team Rocket to disband. He even has Mewtwo and Deoxys. Uhh, what does Cynthia have? A useless Togekiss? That's trash.
Of course, he's awesome, but does he really count as a champion?
Iris is the Champion of the Unova region in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, wielding a team that emphasizes Dragon-type Pokémon. She previously served as a Gym Leader in Opelucid City before advancing to the Champion position. Iris is the cheeriest champion ever. She is certainly the only champion who actually uses strategy instead of attacking right away. Well, except for Cynthia's Spiritomb (shudders).
Iris is so cheerful, adventurous, and energetic. What is with all the hate on Iris? Even if she says, "Such a little kid," that doesn't mean she is a bad character. It suddenly became her habit, but she laughs it off.
Don't forget, Haxorus is one of the Pokémon with a One-Hit KO move.
Iris is strong! Her Haxorus is killer, Lapras can sometimes be a challenge, and Hydreigon is evil!
Diantha is the Kalos region Champion and a skilled actress in the Pokémon world, specializing in Fairy-type and dual-type Pokémon, including her Mega Gardevoir. She is the final challenge players face in Pokémon X and Y. Diantha could have been one of the top three because she has a REALLY good strategy. I like how she was an actress, and no one expected her to be the champion. You can only meet her twice or three times in X/Y.
You might say, "She is the last person you'd expect to be the champion because she is an actress." Well, think again!
She's really cool and has a good design. She can also be pretty tough, unless you have over-leveled Pokémon (like me).
Wallace is the Champion of the Hoenn region in Pokémon Emerald, specializing in Water-type Pokémon, including his Milotic, and also serves as the Sootopolis City Gym Leader in other games. His role shifts between Champion and Gym Leader across different versions of the Hoenn story. Champion Wallace has a balanced Water-type team, protecting his Pokémon from Electric and Grass weaknesses. His memorable Pokémon are Ludicolo, Gyarados, and especially his beautiful and stressful Milotic - a deserving champion for the water lovers.
Elegant and strong, a combination that can ruin your team! But of course, I can beat him alone.
Lance, known as the master of Dragon-type Pokémon, is the Champion in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal and also serves as an Elite Four member in other games. He plays a major role in several regions and stories, known for his signature Dragonite. Lance may be easy to prepare for and battle, but three Dragonites are amazing. Plus, his theme is epic.
Lance is the Dragon Master, the strongest type in Pokémon.
In Let's Go, he had four Flying-type Pokémon, and I think he only had two or three Dragons.
Blue, also known as Gary Oak in the anime, is the first Champion that players face in the original Pokémon Red and Blue games, with a balanced and adaptive team. He later becomes the Viridian City Gym Leader in Gold, Silver, and their remakes. He had a well-balanced team, and being your rival, it was so fun to destroy him.
Alder is the original Champion of the Unova region in Pokémon Black and White, known for his diverse team and leadership qualities. He later mentors the player and other trainers in the Unova storyline.
Leon is the undefeated Champion of the Galar region in Pokémon Sword and Shield, renowned for his powerful Charizard and strategic skills. He is a charismatic figure and mentor to rising trainers, including the player. Everything about this man makes him the best. From the way he is almost overjoyed when someone finally beats him after almost a decade to the little details like how the Hall of Fame theme is in his battle theme. All around, a real champion guy.
Like, damn, his Dragapult kept killing my Pokémon. Charizard was too easy to defeat because I had a Vaporeon, but before I got to Charizard - damn, his Pokémon.
Ash Ketchum, the protagonist of the Pokémon anime, achieved Champion status in the Alola region after defeating Kukui in the Alola League. His victory marked the first time he officially became a regional Champion in the series. Ash will be Champion of Pokémon Sun and Moon. The author is not letting Ash be Champion because Ash's goal is to be a Pokémon Champion. If Ash becomes a Champion, then Pokémon is over. Ash can use his ultimate team for the championship.
Technically, he is a champion for the Orange League. I don't think he will win any other league, but he deserves to, in my opinion.
Ash should be 1st. His Pikachu could beat anything!
The Newcomers
N is a unique character who temporarily takes on the Champion role in the Unova region in Pokémon Black and White, using a team based on the player's chosen version mascot, Zekrom or Reshiram. As the leader of Team Plasma, his views on Pokémon-human relationships influence his character arc. I didn't really know where to put him at first because he just seemed like he would be a spoiled brat. But my god, do I like his character. He looks so collected and ready to win at the same time. Furthermore, I really like that he uses the box legendary and both fossil Pokémon.
Solid character and a nice battle, so you can't really go wrong with him. 7/10 would subscribe to his OnlyFans.
Steven is the Champion of the Hoenn region in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and their remakes, specializing in Steel-type Pokémon and noted for his strong Metagross. Known as an avid collector of rare stones, he appears throughout the game to assist the player. Somehow, Gen 3 was my introduction to Pokémon, so Steven was basically my first champion. Overall, I remember that I enjoyed the fight since it was balanced, in my opinion. Also, to this day, Metagross gives me PTSD. Looking back, he's still one of the more solid champions.
8/10 would fight him again if I had the time.
Bro, my boy Steven deserves so much more love. He uses a shiny Mega Metagross and is a gentleman through and through. What is not to love about his perfect face and personality?
Mustard is a former Champion of the Galar region and the mentor at the Isle of Armor dojo in the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass, known for his Fighting-type expertise. His experience as a Champion and trainer is demonstrated through his skilled Kubfu training methods.