Pokémon Champion: Difference between revisions

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[[File:Champion Room B2W2.png|frame|The Champion's Room in [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2]], where Trainers may defeat the Champion and win the Pokémon League]]
[[File:Sword Shield Leon and Charizard artwork.png|thumb|200px|Artwork of [[Galar]] Champion [[Leon]] from {{g|Sword and Shield}}]]
A '''Pokémon League Champion''' (Japanese: '''リーグ{{tt|優勝者|ゆうしょうしゃ}}''' ''League Champion''), normally referred to as simply '''Champion''' or '''Pokémon Champion''' (Japanese: '''チャンピオン''' ''Champion''), is the highest known level of rank for a [[Pokémon Trainer]]. The title is also colloquially referred to as '''League Champ''' (Japanese: '''ポケモン リーグの ちょうてん''' ''Pokémon League's Greatest'').
A '''Pokémon League Champion''' (Japanese: '''リーグ{{tt|優勝者|ゆうしょうしゃ}}''' ''League Champion''), normally referred to as simply '''Champion''' or '''Pokémon Champion''' (Japanese: '''チャンピオン''' ''Champion''), is the highest known level of rank for a [[Pokémon Trainer]]. The title is also colloquially referred to as '''League Champ''' (Japanese: '''ポケモン リーグの ちょうてん''' ''Pokémon League's Greatest'').


It usually refers to a Trainer who has completed a [[Pokémon League]] by collecting all the necessary [[Badge]]s, and either winning a regional Pokémon tournament or defeating the [[Elite Four]] and the previous Champion (if there is one). [[Kanto]] and [[Johto]] share a Champion, while other regions have their own. If a Champion is defeated, they must relinquish their title to the victor; however, the victor can refuse the title, as [[N]] did in {{game|Black and White|s}}.
It usually refers to a Trainer who has completed a [[Pokémon League]] by collecting all the necessary [[Badge]]s, and either winning a regional Pokémon tournament or defeating the [[Elite Four]] and the previous Champion (if there is one). [[Kanto]] and [[Johto]] share a Champion, while other regions have their own. If a Champion is defeated, they must relinquish their title to the victor; however, the victor can refuse the title, as [[N]] did in {{game|Black and White|s}}. [[Paldea]] is the only exception to this, as Champion is a permanent honorary title in the region.


In [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]], the player as Champion can defend the title against challengers.
Starting in [[Generation VII]], the {{player}}, as Champion, can defend the title against challengers.


==In the games==
==In the core series games==
Champion is a [[Trainer class]] that first debuted in the [[Generation I]] {{pkmn|games}}. It is the title held by the Trainer who last defeated the [[Elite Four]] and the previous Pokémon Champion. Each Champion is always stronger than the Elite Four members and most other Trainers, and has a party of six Pokémon to test their opponents' strength. Like Elite Four members, they employ the use of strong healing items. To challenge the Champion, Trainers must defeat all four Elite Four members without leaving the Pokémon League area, and cannot access the Pokémon League [[Pokémon Center]] and [[Poké Mart]] until after defeating the Champion or losing at any point during the challenge. If a challenger is defeated by the Champion, just like the Elite Four, they must start over.
[[File:Pokémon League Champion chamber SM.png|thumb|250px|The Champion's chamber in [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]], where [[Professor Kukui]] challenges the {{player}} to test their worth as [[Alola]]'s first Champion.]]
Champion is a {{DL|Pokémon Trainer|Trainer class}} that first debuted in the [[Generation I]] {{pkmn|games}}. It is the title held by the last Trainer who defeated the [[Elite Four]] and the previous Pokémon Champion. Each Champion is always stronger than the Elite Four members and most other Trainers, and has a party of six Pokémon to test their opponents' strength. Like Elite Four members, they employ the use of strong healing items.  


Since in every [[core series]] game the player goes on to defeat the standing Champion, every [[player character]] is considered a Champion and subsequently entered into the [[Hall of Fame]], along with the player's [[party]]. However, for players, becoming the Champion is mostly a symbolic honor, as they are unable to battle challengers or take up any other league duties. In addition, the former Champion will still remain at the [[Pokémon League]], retaining the title of Pokémon Champion at least in newer generations (in Generations {{gen|I}} and {{gen|III}}, {{ga|Blue}} [[Blue (game)#Indigo Plateau|clearly]] [[Blue (game)#Indigo Plateau 2|stated]] his reign was over). The player may battle the Elite Four and the former Champion as many times as they like, and on each success will be re-entered into the Hall of Fame with whatever team was used in that challenge.
In most regions, to challenge the Champion, Trainers must defeat all four Elite Four members without leaving the Pokémon League area, and cannot access the Pokémon League [[Pokémon Center]] and [[Poké Mart]] until after defeating the Champion or losing at any point during the challenge. If a challenger is defeated by the Champion, just like the Elite Four, they must start over. In [[Galar]], there is no Elite Four; instead, the Trainer who wins the [[Galar League|Champion Cup]] at the end of each Gym Challenge earns the right to challenge the Champion. At [[Blueberry Academy]], Trainers must defeat all four Elite Four members in order to challenge the Champion, but they can leave the area freely at any point during their challenge. In both of these cases, if the player is defeated by the Champion, they only have to redo the Champion battle.


In {{2v2|Black|White}}, Cynthia tells the player that once every few years, the Champions from all the regions come together and battle to find the strongest among them. In the [[Pokémon World Tournament]] in {{2v2|Black|White|2}}, which takes place 2 years later, all the Champions the player battles in previous games participate in the [[Champions Tournament]]. This tournament does not include player characters, with the exception of {{ga|Red}}.
Since in the vast majority of [[core series]] games the player goes on to defeat the standing Champion, most [[player character]]s are considered Champions and subsequently entered into the [[Hall of Fame]], along with their [[party]]. However, for players in games prior to [[Generation VII]], becoming the Champion is mostly a symbolic honor, as they are unable to battle challengers or take up any other league duties; the former Champion will still remain at the [[Pokémon League]], retaining the Trainer class Champion (in Generations {{gen|I}} and {{gen|III}}, {{ga|Blue}} clearly states his reign is over; in the [[Delta Episode]], [[Zinnia]] teases {{Steven}} that he is the former Champion). In games prior to [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]], the player may battle the Elite Four and the former Champion an indefinite number of times, and on each success will be re-entered into the Hall of Fame with whatever team was used in that challenge. In [[Alola]], the player may still battle the Elite Four an indefinite number of times, but this is followed by a battle against a challenger rather than the former Champion. In [[Galar]], the player can host [[Wyndon Stadium/Champion tournaments|Champion tournaments]], facing three Trainers per tournament; these can be repeated indefinitely.


In {{pkmn|Sun and Moon}}, the {{al|Pokémon League}} of [[Alola]], having just been established, has no Champion. Instead, [[Professor Kukui]], its founder, stands in as the final obstacle the player must overcome before becoming the league's first Champion. In another first for the series, the player can receive challenges from non-player characters, and can [[Pokémon League (Alola)/Title Defense|defend their title]]. The player is allowed to keep the nominal title of Champion if defeated.  
In {{2v2|Black|White}}, Cynthia tells the player that once every few years, the Champions from all the regions come together and battle to find the strongest among them. In the [[Pokémon World Tournament]] in {{2v2|Black|White|2}}, which takes place two years later, all the Champions the player battles in previous games participate in the [[Champions Tournament]]. This tournament does not include player characters, with the exception of {{ga|Red}}.
 
In {{pkmn|Sun and Moon|Sun, Moon}}, {{pkmn|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon}}, the {{al|Pokémon League}} of Alola, having just been established, has no Champion. Instead, Professor Kukui (the league's founder){{sup/7|SM}} or Hau (the player's rival){{sup/7|USUM}}, stands in as the final obstacle the player must overcome before becoming the league's first Champion. In another first for the series, the player can [[Pokémon League (Alola)/Title Defense|defend their title]] against challenges from non-player characters. The player keeps the nominal title of Champion even if defeated. Similarly, in [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]], {{ga|Trace}} is the Champion of the Indigo League at first, but loses his title to the player. After defeating Lance in a [[rematch]], Trace will challenge the player as a normal Pokémon Trainer in an attempt to retake the title. In [[Pokémon Sword and Shield]], the player character can host post-game [[Wyndon Stadium/Champion tournaments|Champion tournaments]], with one of the possible challengers being [[Leon]].
 
In Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, [[Professor Oak]] reveals that originally, Trainers who defeated the Elite Four were recorded as Champions, but now Champions were going to be established as a part of the Pokémon League challenge, meaning that now a Trainer can only become a Champion by defeating the Elite Four ''and'' the current Champion. In the same games, [[Brock]] also reveals that [[Gym Leader]]s have the right to directly challenge a Champion.
 
In [[Paldea]], the title of Champion is not a title given to one Trainer, but rather a rank bequeathed to all Trainers who pass the Champion Assessment at the {{pal|Pokémon League}} headquarters after obtaining their eight regional [[Badge|Gym Badges]]. [[Geeta]], the chairwoman of Paldea's Pokémon League, is considered the Top Champion, the strongest of the region's Champion-ranked Trainers. She stands as the final obstacle for Trainers wishing to complete the Champion Assessment. Because of the way the Champion Rank works, Paldean Champions maintain their title even when defeated.
 
At [[Unova]]'s Blueberry Academy, the position of {{DL|Blueberry Academy|BB League}} Champion is held by the strongest student in the school. Due to the structure of the BB League, once the current Champion has been defeated, they are demoted to being the top member of the {{tc|BB League Elite Four}}, while the lowest-ranked member of the Elite Four loses their position. When the player claims this Champion title, though, the defeated Champion, [[Kieran]], withdraws from the League entirely, retaining the current structure of the Elite Four.


Known non-player Champions in the games:
Known non-player Champions in the games:


{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #88a; border: 5px solid #88a"
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
|-
|-
! colspan = "3" style="background:#{{kanto color light}}; color:#{{kanto color dark}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Indigo League}}/{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Johto League}}
! colspan="4" style="background:#{{kanto color light}}; color:#{{kanto color dark}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Indigo League}}/{{color2|{{johto color dark}}|Johto League}}
! colspan = "2" style="background:#{{hoenn color light}}" | {{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Hoenn League}}
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{hoenn color light}}" | {{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Hoenn League}}
! rowspan = "2" style="background:#{{sinnoh color light}}" | {{color2|{{sinnoh color dark}}|Sinnoh League}}
! colspan="1" style="background:#{{sinnoh color light}}" | {{color2|{{sinnoh color dark}}|Sinnoh League}}
! colspan = "2" style="background:#{{unova color light}}" | {{color2|{{unova color dark}}|Unova League}}
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{unova color light}}; color:#{{unova color dark}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | {{color2|{{unova color dark}}|Unova League}}
! rowspan = "2" style="background:#{{kalos color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | {{color2|{{kalos color dark}}|Kalos League}}
|- style="background:#fff"
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="background:#{{kanto color light}}" | <small>{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Generation I|Gen I}}{{color|{{kanto color dark}}| and }}{{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Generation III|III}}</small>
| {{Gameabbrev1|RGBY}}{{Gameabbrev3|FRLG}}
| style="background:#{{johto color light}}" | <small>{{color2|{{johto color dark}}|Generation II|Gen II}}{{color|{{johto color dark}}| and }}{{color2|{{johto color dark}}|Generation IV|IV}}</small>
| {{Gameabbrev7|PE}}
| style="background:#{{johto color light}}" | <small>{{color2|{{johto color dark}}|Generation II|Gen II}}{{color|{{johto color dark}}| and }}{{color2|{{johto color dark}}|Generation IV|IV}}{{tt2|*|As the former Champion of the Kanto region|{{johto color dark}}}}</small>
| colspan=2 | {{Gameabbrev2|GSC}}{{Gameabbrev4|HGSS}}
| style="background:#{{hoenn color light}}" | <small>{{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|Ruby and Sapphire}}<br>{{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Omega Ruby and<br>Alpha Sapphire}}</small>
| {{Gameabbrev3|RS}}{{Gameabbrev6|ORAS}}
| style="background:#{{hoenn color light}}" | <small>{{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Pokémon Emerald Version|Emerald}}</small>
| {{Gameabbrev3|E}}
| style="background:#{{unova color light}}" | <small>{{color2|{{unova color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions|Black and White}}</small>
| colspan=1 | {{Gameabbrev4|DPPt}}{{gameabbrev8|BDSP}}
| style="background:#{{unova color light}}" | <small>{{color2|{{unova color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Black 2 and White 2}}</small>
| {{Gameabbrev5|BW}}
| {{Gameabbrev5|B2W2}}
|- style="background:#fff"
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Blue (game)|Blue}}
| {{color2|000|Blue (game)|Blue}}
| {{color2|000|Lance|Lance}}
| {{color2|000|Trace (game)|Trace}}
| {{color2|000|Red (game)|Red}}
| {{color2|000|Lance}}
| {{color2|000|Red (game)|Red}}{{tt|*|As the former Champion of the Kanto region}}
| {{color2|000|Steven Stone|Steven}}
| {{color2|000|Steven Stone|Steven}}
| {{color2|000|Wallace|Wallace}}
| {{color2|000|Wallace}}
| {{color2|000|Cynthia|Cynthia}}
| {{color2|000|Cynthia}}
| {{color2|000|Alder|Alder}}
| {{color2|000|Alder}}
| {{color2|000|Iris|Iris}}
| {{color2|000|Iris}}
| {{color2|000|Diantha|Diantha}}
|- style="background:#fff"
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:FireRed LeafGreen Blue.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:FireRed LeafGreen Blue.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Lets Go Pikachu Eevee Trace.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:HeartGold SoulSilver Lance.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:HeartGold SoulSilver Lance.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:FireRed LeafGreen Red.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:FireRed LeafGreen Red.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Steven.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Steven.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Emerald Wallace.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Emerald Wallace.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Diamond Pearl Cynthia.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl Cynthia.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Black White Alder.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Black White Alder.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Black 2 White 2 Iris.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Black 2 White 2 Iris.png|150x150px]]
|-
| style="{{roundybl|5px}}; background:#{{unknown color}}" | {{color2|fff|Type|Various}}
| style="background:#{{unknown color}}" | {{color2|fff|Type|Various}}
| style="background:#{{dragon color}}" | {{color2|fff|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
| style="background:#{{unknown color}}" | {{color2|fff|Type|Various}}
| style="background:#{{steel color}}" | {{color2|fff|Steel (type)|Steel}}
| style="background:#{{water color}}" | {{color2|fff|Water (type)|Water}}
| style="background:#{{unknown color}}" | {{color2|fff|Type|Various}}
| style="background:#{{unknown color}}" | {{color2|fff|Type|Various}}
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}; background:#{{dragon color}}" | {{color2|fff|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
|}
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
|-
! style="background:#{{kalos color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color2|{{kalos color dark}}|Kalos League}}
! colspan="3" style="background:#{{galar color light}}" | {{color2|{{galar color dark}}|Galar League}}
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{paldea color light}}" | {{color2|{{paldea color dark}}|Paldea League}}
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{Indigo Disk color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | {{color2|{{Indigo Disk color dark}}|Blueberry Academy#BB League|BB League}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{Gameabbrev6|XY}}
| colspan=3 | {{Gameabbrev8|SwSh}}
| colspan=4 |  {{Gameabbrev9|SV}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Diantha}}
| {{color2|000|Leon}}
| {{color2|000|Mustard}}{{tt|*|As a former Champion of the Galar region}}
| {{color2|000|Peony}}{{tt|*|As a former Champion of the Galar region}}
| {{color2|000|Nemona}}
| {{color2|000|Geeta}}
| {{color2|000|Kieran}}
| {{color2|000|Drayton}}{{tt|*|As a former Champion of Blueberry Academy}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:XY Diantha.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:XY Diantha.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Sword Shield Leon.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Sword Shield Mustard.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Sword Shield Peony.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Scarlet Violet Nemona.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Scarlet Violet Geeta.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Mdl Kieran TID SV.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Scarlet Violet Drayton.png|150x150px]]
|-
| style="{{roundybl|5px}}; background:#{{unknown color}}" | {{color2|fff|Type|Various}}
| style="background:#{{unknown color}}" | {{color2|fff|Type|Various}}
| style="background:#{{unknown color}}" | {{color2|fff|Type|Various}}{{color|fff|{{tt|*|Specialized in Fighting types as a Gym Leader}}}}
| style="background:#{{steel color}}" | {{color2|fff|Steel (type)|Steel}}
| style="background:#{{unknown color}}" | {{color2|fff|Type|Various}}
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}; background:#{{unknown color}}" | {{color2|fff|Type|Various}}
| style="background:#{{unknown color}}" | {{color2|fff|Type|Various}}
| style="background:#{{dragon color}}" | {{color2|fff|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
|}
==In the spin-off games==
===Pokémon Trading Card Game series===
In {{vg|Pokémon Trading Card Game}}, after defeating the [[Grand Master]]s of the [[Pokémon Dome]], the last challenge they must face is their [[rival]], {{TCG GB|Ronald}}, who beat the Grand Masters before them and obtained the four [[Legendary Cards]]. The player must defeat him to become Champion and gain control of the Legendary Cards for themselves. In the championship duel, Ronald uses the {{TCG|Legendary Ronald Deck}}, which focuses around {{TCG|Fire Energy}}, {{tcg|Colorless}} Pokémon, and the Legendary {{TCG ID|Promotional Card|Moltres|P02}} and {{TCG ID|Pokémon Card GB|Dragonite|promo}} cards.
In [[Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!]], a direct sequel to the previous game, the player, as acting Champion, pursues [[Team Great Rocket]] after their Cards are stolen.
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
|-
! colspan=2 style="background:#{{Tcg Trainer color light}}; color:#{{Tcg Trainer color dark}}; {{roundytop|5px}}" | {{color2|{{Tcg Trainer color dark}}|TCG Island}}
|- style="background:#fff"
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | {{color2|000|Type|Various}}
! colspan=2 | {{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Trading Card Game (video game)|TCG}}
| {{color2|000|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Type|Various}}
| colspan=2 | {{color2|000|Ronald (TCG GB)|Ronald}}
| {{color2|000|Steel (type)|Steel}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Water (type)|Water}}
| colspan=2 | [[File:Ronald.png|150x150px]]
| {{color2|000|Type|Various}}
|-
| {{color2|000|Type|Various}}
| style="{{roundybl|5px}}; background:#{{tcg colorless color}}" | {{color2|000|Colorless (TCG)|Colorless}}
| {{color2|000|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}; background:#{{tcg fire color}}" | {{color2|fff|Fire (TCG)|Fire}}
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}" | {{color2|000|Type|Various}}
|}
 
===Pokkén Tournament===
In [[Pokkén Tournament]], Glenn is the League Champion of the {{DL|Ferrum|Ferrum League}} and the top Trainer in the Chroma League. His fighter is a {{p|Machamp}}. Defeating him unlocks the Iron League.
 
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background:#{{steel color}}; border: 4px solid #{{steel color}}" colspan=8 cellspacing="1" cellpadding="2"
|-
! style="background:#{{steel color}}" colspan="4" | {{color|{{steel color dark}}|Ferrum League}}
|-
! colspan="2" | {{color2|{{steel color dark}}|Pokkén Tournament}}
! style="background: #{{steel color}}" colspan="2" | {{color2|{{steel color dark}}|Region|Region:}} {{color2|{{steel color dark}}|Ferrum}}
|-
! style="background:#{{steel color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color|{{steel color dark}}|Trainer}}
! style="background:#{{steel color light}}" | {{color|{{steel color dark}}|League}}
! style="background:#{{steel color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | {{color|{{steel color dark}}|Pokémon}}
|- style="background:#{{black color light}}"
| [[File:Pokkén Glenn.png|120px]]<br><small>{{color|{{black color dark}}|League Champion}}</small><br>{{color|{{black color dark}}|Glenn}}<br><small>{{color|{{black color dark}}|グレン Glen}}</small>
| [[File:Pokkén Chroma League.png|80px]]<br><small>{{color|{{black color dark}}|Rank A}}</small><br>{{color|{{black color dark}}|Chroma League}}<br><small>{{color|{{black color dark}}|クロマリーグ<br>Chroma League}}</small>
| [[File:Pokkén Machamp.png|120px]]<br>{{pcolor|Machamp|{{black color dark}}}}
|}
 
===Pokémon Masters EX===
====Champions====
In [[Pokémon Masters EX]], Champions from the [[core series]] appear as playable characters. The player, [[Scottie]] or [[Bettie]], becomes the Champion of [[Pasio]] at the end of the game's main story by winning the [[Pokémon Masters League]]. {{mas|Red}} is the only character based on a core series [[player character]] to be a Champion, as it is unconfirmed if any of the other characters based on the player characters have won their respective region's [[Pokémon League|League]]. {{mas|Ash}} is the Champion of the [[Alola League]] in the [[Pokémon anime]] continuity, but isn't the official Champion of Alola in this game's continuity.
 
In the [[Champion Stadium]], the player can battle a Champion after defeating their region's [[Elite Four]]. In the Alola Challenge, {{mas|Kukui}} or {{mas|Hau}} will serve as the Champion of the region. In the Hoenn Challenge, {{mas|Wallace}} will sometimes replace {{mas|Steven}} as the Champion. {{mas|N}}, having defeated {{mas|Alder}} once, can be battled at Victory Road. {{mas|Leaf}}, who could become a Champion if she was picked as the player character, can also be battled at Victory Road.
 
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 4px solid #BABACC; background:#F3F3FF"
|- style="font-size: 95%; font-weight: bold"
| colspan=9 style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundytop|15px}}" | {{color2|{{orange color dark}}|Pokémon Masters EX|Masters EX}}
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{orange color light}}" | {{color2|{{orange color dark}}|Pokémon Masters League}}
! colspan="3" style="background:#{{kanto color light}}; color:#{{kanto color dark}} | {{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Indigo League}}/{{color2|{{johto color dark}}|Johto League}}
! colspan="1" style="background:#{{hoenn color light}}" | {{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Hoenn League}}
! colspan="1" style="background:#{{sinnoh color light}}" | {{color2|{{sinnoh color dark}}|Sinnoh League}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="background: #{{electric color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Scottie Masters model.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{electric color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Masters Bettie.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{flying color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Blue.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{fire color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Red Sygna.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{dragon color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Lance.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{steel color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Steven.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{ground color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Cynthia.png|x100px]]
|-
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Scottie}}{{tt|*|Only if the male player character is picked}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Bettie}}{{tt|*|Only if the female player character is picked}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Blue (Masters)|Blue}}{{tt|*|Succeeded by Red}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Red (Masters)|Red}}{{tt|*|Former Champion}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Lance (Masters)|Lance}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Steven (Masters)|Steven}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Cynthia (Masters)|Cynthia}}
|-
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{unova color light}}" color:#{{unova color dark}}| {{color2|{{unova color dark}}|Unova League}}
! colspan="1" style="background:#{{kalos color light}}" | {{color2|{{kalos color dark}}|Kalos League}}
! colspan="1" style="background:#{{alola color light}}" | {{color2|{{alola color dark}}|Alola League}}
! colspan="1" style="background:#{{galar color light}}" | {{color2|{{galar color dark}}|Galar League}}
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{paldea color light}}" color:#{{paldea color dark}}| {{color2|{{paldea color dark}}|Paldea League}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="background: #{{bug color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Alder.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{dragon color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Iris Champion.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{fairy color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Diantha.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{electric color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Ash.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{fire color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Leon.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{electric color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Nemona.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{poison color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Geeta.png|x100px]]
|-
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybl|15px}}" | {{color2|000|Alder (Masters)|Alder}}{{tt|*|Succeeded by Iris}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Iris (Masters)|Iris}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Diantha (Masters)|Diantha}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Ash (Masters)|Ash}}{{tt|*|Champion of the Alola League in his universe}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6; | {{color2|000|Leon (Masters)|Leon}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Nemona (Masters)|Nemona}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybr|15px}}" | {{color2|000|Geeta (Masters)|Geeta}}
|}
 
====Neo Champions====
In [[Neo Champions|a series of limited-time events]], Pokémon Masters EX introduced Neo Champions. A Neo Champion, as described by {{mas|Cynthia}}, is a title given to a Trainer who acts as an example of what everyone should measure up to. Any Trainer can earn the title of Neo Champion by participating in a Neo Champion Stadium tournament, the rules of which are established by the regional champion chosen as the head judge for that tournament. Winning the tournament does not guarantee that one receives the Neo Champion title, nor does losing the tournament prevent one from receiving the title of Neo Champion (such as Serena becoming a Neo Champion despite losing to Calem in the first Neo Champion tournament), as the title is awarded to any Trainer that meets the judging criteria established by the head judge.
 
{{mas|Calem}} and {{mas|Serena}} were the first set of Trainers to receive the title of Neo Champion. {{mas|Diantha}} was the head judge, and she awarded the title based on their "shine" as sync pairs.
 
{{mas|Hop}}, {{mas|Marnie}}, and {{mas|Bede}} were the second set of Trainers to receive the title of Neo Champion. {{mas|Leon}} was the head judge, and he awarded the title based on their passion for victory and determination to grow stronger together.
 
{{mas|Red}}, {{mas|Blue}}, and {{mas|Leaf}} were the third set of Trainers to receive the title of Neo Champion. {{mas|Lance}} was the head judge, and he awarded the title based on their exemplary leadership skills, as suggested by {{mas|Professor Oak}}.
 
{{mas|Nate}} and {{mas|Rosa}} were the fourth set of Trainers to receive the title of Neo Champion. {{mas|Iris}} was the head judge, and she awarded the title based on their ability to touch the hearts of others, with {{mas|Colress}} assisting her in making the choices.
 
{{mas|Silver}} was the sole winner of the fifth Neo Champion Stadium. {{mas|Geeta}} was the head judge, and she awarded the Neo Champion title based on a Trainer's "honed talent" by asking them to beat a Champion of their choice in a one-on-one battle.
 
{| style="margin:auto; text-align:center; {{roundy|20px}} border: 4px solid #BABACC; background:#F3F3FF"
|- style="font-size: 95%; font-weight: bold"
| colspan=11 style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundytop|15px}}" | {{color2|{{orange color dark}}|Pokémon Masters EX|Masters EX}}
|-
! colspan="11" style="background:#{{orange color light}}" | {{color2|{{orange color dark}}|Neo Champion Stadium}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="background: #{{dark color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Calem Champion.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{water color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Serena Champion.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{fighting color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Hop Champion.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{dark color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Marnie Champion.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{psychic color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Bede Champion.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{ice color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Red Champion.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{electric color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Blue Champion.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{fire color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Leaf Champion.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{dragon color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Nate Champion.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{psychic color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Rosa Champion.png|x100px]]
| style="background: #{{rock color}}; width:84px" | [[File:Spr Masters Silver Champion.png|x100px]]
|-
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybl|15px}}" | {{color2|000|Calem (Masters)|Calem}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Serena (Masters)|Serena}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Hop (Masters)|Hop}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Marnie (Masters)|Marnie}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Bede (Masters)|Bede}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Red (Masters)|Red}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Blue (Masters)|Blue}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Leaf (Masters)|Leaf}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Nate (Masters)|Nate}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6" | {{color2|000|Rosa (Masters)|Rosa}}
| style="background:#D1D1E6; {{roundybr|15px}}" | {{color2|000|Silver (Masters)|Silver}}
|}
|}


==In the anime==
==In the anime==
===In the main series===
===Main series===
In the [[Pokémon anime]], there can only be one regional Champion at a time, although the case of the less conventional [[Orange League]] is unclear. While {{pkmn|Trainer}}s can freely request a battle from the Champion, much more popular events are the [[Pokémon League Conference]]s, which can be entered by Trainers with at least eight [[Gym]] [[Badge]]s. The winner of these tournaments may enter the Champion League to face off the regional [[Elite Four]] members and, if successful, the League Champion. Most members of the {{DL|Elite Four|Sinnoh Elite Four}} have also been shown challenging [[Cynthia]] for the title.
[[File:Master Class Artwork JN.png|thumb|250px|The regional Champions (and [[Alain]]) from Kanto to Galar in the {{pkmn|anime}}]]
In the [[Pokémon anime]], there can only be one Pokémon Champion per [[region]] at a time. While [[Pokémon Trainer]]s can freely request an informal {{pkmn|battle}} from the Champion, much more popular events are the [[Pokémon League Conference]]s, which can normally be entered by Trainers with at least eight [[Gym]] [[Badge]]s. The winner of these tournaments may enter the {{DL|Pokémon League|Champion League}} to face off the regional [[Elite Four]] members and, if successful, the League Champion.
 
In [[Alola]], due to the Pokémon League being a new establishment, there was no reigning Champion for the majority of ''[[Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon]]'', and the winner of the region's first League Conference was directly declared the first Champion of Alola. In addition, due to the lack of Gyms in Alola, any willing Trainer is allowed to participate in its League Conference.
 
In the English dub, Orange League challengers who defeat the [[Orange Crew Supreme Gym Leader]] attain the title of Champion, but the Supreme Gym Leader is not displaced upon defeat. Winning Trainers earn the [[Winner's Trophy]] and are inducted into the [[Palace of Victory]], but do not have to carry out any specific tasks as Champions. In the original Japanese version, winners are instead given the title of (Japanese: '''{{tt|名誉|めいよ}}トレーナー''' ''Honored Trainer'').


So far, the only mentions of the Champion League have been in ''[[DP035|An Elite Meet and Greet!]]'', ''[[DP099|A Trainer and Child Reunion!]]'', ''[[BW031|Ash and Trip's Third Battle!]]'' and ''[[BW052|Ash Versus the Champion!]]''.
In addition to gathering eight Gym Badges, the [[Indigo Plateau Conference]] is known to accept Trainers passing the [[Pokémon League Admissions Exam]] and those graduating from [[Pokémon Tech]]. There are also smaller tournaments, such as the [[Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup]], where the winner gets to battle the League Champion straight away. [[Trip]] and {{OBP|Magnus|XY028}} were allowed to battle [[Alder]] and [[Diantha]], respectively, by winning such competitions.


In addition to gathering eight Gym Badges, the [[Indigo Plateau Conference]] is known to accept Trainers passing the [[EP056|Pokémon League Admissions Exam]] and those graduating from [[Pokémon Tech]]. There are also smaller tournaments, such as the [[Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup]], where the winner gets to battle the League Champion straight away. [[Trip]] and {{OBP|Magnus|XY028}} were allowed to battle [[Alder]] and [[Diantha]], respectively, by winning such competitions.
In ''[[Pokémon Journeys: The Series]]'', Champions from every region introduced at the time participated in the [[World Coronation Series]] to achieve the title of Monarch, with all known competitors having climbed to the Master Class. Although they still maintain their title of Champion, they start at the lowest rankings like any participant and need to rank up within the parameters of the competition. At the end of each season, the Master Class members compete in the [[Masters Eight Tournament]] to decide who'll hold the title of Monarch and be recognized as a World Champion.


Known Champions in the main series anime (including any previous ones):
In [[Paldea]], just like in the games, a Trainer who managed to complete the Champion Assessment receives the title of Champion. [[Nemona]] was the first character introduced in ''[[Pokémon Horizons: The Series]]'' to have accomplished this goal.


{| style="background: #{{kalos color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}; border: 3px solid #{{dragon color}}"
Known Champions in the main series (including any previous ones):
! Name
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
! League
|-
|- style="background: #FFF;"
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{OBP|Captain|EP095}}
! style="background:#{{kanto color light}}; color:#{{kanto color dark}} | {{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Indigo League}}/{{color2|{{johto color dark}}|Johto League}}
| [[Orange League]]
! style="background:#{{sinnoh color light}} | {{color2|{{sinnoh color dark}}|Sinnoh League}}
|- style="background: #FFF;"
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{hoenn color light}}" | {{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Hoenn League}}
| {{OBP|Drake|Orange League}}
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{unova color light}} | {{color2|{{unova color dark}}|Unova League}}
| [[Orange League]]
! style="background:#{{kalos color light}}" | {{color2|{{kalos color dark}}|Kalos League}}
|- style="background: #FFF;"
! style="background:#{{alola color light}}" | {{color2|{{alola color dark}}|Alola League}}
| [[Ash Ketchum]]
! colspan="1" style="background:#{{galar color light}}" | {{color2|{{galar color dark}}|Galar League}}
| [[Orange League]]
! colspan="1" style="background:#{{paldea color light}} | {{color2|{{paldea color dark}}|Paldea League}}
|- style="background: #FFF;"
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[Lance]]
| {{color2|000|Lance (anime)|Lance}}{{tt|*|Referred to as an Elite Four member in JN012}}
| [[Indigo League]]
| {{color2|000|Cynthia (anime)|Cynthia}}
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| {{color2|000|Wallace}}{{tt|*|Succeeded by Steven}}
| [[Steven Stone]]
| {{color2|000|Steven Stone (anime)|Steven}}
| [[Hoenn League]]
| {{color2|000|Alder}}{{tt|*|Succeeded by Iris}}
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| {{color2|000|Iris (anime)|Iris}}
| [[Cynthia]]
| {{color2|000|Diantha}}
| [[Sinnoh League]]
| {{color2|000|Ash Ketchum|Ash}}
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| {{color2|000|Leon (anime)|Leon}}
| [[Wallace]]
| {{color2|000|Nemona}}
| [[Hoenn League]]
|- style="background:#fff"
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| [[File:Lance JN.png|150x150px]]
| [[Alder]]
| [[File:Cynthia JN.png|150x150px]]
| [[Unova League]]
| [[File:Wallace anime.png|150x150px]]
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| [[File:Steven Stone JN 2.png|150x150px]]
| [[Diantha]]
| [[File:Alder anime.png|150x150px]]
| [[Kalos League]]
| [[File:Iris JN.png|150x150px]]
|}{{-}}
| [[File:Diantha JN.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Ash JN.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Leon anime JN.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Nemona anime 2.png|150x150px]]
|}
 
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{Pokémon color light}}" | {{color2|{{Pokémon color dark}}|World Coronation Series}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Leon (anime)|Leon}}{{tt|*|Succeeded by Ash}}
| {{color2|000|Ash Ketchum|Ash}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Leon anime JN.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Ash JN.png|150x150px]]
|}
A list of episodes in which a Champion (excluding Ash) appears can be found {{cat|Episodes in which a Champion appears|here}}.
 
===Pokémon Origins===
In this series, the system for defining the Champion of the region is identical to the method seen in the [[Generation I]] games. {{OBP|Red|Origins}} and {{OBP|Blue|Origins}} won eight [[Badge]]s, and therefore the right to battle the [[Elite Four]]. Blue defeated them first and became the Kanto Champion, after which he faced off against Red. In the end, Red defeated him and became the new Champion.


===In Pokémon Origins===
Known Champions in [[Pokémon Origins]]:
Known Champions in [[Pokémon Origins]]:
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{kanto color light}}; color:#{{kanto color dark}} | {{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Indigo League}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Blue (Origins)|Blue}}{{tt|*|Succeeded by Red}}
| {{color2|000|Red (Origins)|Red}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Blue PO.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Red PO.png|150x150px]]
|}


{| style="background: #{{kalos color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}; border: 3px solid #{{dragon color}}"
===Pokémon Generations===
! Name
Due to the format of the series, in [[Pokémon Generations]], the subject of Champions is not addressed. In ''[[PG03|The Challenger]]'', Blue became the Kanto Champion after defeating the Elite Four. In ''[[PG18|The Redemption]]'', {{ga|Calem}} was shown celebrating his newly acquired Champion status. Other characters who have become Champions of their regions also appear in the series.
! League
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| {{OBP|Blue|Origins}}
| [[Indigo League]]
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| {{OBP|Red|Origins}}
| [[Indigo League]]
|}{{-}}


===In Pokémon Generations===
Known Champions in [[Pokémon Generations]]:
Known Champions in [[Pokémon Generations]]:
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
! colspan="1" style="background:#{{kanto color light}}; color:#{{kanto color dark}} | {{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Indigo League}}
! colspan="1" style="background:#{{sinnoh color light}}; color:#{{sinnoh color dark}} | {{color2|{{sinnoh color dark}}|Sinnoh League}}
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{kalos color light}}; color:#{{kalos color dark}} | {{color2|{{kalos color dark}}|Kalos League}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Blue (game)|Blue}}
| {{color2|000|Cynthia}}
| {{color2|000|Diantha}}{{tt|*|Succeeded by Calem}}
| {{color2|000|Calem (game)|Calem}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Blue PG.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Cynthia PG.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Diantha PG.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Calem PG.png|150x150px]]
|}
===Pokémon: Twilight Wings===
[[Leon]] first appeared in ''[[TW01|Letter]]'', where he was seen defeating [[Bea]] in a Pokémon League battle, successfully defending his title.
In ''[[TW08|The Gathering of Stars]]'', Leon was revealed to have lost his title to {{ga|Victor}} or {{ga|Gloria}}, who was later invited to partake in the [[Galarian Star Tournament]]. The former Champions [[Mustard]] and [[Peony]] also appeared and were invited to the tournament as well.
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
! colspan="4" style="background:#{{galar color light}}; color:#{{galar color dark}} | {{color2|{{galar color dark}}|Galar League}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Mustard}}{{tt|*|Former Champion}}
| {{color2|000|Peony}}{{tt|*|Former Champion}}
| {{color2|000|Leon}}{{tt|*|Succeeded by Victor or Gloria}}
| {{color2|000|Victor (game)|Victor}} or {{color2|000|Gloria (game)|Gloria}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Mustard TW.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Peony TW.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Leon Twilight Wings.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Victor Gloria TW.png|150x150px]]
|}


{| style="background: #{{kalos color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}; border: 3px solid #{{dragon color}}"
===Pokémon Evolutions===
! Name
Several Champions appeared in this series. The most prominently featured one of them was [[Leon]], who served as the main character of the [[Galar]]-focused episode.
! League
 
|- style="background: #FFF;"
Known Champions in [[Pokémon Evolutions]]:
| {{ga|Blue}}
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
| [[Indigo League]]
|-
<!--|- style="background: #FFF;"
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{ga|Red}}
! colspan="1" style="background:#{{galar color light}}; color:#{{galar color dark}} | {{color2|{{galar color dark}}|Galar League}}
| [[Indigo League]]-->
! colspan="1" style="background:#{{kalos color light}}; color:#{{kalos color dark}} | {{color2|{{kalos color dark}}|Kalos League}}
|}{{-}}
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{unova color light}}; color:#{{unova color dark}} | {{color2|{{unova color dark}}|Unova League}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Leon}}
| {{color2|000|Diantha}}
| {{color2|000|Alder}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Leon Evolutions.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Diantha Evolutions.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Alder Evolutions.png|150x150px]]
|}
 
===Pokémon: Path to the Peak===
In ''[[PTP03|Internationals]]'', the current [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] World Champion, [[Edgar Troy]], was introduced. In the finals of the [[World Championships|International Championships]], Edgar battled [[Ava]] and managed to beat her without much difficulty. However, in the [[PTP04|following episode]], Ava met Edgar again in the [[World Championships]] finals, where she was able to best him.
 
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
! colspan=2 | {{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Trading Card Game|TCG}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Edgar Troy|Edgar}}
| {{color2|000|Ava}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Team Falinks World Champion Trophy.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Ava World Champion.png|150x150px]]
|-
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}; background:#{{tcg fighting color}}" | {{color2|fff|Fighting (TCG)|Fighting}}
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}; background:#{{tcg grass color}}" | {{color2|fff|Grass (TCG)|Grass}}
|}
 
===Pokémon: Paldean Winds===
In [[Pokémon: Paldean Winds]], [[Nemona]] was the most featured Champion of [[Paldea]], while Geeta briefly appeared in ''[[PPW04|Breath Together]]''. The same episode also featured [[Kieran]], but before he became a Champion.
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{paldea color light}}; color:#{{paldea color dark}} | {{color2|{{paldea color dark}}|Paldea League}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Nemona}}
| {{color2|000|Geeta}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Nemona Paldean Winds.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Rika Poppy Geeta Paldean Winds.png|150x150px]]
|}


==In the manga==
==In the manga==
===In the Pokémon Adventures manga===
[[File:Hoenn Elite Four Adventures.png|thumb|220px|[[Hoenn]]'s [[Elite Four]], who were former Champions in [[Pokémon Adventures]]]]
[[File:PS265.png|thumb|220px|Wallace wearing the "Champion's Cloak"]]
===Pokémon Adventures===
In the [[Pokémon Adventures]] manga, the Champion of each region is the winner of an elimination tournament held every three years in each region. In the {{chap|Ruby & Sapphire}}, it was determined that the winners of each tournament would have to face the [[Elite Four]], each a former champion themselves, before challenging the Champion. The main characters that took part in a Pokémon League tournament so far are {{adv|Blue}}, {{adv|Green}}, {{adv|Black}}, and {{adv|Red}}. Of the four, Red and Black both won a tournament, though only Red was formally given the title of Champion.
In [[Pokémon Adventures]], the Champion of each region is the winner of an elimination tournament held every three years in each region. In the {{MangaArc|Ruby & Sapphire}}, it was determined that the winners of each tournament would have to face the [[Elite Four]], each a former Champion themselves, before challenging the Champion. The main characters that have taken part in a Pokémon League tournament so far are {{adv|Red}}, {{adv|Blue}}, {{adv|Green}}, and {{adv|Black}}. Of the four, Red and Black both won a tournament, though only Red was formally given the title of Champion.


The following are the known Champions in the Pokémon Adventures manga:
The following are the known Champions in the Pokémon Adventures manga:
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{kanto color light}}; color:#{{kanto color dark}} | {{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Indigo League}}
! colspan="6" style="background:#{{hoenn color light}}" | {{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Hoenn League}}
! style="background:#{{sinnoh color light}} | {{color2|{{sinnoh color dark}}|Sinnoh League}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Professor Oak (Adventures)|Professor Oak}}{{tt|*|Champion of the first triennial Indigo League Tournament}}
| {{color2|000|Red (Adventures)|Red}}{{tt|*|Champion of the ninth triennial Indigo League Tournament}}
| {{color2|000|Sidney}}{{tt|*|Former Champion}}
| {{color2|000|Phoebe}}{{tt|*|Former Champion}}
| {{color2|000|Glacia}}{{tt|*|Former Champion}}
| {{color2|000|Drake}}{{tt|*|Former Champion}}
| {{color2|000|Steven Stone|Steven}}
| {{color2|000|Wallace}}{{tt|*|Awarded by Steven}}
| {{color2|000|Cynthia}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Young Oak Adventures.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Red Adventures.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Sidney Adventures.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Phoebe Adventures.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Glacia Adventures.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Drake Adventures.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Steven ORAS chapter.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:PS265.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Cynthia Adventures.png|150x150px]]
|}
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
|-
|- style="background:#fff"
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{unova color light}} | {{color2|{{unova color dark}}|Unova League}}
! style="background:#{{kalos color light}}" | {{color2|{{kalos color dark}}|Kalos League}}
! colspan="3" style="background:#{{galar color light}}" | {{color2|{{galar color dark}}|Galar League}}
! style="background:#{{paldea color light}}" | {{color2|{{paldea color dark}}|Paldea League}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Alder}}{{tt|*|Succeeded by Iris}}
| {{color2|000|Iris}}
| {{color2|000|Diantha}}
| {{color2|000|Mustard}}{{tt|*|Former Champion}}
| {{color2|000|Peony}}{{tt|*|Former Champion}}
| {{color2|000|Leon}}
| {{color2|000|Nemona}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:Alder Adventures.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Iris B2W2 chapter.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Diantha Adventures.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Mustard Adventures.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Peony Adventures.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Leon Adventures.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Nemona Adventures.png|150x150px]]
|}
===Pokémon Zensho===
The following are the known Champions in [[Pokémon Zensho]]:


{| style="float:left; background: #{{kalos color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}; border: 3px solid #{{dragon color}}"
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
! Name
|-
! League
|- style="background:#fff"
|- style="background: #FFF;"
! colspan="2" style="background:#{{kanto color light}}; color:#{{kanto color dark}} | {{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Indigo League}}
| {{adv|Professor Oak}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| First Triennial [[Indigo League]]
| {{color2|000|Shigeru (Zensho)|Shigeru}}{{tt|*|Succeeded by Satoshi}}
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| {{color2|000|Satoshi (Zensho)|Satoshi}}
| {{adv|Red}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| Ninth Triennial [[Indigo League]]
| [[File:Shigeru Zensho.png|150x150px]]
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| [[File:Satoshi Zensho.png|150x150px]]
| [[Sidney]]
|}
| [[Hoenn League]]
 
|- style="background: #FFF;"
===Pokémon Battle Frontier===
| [[Phoebe]]
The following are the known Champions in [[Pokémon Battle Frontier]]:
| [[Hoenn League]]
 
|- style="background: #FFF;"
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #{{Pokémon color}}; border: 5px solid #{{Pokémon color dark}}"
| [[Glacia]]
|-
| [[Hoenn League]]
|- style="background:#fff"
|- style="background: #FFF;"
! style="background:#{{unknown color light}} | {{color2|{{unknown color dark}}|Unknown|Unknown League}}
| [[Drake]]
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[Hoenn League]]
| {{color2|000|Rald}}
|- style="background: #FFF;"
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[Steven Stone]]
| [[File:Rald CBF.png|150x150px]]
| [[Hoenn League]]
|}
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| [[Wallace]]
| [[Hoenn League]], awarded by {{Steven}}
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| [[Cynthia]]
| [[Sinnoh League]]
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| [[Alder]]
| [[Unova League]]
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| [[Diantha]]
| [[Kalos League]]
|}{{-}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
* In French localizations, Gym Leader is translated to ''Champion'', while Champion is translated to ''Maître'', meaning "master".
* In {{pmin|France|French}} localizations, Gym Leader is translated to ''Champion'', while Champion is translated to ''Maître'', meaning "master".
* [[Diantha]] has the highest leveled Pokémon out of all the Champions battled the first time the Pokémon League is challenged. Her lowest level is 64, and her highest is 68.
* In some languages, including {{pmin|Denmark|Danish}} and {{pmin|Finland|Finnish}}, "Pokémon Champion" is translated the same way as "[[Pokémon Master]]".
* [[Diantha]] has the highest leveled {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} out of all the Champions battled the first time the Pokémon League is challenged. Her lowest level is 64, and her highest is 68.
** Although [[Alder]] has Pokémon above level 70, he is not battled as Champion until the post-credits rematch against the {{un|Pokémon League}}.
** Although [[Alder]] has Pokémon above level 70, he is not battled as Champion until the post-credits rematch against the {{un|Pokémon League}}.
* [[Lance]] has the lowest leveled Pokémon out of all the Champions. His lowest level Pokémon is level 44 in [[Generation II]], and level 46 in [[Generation IV]]. His highest is level 50 in both generations.
* [[Lance]] has the lowest leveled Pokémon out of all the Champions. His lowest level Pokémon is level 44 in [[Generation II]], and level 46 in [[Generation IV]]. His highest is level 50 in both generations.
* In [[Pokémon X and Y]], the {{tc|Backpacker}} who gives the {{player}} a [[Strange Souvenir]] and [[List of cross-generational references|foreshadows]] [[Alola]] mentions his [[region]]'s Champion, even though Alola didn't have a Champion during the events of X and Y.
* Despite Alder not being a [[Type expert|type specialist]], half of his Champion [[party|team]] consists of {{t|Bug}} types.
* [[Peony]] is the only Champion, current or former, who never battles the player with a full team of six Pokémon.
* {{g|Scarlet and Violet}} and its [[The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero|expansion]] introduced the most Champions, current or former, out of any Pokémon game, at four.
* Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the only core series games with at least one reigning [[Non-player character|NPC]] Champion to never play the [[game credits]] directly after their defeat.


==In other languages==
==In other languages==
''Champion''
{{langtable|color={{Pokémon color light}}|bordercolor={{Pokémon color}}
{{langtable|color={{kalos color light}}|bordercolor={{dragon color}}
|ar=بطل ''batal''
|ar=بطل ''batal''
|zh_yue=冠軍 ''Gungwān''
|zh_yue=冠軍 ''Gungwān''
|zh_cmn=冠軍 / 冠军 ''Guàn​jūn''
|zh_cmn=冠軍 / 冠军 ''Guànjūn''
|nl=Kampioen
|nl=Kampioen
|fi=Mestari
|fi=Mestari
|fr_ca=Champion{{tt|*|Diamond box}}
|fr_ca=Champion{{tt|*|Diamond box}}
|fr_eu=Maître
|fr_eu=Maître
|da=Mester
|de=Champ
|de=Champ
|el=Πρωταθλητής ''Protathlitís''
|el=Πρωταθλητής ''Protathlitís''
|he=אלוף ''Aloof'' ({{male}})<br>אלופה ''Aloofa'' ({{female}})
|hu=Bajnok
|hu=Bajnok
|it=Campione ({{male}})<br>Campionessa ({{female}})
|it=Campione ({{male}})<br>Campionessa ({{female}})
|ko=챔피언 ''Champion''
|ko=챔피언 ''Champion''
|pl=Czempion
|no=Regjerende mester
|pl=Wielki Mistrz ({{male}})<br>Wielka Mistrzyni ({{female}})
|pt=Campeão ({{male}})<br>Campeã ({{female}})
|pt=Campeão ({{male}})<br>Campeã ({{female}})
|ro=Campion
|ro=Campion
|ru=Чемпион ''Chempion''
|ru=Чемпион ''Chempion''
|es=Campeón ({{male}})<BR> Campeona ({{female}})
|es=Campeón ({{male}})<BR> Campeona ({{female}})
|sv=Mästare
|sv=Mästare<br>Champion Mästare
|th=ผู้ชนะเลิศ ''P̄hū̂chnaleiṣ̄''
|th=ผู้ชนะเลิศ ''P̄hū̂chnaleiṣ̄''
|tr=Şampiyon
|tr=Şampiyon
Line 212: Line 550:


==See also==
==See also==
* {{cat|Episodes in which a Champion appears}}
* [[Pokémon Master]]
* [[Top Coordinator]]
* [[:Category:Episodes in which a Champion appears]]
* [[:Category:Champions' Pokémon]]
{{-}}
{{-}}
{{Champions}}<br>
{{Champions}}
{{TrainerNav|Kalos|kanto=yes|johto=yes|hoenn=yes|sinnoh=yes|unova=yes|kalos=yes}}
{{TrainerNav|Pokémon|kanto=yes|johto=yes|hoenn=yes|sinnoh=yes|unova=yes|kalos=yes|galar=yes|paldea=yes}}
{{League}}<br>
{{League}}<br>
{{Project CharacterDex notice|tc}}
{{Project CharacterDex notice|tc}}
Line 225: Line 566:
[[Category:Pokémon Adventures characters]]
[[Category:Pokémon Adventures characters]]
[[Category:Anime characters]]
[[Category:Anime characters]]
[[Category:Pokémon Origins characters]]
[[Category:Pokémon Generations characters]]


[[de:Champ]]
[[de:Champ]]
[[es:Campeón de la Liga Pokémon]]
[[fr:Maître Pokémon]]
[[fr:Maître Pokémon]]
[[it:Campione]]
[[it:Campione]]
[[ja:チャンピオン]]
[[ja:チャンピオン]]
[[pl:Mistrz (klasa trenerów)]]
[[zh:冠军]]
[[zh:冠军]]

Latest revision as of 22:48, 17 March 2024

Artwork of Galar Champion Leon from Pokémon Sword and Shield

A Pokémon League Champion (Japanese: リーグ優勝者 League Champion), normally referred to as simply Champion or Pokémon Champion (Japanese: チャンピオン Champion), is the highest known level of rank for a Pokémon Trainer. The title is also colloquially referred to as League Champ (Japanese: ポケモン リーグの ちょうてん Pokémon League's Greatest).

It usually refers to a Trainer who has completed a Pokémon League by collecting all the necessary Badges, and either winning a regional Pokémon tournament or defeating the Elite Four and the previous Champion (if there is one). Kanto and Johto share a Champion, while other regions have their own. If a Champion is defeated, they must relinquish their title to the victor; however, the victor can refuse the title, as N did in Pokémon Black and White. Paldea is the only exception to this, as Champion is a permanent honorary title in the region.

Starting in Generation VII, the player, as Champion, can defend the title against challengers.

In the core series games

The Champion's chamber in Pokémon Sun and Moon, where Professor Kukui challenges the player to test their worth as Alola's first Champion.

Champion is a Trainer class that first debuted in the Generation I games. It is the title held by the last Trainer who defeated the Elite Four and the previous Pokémon Champion. Each Champion is always stronger than the Elite Four members and most other Trainers, and has a party of six Pokémon to test their opponents' strength. Like Elite Four members, they employ the use of strong healing items.

In most regions, to challenge the Champion, Trainers must defeat all four Elite Four members without leaving the Pokémon League area, and cannot access the Pokémon League Pokémon Center and Poké Mart until after defeating the Champion or losing at any point during the challenge. If a challenger is defeated by the Champion, just like the Elite Four, they must start over. In Galar, there is no Elite Four; instead, the Trainer who wins the Champion Cup at the end of each Gym Challenge earns the right to challenge the Champion. At Blueberry Academy, Trainers must defeat all four Elite Four members in order to challenge the Champion, but they can leave the area freely at any point during their challenge. In both of these cases, if the player is defeated by the Champion, they only have to redo the Champion battle.

Since in the vast majority of core series games the player goes on to defeat the standing Champion, most player characters are considered Champions and subsequently entered into the Hall of Fame, along with their party. However, for players in games prior to Generation VII, becoming the Champion is mostly a symbolic honor, as they are unable to battle challengers or take up any other league duties; the former Champion will still remain at the Pokémon League, retaining the Trainer class Champion (in Generations I and III, Blue clearly states his reign is over; in the Delta Episode, Zinnia teases Steven that he is the former Champion). In games prior to Pokémon Sun and Moon, the player may battle the Elite Four and the former Champion an indefinite number of times, and on each success will be re-entered into the Hall of Fame with whatever team was used in that challenge. In Alola, the player may still battle the Elite Four an indefinite number of times, but this is followed by a battle against a challenger rather than the former Champion. In Galar, the player can host Champion tournaments, facing three Trainers per tournament; these can be repeated indefinitely.

In Black and White, Cynthia tells the player that once every few years, the Champions from all the regions come together and battle to find the strongest among them. In the Pokémon World Tournament in Black 2 and White 2, which takes place two years later, all the Champions the player battles in previous games participate in the Champions Tournament. This tournament does not include player characters, with the exception of Red.

In Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, the Pokémon League of Alola, having just been established, has no Champion. Instead, Professor Kukui (the league's founder)SM or Hau (the player's rival)USUM, stands in as the final obstacle the player must overcome before becoming the league's first Champion. In another first for the series, the player can defend their title against challenges from non-player characters. The player keeps the nominal title of Champion even if defeated. Similarly, in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Trace is the Champion of the Indigo League at first, but loses his title to the player. After defeating Lance in a rematch, Trace will challenge the player as a normal Pokémon Trainer in an attempt to retake the title. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, the player character can host post-game Champion tournaments, with one of the possible challengers being Leon.

In Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Professor Oak reveals that originally, Trainers who defeated the Elite Four were recorded as Champions, but now Champions were going to be established as a part of the Pokémon League challenge, meaning that now a Trainer can only become a Champion by defeating the Elite Four and the current Champion. In the same games, Brock also reveals that Gym Leaders have the right to directly challenge a Champion.

In Paldea, the title of Champion is not a title given to one Trainer, but rather a rank bequeathed to all Trainers who pass the Champion Assessment at the Pokémon League headquarters after obtaining their eight regional Gym Badges. Geeta, the chairwoman of Paldea's Pokémon League, is considered the Top Champion, the strongest of the region's Champion-ranked Trainers. She stands as the final obstacle for Trainers wishing to complete the Champion Assessment. Because of the way the Champion Rank works, Paldean Champions maintain their title even when defeated.

At Unova's Blueberry Academy, the position of BB League Champion is held by the strongest student in the school. Due to the structure of the BB League, once the current Champion has been defeated, they are demoted to being the top member of the BB League Elite Four, while the lowest-ranked member of the Elite Four loses their position. When the player claims this Champion title, though, the defeated Champion, Kieran, withdraws from the League entirely, retaining the current structure of the Elite Four.

Known non-player Champions in the games:

Indigo League/Johto League Hoenn League Sinnoh League Unova League
RGBYFRLG PE GSCHGSS RSORAS E DPPtBDSP BW B2W2
Blue Trace Lance Red* Steven Wallace Cynthia Alder Iris
FireRed LeafGreen Blue.png Lets Go Pikachu Eevee Trace.png HeartGold SoulSilver Lance.png FireRed LeafGreen Red.png Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Steven.png Emerald Wallace.png Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl Cynthia.png Black White Alder.png Black 2 White 2 Iris.png
Various Various Dragon Various Steel Water Various Various Dragon
Kalos League Galar League Paldea League BB League
XY SwSh SV
Diantha Leon Mustard* Peony* Nemona Geeta Kieran Drayton*
XY Diantha.png Sword Shield Leon.png Sword Shield Mustard.png Sword Shield Peony.png Scarlet Violet Nemona.png Scarlet Violet Geeta.png Mdl Kieran TID SV.png Scarlet Violet Drayton.png
Various Various Various* Steel Various Various Various Dragon

In the spin-off games

Pokémon Trading Card Game series

In Pokémon Trading Card Game, after defeating the Grand Masters of the Pokémon Dome, the last challenge they must face is their rival, Ronald, who beat the Grand Masters before them and obtained the four Legendary Cards. The player must defeat him to become Champion and gain control of the Legendary Cards for themselves. In the championship duel, Ronald uses the Legendary Ronald Deck, which focuses around Fire Energy, Colorless Pokémon, and the Legendary Moltres and Dragonite cards.

In Pokémon Trading Card Game 2: The Invasion of Team GR!, a direct sequel to the previous game, the player, as acting Champion, pursues Team Great Rocket after their Cards are stolen.

TCG Island
TCG
Ronald
Ronald.png
Colorless Fire

Pokkén Tournament

In Pokkén Tournament, Glenn is the League Champion of the Ferrum League and the top Trainer in the Chroma League. His fighter is a Machamp. Defeating him unlocks the Iron League.

Ferrum League
Pokkén Tournament Region: Ferrum
Trainer League Pokémon
Pokkén Glenn.png
League Champion
Glenn
グレン Glen
Pokkén Chroma League.png
Rank A
Chroma League
クロマリーグ
Chroma League
Pokkén Machamp.png
Machamp

Pokémon Masters EX

Champions

In Pokémon Masters EX, Champions from the core series appear as playable characters. The player, Scottie or Bettie, becomes the Champion of Pasio at the end of the game's main story by winning the Pokémon Masters League. Red is the only character based on a core series player character to be a Champion, as it is unconfirmed if any of the other characters based on the player characters have won their respective region's League. Ash is the Champion of the Alola League in the Pokémon anime continuity, but isn't the official Champion of Alola in this game's continuity.

In the Champion Stadium, the player can battle a Champion after defeating their region's Elite Four. In the Alola Challenge, Kukui or Hau will serve as the Champion of the region. In the Hoenn Challenge, Wallace will sometimes replace Steven as the Champion. N, having defeated Alder once, can be battled at Victory Road. Leaf, who could become a Champion if she was picked as the player character, can also be battled at Victory Road.

Masters EX
Pokémon Masters League Indigo League/Johto League Hoenn League Sinnoh League
Scottie Masters model.png Masters Bettie.png Spr Masters Blue.png Spr Masters Red Sygna.png Spr Masters Lance.png Spr Masters Steven.png Spr Masters Cynthia.png
Scottie* Bettie* Blue* Red* Lance Steven Cynthia
Unova League Kalos League Alola League Galar League Paldea League
Spr Masters Alder.png Spr Masters Iris Champion.png Spr Masters Diantha.png Spr Masters Ash.png Spr Masters Leon.png Spr Masters Nemona.png Spr Masters Geeta.png
Alder* Iris Diantha Ash* Leon Nemona Geeta

Neo Champions

In a series of limited-time events, Pokémon Masters EX introduced Neo Champions. A Neo Champion, as described by Cynthia, is a title given to a Trainer who acts as an example of what everyone should measure up to. Any Trainer can earn the title of Neo Champion by participating in a Neo Champion Stadium tournament, the rules of which are established by the regional champion chosen as the head judge for that tournament. Winning the tournament does not guarantee that one receives the Neo Champion title, nor does losing the tournament prevent one from receiving the title of Neo Champion (such as Serena becoming a Neo Champion despite losing to Calem in the first Neo Champion tournament), as the title is awarded to any Trainer that meets the judging criteria established by the head judge.

Calem and Serena were the first set of Trainers to receive the title of Neo Champion. Diantha was the head judge, and she awarded the title based on their "shine" as sync pairs.

Hop, Marnie, and Bede were the second set of Trainers to receive the title of Neo Champion. Leon was the head judge, and he awarded the title based on their passion for victory and determination to grow stronger together.

Red, Blue, and Leaf were the third set of Trainers to receive the title of Neo Champion. Lance was the head judge, and he awarded the title based on their exemplary leadership skills, as suggested by Professor Oak.

Nate and Rosa were the fourth set of Trainers to receive the title of Neo Champion. Iris was the head judge, and she awarded the title based on their ability to touch the hearts of others, with Colress assisting her in making the choices.

Silver was the sole winner of the fifth Neo Champion Stadium. Geeta was the head judge, and she awarded the Neo Champion title based on a Trainer's "honed talent" by asking them to beat a Champion of their choice in a one-on-one battle.

Masters EX
Neo Champion Stadium
Spr Masters Calem Champion.png Spr Masters Serena Champion.png Spr Masters Hop Champion.png Spr Masters Marnie Champion.png Spr Masters Bede Champion.png Spr Masters Red Champion.png Spr Masters Blue Champion.png Spr Masters Leaf Champion.png Spr Masters Nate Champion.png Spr Masters Rosa Champion.png Spr Masters Silver Champion.png
Calem Serena Hop Marnie Bede Red Blue Leaf Nate Rosa Silver

In the anime

Main series

The regional Champions (and Alain) from Kanto to Galar in the anime

In the Pokémon anime, there can only be one Pokémon Champion per region at a time. While Pokémon Trainers can freely request an informal battle from the Champion, much more popular events are the Pokémon League Conferences, which can normally be entered by Trainers with at least eight Gym Badges. The winner of these tournaments may enter the Champion League to face off the regional Elite Four members and, if successful, the League Champion.

In Alola, due to the Pokémon League being a new establishment, there was no reigning Champion for the majority of Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon, and the winner of the region's first League Conference was directly declared the first Champion of Alola. In addition, due to the lack of Gyms in Alola, any willing Trainer is allowed to participate in its League Conference.

In the English dub, Orange League challengers who defeat the Orange Crew Supreme Gym Leader attain the title of Champion, but the Supreme Gym Leader is not displaced upon defeat. Winning Trainers earn the Winner's Trophy and are inducted into the Palace of Victory, but do not have to carry out any specific tasks as Champions. In the original Japanese version, winners are instead given the title of (Japanese: 名誉トレーナー Honored Trainer).

In addition to gathering eight Gym Badges, the Indigo Plateau Conference is known to accept Trainers passing the Pokémon League Admissions Exam and those graduating from Pokémon Tech. There are also smaller tournaments, such as the Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup, where the winner gets to battle the League Champion straight away. Trip and Magnus were allowed to battle Alder and Diantha, respectively, by winning such competitions.

In Pokémon Journeys: The Series, Champions from every region introduced at the time participated in the World Coronation Series to achieve the title of Monarch, with all known competitors having climbed to the Master Class. Although they still maintain their title of Champion, they start at the lowest rankings like any participant and need to rank up within the parameters of the competition. At the end of each season, the Master Class members compete in the Masters Eight Tournament to decide who'll hold the title of Monarch and be recognized as a World Champion.

In Paldea, just like in the games, a Trainer who managed to complete the Champion Assessment receives the title of Champion. Nemona was the first character introduced in Pokémon Horizons: The Series to have accomplished this goal.

Known Champions in the main series (including any previous ones):

Indigo League/Johto League Sinnoh League Hoenn League Unova League Kalos League Alola League Galar League Paldea League
Lance* Cynthia Wallace* Steven Alder* Iris Diantha Ash Leon Nemona
Lance JN.png Cynthia JN.png Wallace anime.png Steven Stone JN 2.png Alder anime.png Iris JN.png Diantha JN.png Ash JN.png Leon anime JN.png Nemona anime 2.png
World Coronation Series
Leon* Ash
Leon anime JN.png Ash JN.png

A list of episodes in which a Champion (excluding Ash) appears can be found here.

Pokémon Origins

In this series, the system for defining the Champion of the region is identical to the method seen in the Generation I games. Red and Blue won eight Badges, and therefore the right to battle the Elite Four. Blue defeated them first and became the Kanto Champion, after which he faced off against Red. In the end, Red defeated him and became the new Champion.

Known Champions in Pokémon Origins:

Indigo League
Blue* Red
Blue PO.png Red PO.png

Pokémon Generations

Due to the format of the series, in Pokémon Generations, the subject of Champions is not addressed. In The Challenger, Blue became the Kanto Champion after defeating the Elite Four. In The Redemption, Calem was shown celebrating his newly acquired Champion status. Other characters who have become Champions of their regions also appear in the series.

Known Champions in Pokémon Generations:

Indigo League Sinnoh League Kalos League
Blue Cynthia Diantha* Calem
Blue PG.png Cynthia PG.png Diantha PG.png Calem PG.png

Pokémon: Twilight Wings

Leon first appeared in Letter, where he was seen defeating Bea in a Pokémon League battle, successfully defending his title.

In The Gathering of Stars, Leon was revealed to have lost his title to Victor or Gloria, who was later invited to partake in the Galarian Star Tournament. The former Champions Mustard and Peony also appeared and were invited to the tournament as well.

Galar League
Mustard* Peony* Leon* Victor or Gloria
Mustard TW.png Peony TW.png Leon Twilight Wings.png Victor Gloria TW.png

Pokémon Evolutions

Several Champions appeared in this series. The most prominently featured one of them was Leon, who served as the main character of the Galar-focused episode.

Known Champions in Pokémon Evolutions:

Galar League Kalos League Unova League
Leon Diantha Alder
Leon Evolutions.png Diantha Evolutions.png Alder Evolutions.png

Pokémon: Path to the Peak

In Internationals, the current Pokémon Trading Card Game World Champion, Edgar Troy, was introduced. In the finals of the International Championships, Edgar battled Ava and managed to beat her without much difficulty. However, in the following episode, Ava met Edgar again in the World Championships finals, where she was able to best him.

TCG
Edgar Ava
Team Falinks World Champion Trophy.png Ava World Champion.png
Fighting Grass

Pokémon: Paldean Winds

In Pokémon: Paldean Winds, Nemona was the most featured Champion of Paldea, while Geeta briefly appeared in Breath Together. The same episode also featured Kieran, but before he became a Champion.

Paldea League
Nemona Geeta
Nemona Paldean Winds.png Rika Poppy Geeta Paldean Winds.png

In the manga

Hoenn's Elite Four, who were former Champions in Pokémon Adventures

Pokémon Adventures

In Pokémon Adventures, the Champion of each region is the winner of an elimination tournament held every three years in each region. In the Ruby & Sapphire arc, it was determined that the winners of each tournament would have to face the Elite Four, each a former Champion themselves, before challenging the Champion. The main characters that have taken part in a Pokémon League tournament so far are Red, Blue, Green, and Black. Of the four, Red and Black both won a tournament, though only Red was formally given the title of Champion.

The following are the known Champions in the Pokémon Adventures manga:

Indigo League Hoenn League Sinnoh League
Professor Oak* Red* Sidney* Phoebe* Glacia* Drake* Steven Wallace* Cynthia
Young Oak Adventures.png Red Adventures.png Sidney Adventures.png Phoebe Adventures.png Glacia Adventures.png Drake Adventures.png Steven ORAS chapter.png PS265.png Cynthia Adventures.png
Unova League Kalos League Galar League Paldea League
Alder* Iris Diantha Mustard* Peony* Leon Nemona
Alder Adventures.png Iris B2W2 chapter.png Diantha Adventures.png Mustard Adventures.png Peony Adventures.png Leon Adventures.png Nemona Adventures.png

Pokémon Zensho

The following are the known Champions in Pokémon Zensho:

Indigo League
Shigeru* Satoshi
Shigeru Zensho.png Satoshi Zensho.png

Pokémon Battle Frontier

The following are the known Champions in Pokémon Battle Frontier:

Unknown League
Rald
Rald CBF.png

Trivia

  • In French localizations, Gym Leader is translated to Champion, while Champion is translated to Maître, meaning "master".
  • In some languages, including Danish and Finnish, "Pokémon Champion" is translated the same way as "Pokémon Master".
  • Diantha has the highest leveled Pokémon out of all the Champions battled the first time the Pokémon League is challenged. Her lowest level is 64, and her highest is 68.
    • Although Alder has Pokémon above level 70, he is not battled as Champion until the post-credits rematch against the Pokémon League.
  • Lance has the lowest leveled Pokémon out of all the Champions. His lowest level Pokémon is level 44 in Generation II, and level 46 in Generation IV. His highest is level 50 in both generations.
  • In Pokémon X and Y, the Backpacker who gives the player a Strange Souvenir and foreshadows Alola mentions his region's Champion, even though Alola didn't have a Champion during the events of X and Y.
  • Despite Alder not being a type specialist, half of his Champion team consists of Bug types.
  • Peony is the only Champion, current or former, who never battles the player with a full team of six Pokémon.
  • Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and its expansion introduced the most Champions, current or former, out of any Pokémon game, at four.
  • Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the only core series games with at least one reigning NPC Champion to never play the game credits directly after their defeat.

In other languages

Language Title
The Arab world Flag.png Arabic بطل batal
Chinese Cantonese 冠軍 Gungwān
Mandarin 冠軍 / 冠军 Guànjūn
Denmark Flag.png Danish Mester
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Kampioen
Finland Flag.png Finnish Mestari
French Canada Flag.png Canada Champion*
France Flag.png Europe Maître
Germany Flag.png German Champ
Greece Flag.png Greek Πρωταθλητής Protathlitís
Israel Flag.png Hebrew אלוף Aloof ()
אלופה Aloofa ()
Hungary Flag.png Hungarian Bajnok
Italy Flag.png Italian Campione ()
Campionessa ()
South Korea Flag.png Korean 챔피언 Champion
Norway Flag.png Norwegian Regjerende mester
Poland Flag.png Polish Wielki Mistrz ()
Wielka Mistrzyni ()
Portugal Flag.png Portuguese Campeão ()
Campeã ()
Romania Flag.png Romanian Campion
Russia Flag.png Russian Чемпион Chempion
Spain Flag.png Spanish Campeón ()
Campeona ()
Sweden Flag.png Swedish Mästare
Champion Mästare
Thailand Flag.png Thai ผู้ชนะเลิศ P̄hū̂chnaleiṣ̄
Turkey Flag.png Turkish Şampiyon
Vietnam Flag.png Vietnamese Nhà vô địch

See also


Pokémon Champions
Core series BlueLanceRedStevenWallaceCynthiaAlderIrisDianthaTraceLeonMustardPeonyNemonaGeetaKieranDraytonMost player characters
Masters EX BlueLanceRedStevenCynthiaAlderIrisDianthaLeonScottieBettieAshNemonaGeetaCalemSerenaMarnieBedeHopLeafNateRosaSilver
Other
spin-offs
Ronald (TCG GB)Mark (TCG GB)Mint (TCG GB)Glenn (Pokkén)
Anime LanceCynthiaWallaceAlderDianthaStevenAsh KetchumLeonIrisNemona
Other animation Blue (Origins)Red (Origins)Calem (Generations)Edgar Troy (PttP)Ava (PttP)
Adventures Professor OakRedSidneyPhoebeGlaciaDrakeStevenWallaceCynthiaAlderIrisDianthaLeonMustardPeonyNemona
Other manga Shigeru (Zensho)Satoshi (Zensho)Rald (Battle Frontier)


Trainer classes in the Pokémon core series
Kanto Ace Trainer*BeautyBikerBird KeeperBlack Belt*Bug CatcherBurglarCamper*ChampionGSCFRLGHGSSPE
ChannelerElite FourGSCFRLGHGSSPEEngineerFishermanGamer*GentlemanGym Leader*GSCFRLGHGSSPE
HikerJugglerLassPicnicker*Poké Maniac*Pokémon Trainer*GSCPEPsychicRivalFRLGRockerRoughneck*
SailorScientistSuper NerdSwimmerTamerTeam Rocket Boss*FRLGHGSSPETeam Rocket Grunt*Youngster
BoarderHGSSDouble TeamHGSSFirebreatherGSCHGSSGuitaristGSCHGSSMediumGSCHGSS
PokéfanGSCHGSSSchool Kid*GSCHGSSSkierHGSSTeacherGSCHGSSTwinsGSCFRLGHGSS
Cool CoupleFRLGCrush KinFRLGSis and BroFRLGYoung CoupleFRLGHGSS
Coach TrainerPEKarate MasterPEPunk GuyPETeam RocketPETeam Rocket AdminPE
Master TrainersPE
Unused Trainer class:
ChiefRGBY
Johto Ace Trainer*BeautyBikerBird KeeperBlack Belt*BoarderBug CatcherBurglarCamper
ChampionExecutive*FirebreatherFisherman*GentlemanGuitaristHikerJugglerKimono GirlLass
LeaderMediumPicnickerPokéfanPoké Maniac*PKMN TrainerPoliceman*PsychicRivalHGSSSage
SailorSchool Kid*ScientistSkierSuper NerdSwimmerTeacherTeam Rocket Grunt*TwinsYoungster
Mystery Man*CHGSSDouble TeamHGSSElderHGSSPasserbyHGSSYoung CoupleHGSS
Battle Frontier only:HGSS

Aroma LadyArtistBattle GirlCameramanClownCollectorCowgirlCyclistDragon TamerIdol
JoggerLadyNinja BoyParasol LadyPIPoké KidPKMN BreederPKMN RangerRancherReporter
Rich BoyRoughneckRuin ManiacSocialiteTuberVeteranWaiterWaitressWorker
Arcade StarCastle ValetFactory HeadHall MatronTower Tycoon

Hoenn Ace Trainer*Aqua AdminSEASAqua LeaderSEASAroma LadyBattle GirlBeautyBird KeeperBlack Belt
Bug CatcherBug ManiacCamperChampionCollectorDragon TamerElite FourExpertFisherman
GentlemanGuitaristHex ManiacHikerInterviewers*KindlerLadyLassLeaderMagma AdminREOR
Magma LeaderREORNinja BoyOld CoupleParasol LadyPicnickerPoké Fan*Poké Maniac*Pokémon Breeder*
Pokémon Ranger*Pokémon Trainer*PsychicRich BoyRuin ManiacSailorSchoolkid*Sis & Bro*Swimmer
Team Aqua GruntSEASTeam Magma GruntREORTeammates*TriathleteTuberTwinsWinstrateYoung CoupleYoungster
Ace DuoORASBrains & BrawnORASBackpackerORASDelinquentORASFairy Tale GirlORASFare PrinceORAS
Free DiverORASLeadersORASLorekeeperORASMysterious SistersORASProprietorORASRotation GirlORAS
Scuba DiverORASSecret Base ExpertORASSecret Base TrainerORASSootopolitanORASStreet ThugORAS
Battle Frontier only:E
Arena TycoonDome AceFactory HeadPalace MavenPike QueenPyramid KingSalon Maiden
Battle Institute and Battle Maison only:ORAS
ArtistBattle ChatelaineButlerChefFurisode GirlGarçonGardenerMadameMaidMonsieurOwnerPreschooler
Punk GirlPunk GuyRising StarRoller SkaterSchoolboySchoolgirlScientistTouristVeteranWaitressWorker
Sinnoh Ace TrainerAroma LadyArtistBattle GirlBeautyBird KeeperBlack BeltBug CatcherCameramanCamperChampion
ClownCollectorCommanderCowgirlCyclistDouble TeamDragon TamerElite FourFisher*GentlemanGuitarist
Gym Leader*HikerIdolInterviewersJoggerLadyLassMadame*Ninja BoyParasol LadyPicnickerPIPoké Fan*
Poké KidPokémon Breeder*Pokémon Ranger*Pokémon Trainer*Police Officer*PsychicRancherRanchers*
ReporterRich BoyRoughneckRuin ManiacSailorSchool KidScientistSkierSwimmerTeam Galactic Boss*
Team Galactic Grunt*Tower TycoonTuberTwinsVeteranWaiterWaitressWorkerYoung CoupleYoungster
Arcade StarPtCastle ValetPtFactory HeadPtHall MatronPtMaidPtGAME FREAK'sBDSP
Unova Ace TrainerArtistBackersBackpackerBakerBattle GirlBikerBlack BeltChampionClerk
CyclistDancerDepot AgentDoctorElite FourFishermanGAME FREAKGentlemanGym Leader*
HarlequinHikerHooligansHoopsterInfielderJanitorLadyLassLinebackerMaidMotorcyclistMusician
NurseNursery AideParasol LadyPilotPokéfanPKMN BreederPKMN RangerPokémon Trainer*Policeman
PreschoolerPsychicRich BoyRoughneckSchool KidScientistSmasherSocialiteStrikerSubway Boss
SwimmerTeam PlasmaTeam Plasma GruntThe RichesBWTwinsVeteranWaiterWaitressWorkerYoungster
BeautyB2W2Boss TrainerB2W2GuitaristB2W2
Pokéstar Studios only:B2W2
A-list ActorActorActressBig StarCelebrityChic ActressChild StarComedian
Fine ActorMovie StarNew ActressStar ActorSuit ActorUnique StarVeteran Star
Pokémon World Tournament only:B2W2
Junior RepresentativeMaster RepresentativeSenior Representative
World ChampionWorld FinalistWorld Runner-up
Blueberry Academy only:SV
BB League ChampionBB League Elite FourBlueberry Academy Director
InstructorLeague ClubStudentTop Champion
Kalos Ace DuoAce TrainerArtistArtist FamilyBackpackerBattle GirlBeautyBlack BeltBrains & Brawn
ButlerChampionChefDriverElite FourFairy Tale GirlFishermanFurisode GirlGarçonGardener
Hex ManiacHikerHoneymoonersLassLeaderLumiose Gang MemberMysterious SistersOwner
Poké FanPoké Fan FamilyPokémon BreederPokémon ProfessorPokémon RangerPokémon Trainer
PreschoolerPsychicPunk CouplePunk GirlPunk GuyRangersRising StarRoller Skater
SchoolboySchoolgirlScientistSky TrainerSuccessorSuspicious ChildSuspicious Lady
Suspicious WomanSwimmerTeam FlareTeam Flare AdminTeam Flare BossTeam Flare Grunt
TouristTwinsVeteranWaitressWorkerYoungster
Battle Chateau ranks:
By male: BaronViscountEarlMarquisDukeGrand Duke
By female: BaronessViscountessCountessMarchionessDuchessGrand Duchess
Battle Institute and Battle Maison only:
Battle ChatelaineLadyMadameMaidMonsieurRich Boy
Unused Trainer classes:
Ace SurferSwimmers
Galar ArtistBackpackerBeautyBlack BeltCabbieCafé MasterCameramanChampionColleaguesCookDancerDaring Couple
DoctorFisherGAME FREAK'sGym ChallengerGym LeaderGym TrainerGentlemanHikerInterviewersLassLeague Staff
Macro Cosmos'sMadameMedical TeamModelMusic CrewMusicianOffice WorkerPoké KidPokémon Breeder
Pokémon TrainerPolice OfficerPostmanRail StaffReporterSchoolboySchoolgirlSwimmerTeam Yell GruntWorkerYoungster
Expansion Pass only:
Dojo MasterDojo MatronMaster Dojo Student
Paldea ArtistBackpackerBlack BeltCabbieChampionCookCourierDirectorDragon TamerElite FourGym Leader
Gym TrainerHikerInstructorJanitorModelMusicianOffice WorkerPoké ManiacPokémon Trainer
ScientistStudentTeam StarTeam Star GruntTop ChampionWaiterWaitressWorkerYoungster
The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero only:
Glitterati


HildaChallenge.png The Pokémon League VSAlder.png
Participation
TrainerBattleGym Leaders
GymsBadgesReferee
Championship matches
Elite FourOrange League
Champion League
Pokémon League Conferences
IndigoSilverEver GrandeLily of the Valley
VertressLumioseManalo
Regional Pokémon Leagues
IndigoOrange*JohtoHoennSinnoh
UnovaKalosAlolaGalarPaldea
Areas of jurisdiction
Pokémon League Reception GateHall of Fame
Palace of VictoryCerulean Cave
Others
Pokémon AssociationPIA
World Coronation Series
(Masters Eight Tournament)


Project CharacterDex logo.png This Trainer Class article is part of Project CharacterDex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each character found in the Pokémon games.