User:Hikaru Wazana/Ash's rivals
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Ash's rivals
Note: This page is under development, feel free to increase it in some detail.
During the course of the anime, many characters have appeared in opposition to Ash. Similar to games in virtually every region Ash meets a new rival and battle it several times during the course of the region. Often an anime establishes three types of rivals in these areas:
Main rival: The primary rival of a series, and usually remain undefeated against Ash in traditional battles up until the major tournament of the series. During the first few series, many of them had antagonistic relationships with Ash; however, starting with Pokémon the Series: XY, they became more friendly in nature.
Secondary rival: A character who is not the main rival of a series, but nonetheless develops a competitive rivalry with Ash during the course of it which are generally friendly in nature. While Ash usually maintains an edge against them in battle, they may be able to defeat him on occasion.
League rival: A character who first meets Ash at some point after the latter has fulfilled the requirements to compete in a Pokémon League Conference, which is usually either during or shortly before the beginning of the arc. These rivals are the most likely to eliminate Ash from the tournament.
Gallery
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| Ash and his friends in the original series (Indigo and Johto League sagas) |
Ash and his friends in the original series (Orange League saga) |
Ash and his friends in Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire |
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| Ash and his friends in Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl |
Ash and his friends in Pokémon the Series: Black & White |
Ash and his friends in Pokémon the Series: XY |
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| Ash and his classmates in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon |
Ash, his friend Goh, and their Pokémon in Pokémon Journeys: The Series. |
Ash and his friends in I Choose You! |
In the anime
Original series
Gary Oak
- Main article: Gary Oak
Gary was Ash's first rival in the anime. Gary is the grandson of Professor Oak and began his journey along with his Squirtle,
Pokémon
| Gary Oak | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Pallet Town | |||||
| Episodes Present | |||||
| EP001, EP063, EP065, EP121, EP171, SS015, AG192, DP045, M01 | |||||
| Method | Kanto | Johto | Post-Johto | Sinnoh | Galar |
| Gift | 
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| Caught |  
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| Unknown |         
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| Evolved |  
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Note: As of Showdown at the Po-ké Corral, Gary has more than 200 Pokémon in his collection including more than one of the same species.
Ritchie
- Main article: Ritchie
Pokémon
| Ritchie | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Frodomar City (dub only) | ||
| Episodes Present | ||
| EP220-EP222 | ||
| Method | Pre-series | Post-Kanto |
| Evolved | 
| |
| Unknown |   
|
 
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Harrison
- Main article: Harrison
Pokémon
| Harrison | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Littleroot Town | |||
| Episodes Present | |||
| EP265-EP272 | |||
| Method | Pre-series | Johto | |
| Gift Pokémon | 
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| Evolved |  
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| Unknown |    
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| Caught | 
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Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire
Continuing with Ash's journey through the Hoenn region, Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire never established a recurring rival for Ash, instead Ash clashed with a few characters occasionally. However, with a few episodes left before the Ever Grande Conference competition begins, Ash and his friends meet Morrison, a Trainer who begins a friendship and a brief rivalry with Ash.
Morrison
- Main article: Morrison
Morrison first appeared in Less is Morrison,
Pokémon
| Morrison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Verdanturf Town | ||
| Episodes Present | ||
| AG118, AG126-AG132 | ||
| Method | Pre-series | Hoenn |
| Unknown |     
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| Evolved | 
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Tyson
- Main article: Tyson
Tyson is a veteran trainer Ash and his friends find during the festivities for the start of the competition in Ever Grande City. His main Pokémon is a powerful Meowth that he found abandoned after a wild brawl against a Persian.
He battles against Ash for the eighth position in the championship and wins after a tough battle. Then it is shown that he proved to be the winner of the competition.
Pokémon
| Tyson | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Mauville City | ||
| Episodes Present | ||
| AG125-AG132 | ||
| Method | Pre-series | Hoenn |
| Caught | 
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| Unknown |     
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Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl
Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl
Paul
- Main article: Paul
Paul is an experienced Trainer from Veilstone City. Much of his rivalry with Ash was due to a disagreement over which Pokémon training method was correct. While Paul would focus on strengthening his Pokémon through heavy training sessions, Ash believed that developing a bond with his Pokémon was the best way to achieve good results. This caused many confusing arguments between them throughout the series.
Paul is also the original Trainer of Ash's Infernape, who was released when it was a Chimchar after failing to meet Paul's expectations during the Hearthome City Tag Battle Competition.
Despite his starter Pokémon being a Turtwig, which evolved into a Torterra before its introduction, Paul's main Pokémon is an Electivire that he trained since it was an Elekid and was used in the last battle against Ash in the Lily of the Valley Conference.
Pokémon
| Paul | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Veilstone City | ||||
| Episodes Present | ||||
| DP002-DP003, DP006, DP015-DP016, DP040, DP046, DP050-DP052, DP064, DP067, DP074, DP077-DP078, DP081, DP100, DP118, DP127-DP128, DP131-DP132, DP155, DP163, DP182- DP189 , JN114 JN117, JN118 | ||||
| Method | Kanto/Johto/Hoenn | Pre-series | Sinnoh | Pokémon Journeys: The Series |
| Gift | 
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| Caught |   
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   (×3)    
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| Evolved |  
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| Given Away | 
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| Released | (×3)
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| Unknown |  
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Nando
- Main article: Nando
Pokémon
Conway
- Main article: Conway
Pokémon
| Conway | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Unknown | ||
| Episodes Present | ||
| DP050-DP052, DP088-DP091, DP182-DP185 | ||
| Method | Pre-series | |
| Unknown |     
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Barry
- Main article: Barry
Pokémon
| Barry | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Twinleaf Town | ||
| Episodes Present | ||
| DP101-DP103, DP110-DP111, DP140-DP141, DP157, DP163, DP182-DP189 | ||
| Method | Pre-series | |
| Caught |
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| Unknown |    
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Pokémon the Series: Black & White
Similar to the original series (in the Kanto region, specifically) is the first time that Ash's rival is mainly a beginner trainer. From Minccino-Neat and Tidy!, is also introduced one of these two rivals presents in games Black and White.
Trip
- Main article: Trip
Trip is the main rival of Best Wishes, despite being a rookie trainer, he defeats Ash's Pikachu in his first battle, much of this is due to the effect caused by Zekrom into Pikachu.
He battles Ash again in A Rival Battle for Club Champ! in a battle 5x5, he lost only two Pokémon into battle and win several Ash's Pokémon with one blow.
He reappears again in the arc in the town of Castellia.
Trip is a fan of Alder, which he watched a Pokémon battle when he was younger and had contact with his idol, which inspired him to train hard and strong following with the intention of facing his idol.
Pokémon
| Trip | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Nuvema Town | ||
| Episodes Present | ||
| BW001, BW010, BW022, BW031, BW039-BW040, BW052, BW070-BW072, BW090-BW093, BW103-BW104 | ||
| Method | Unova | |
| Given | 
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| Caught |     
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| Evolved |    
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Bianca
- Main article: Bianca
Bianca is a beginner trainer who first appeared in Minccino-Neat and Tidy!, she is sent by Professor Juniper to deliver a badge case to Ash. She quickly becomes friends with the characters and joins the group in Emolga the Irresistible!, later she made an attempt to capture one wild Emolga and leaves the group in the next episode to try to win more badges.
She reappears in the arc of Club Battle's tournament, as one of the participants, but is defeated in his first match. She appears again in several episodes during the Ash's journey in Unova region.
Pokémon
| Bianca | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Nuvema Town | ||
| Episodes Present | ||
| BW013, BW024-BW025, BW037, BW039-BW042, BW049, BW062-BW063, BW070-BW073, BW103-BW108 | ||
| Method | Unova | |
| Caught |  
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| Evolved |   
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| Given | 
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| Trade | 
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| Traded |
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Stephan
- Main article: Stephan
Stephan is a trainer Ash and his friends meet during the trip to find Nimbasa City. His main Pokémon is a Zebstrika that first appeared as a Blitzle. He reappears in the arc of the Club Battle's tournament, as one of the participants.
Stephan proves to be itself a powerful Trainer who thanks to his hard training and dedication to their Pokémon can win the Clubsplosion tournament after defeating powerful trainers including the former champion of competition.
Pokémon
| Stephan | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Unknown | ||
| Episodes Present | ||
| BW032, BW039-BW042, BW069-BW073, BW103-BW108 | ||
| Method | Unova | |
| Unknown |   
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| Evolved | 
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Cameron
- Main article: Cameron (Unova)
Cameron has made his first appearance in Goodbye, Junior Cup - Hello Adventure!, trying to participate in the World Tournament Junior Cup. However, he arrives late for the competition, after he reunites with Ash and his friends again when they took their leave to Dawn believing he had the necessary requirements to participate in the Pokémon League. In The Road to Humilau! he battled Marlon in a Gym battle.
His main Pokémon is a Riolu that usually follows him outide its Pokéball.
Pokémon
| Cameron | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Unknown | ||
| Episodes Present | ||
| BW093-BW094, BW103-BW108 | ||
| Method | Pre-series | Unova |
| Unknown |      
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| Evolved | 
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Virgil
- Main article: Virgil
Virgil is a rescue worker, a job which he carries out together with his father Jeff and his older brother Davey. He owns an Eevee and all of its evolutions. He intends to enter the Unova League, making him another one of Ash's many rivals.
Pokémon
| Virgil | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Unknown | ||
| Episodes Present | ||
| BW102-BW108 | ||
| Method | Unova | |
| Caught | (x7)
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| Evolved |      
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| Unknown | *
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|}
Pokémon the Series: XY
Initially, Tierno was Ash's primary rival for the first part of the XY series, with Trevor serving as a minor secondary rival. During the second part of his Kalos journey, however, Ash struck up serious rivalries with Alain and Sawyer. Alain wished to test the unique power of Ash and his Greninja, while Sawyer looked up to Ash and made it his goal to surpass him.
Alain
- Main article: Alain
Alain was a former pupil of Professor Sycamore, after deciding to follow his own path, Alain met Team Flare and in turn, Lysandre who gave him the mission to gather the greatest possible amount of energy generated by Mega Evolution, this made him challenge various Trainers around the Kalos region. In one of these battles, he met Ash, with whom he began a fierce rivalry, after battling in the Kalos League, Alain discovered the true intentions of Team Flare and with the help of Ash and his friends put an end to Lysandre's plans.
Alain is an extremely powerful Trainer, which earned him victory in the Lumiose Conference and in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, a place among the eight best Trainers in the world.
Pokémon
| Alain | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Unknown | |||
| Episodes Present | |||
| SS029-SS035, M17, XY068, XY094, XY106, XY107, XY116, M19, XY123, XY068, XY125-present | |||
| Method | Kalos | Pokémon Journeys: The Series | |
| Given |
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| Evolved | 
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| Mega Evolved |  *
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*
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| Unknown |   
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Tierno
- Main article: Tierno (anime)
Tierno debuted in Summer of Discovery!, as one of the participants of the Pokémon Summer Camp, during his journey through the Kalos region, Tierno battled Ash a few times and with a friendly rivalry between the two, Tierno was eliminated from the Lumiose Conference competition battling the young Trainer Sawyer.
Pokémon
| Tierno | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Santalune City | ||
| Episodes Present | ||
| XY039-XY042, XY065, XY090, XY112, XY113, XY125-present | ||
| Method | Kalos | |
| Caught |    
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| Given |
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| Evolved |
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Sawyer
- Main article: Sawyer
Sawyer was a rookie Trainer originally from the Hoenn region who met Ash in A Fashionable Battle! , very dedicated to overcoming Ash, Sawyer managed to gather enough experience to be able to face Ash and during his campaign in the Lumiose Conference he manages to battle on equal terms with his rival. Later, Sawyer joined the other Trainers to try to stop Team Flare's plans and later went on a new journey with his idol, Steven Stone.
Pokémon
| Sawyer | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Unknown |
First joined in Kalos | ||
| Episodes traveled with Ash | |||
| XY073-XY075 | |||
| Method | Pre-series | Kalos | |
| Given | 
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| Unknown |  
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| Evolved |     
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| Mega Evolved | 
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Sun & Moon series
Gladion
Hau
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
Leon
- Main article: Leon (anime)
Pokémon
| Leon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Unknown | |||
| Episodes Present | |||
| SS029-SS035, M17, XY068, XY094, XY106, XY107, XY116, M19, XY123, XY068, XY125-present | |||
| Method | Pre-series | Galar | |
| Given |
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| Evolved |
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| Gigantamaxed |   
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| Escaped |
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| Unknown |    
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Raihan
- Main article: Raihan
Pokémon
Bea
- Main article: Bea
Bea is one of the Gym Leaders in Stow-on-Side, a specialist in the Fighting-type, Bea managed to defeat Ash in the first battle very easily and was Ash's first obstacle on his way to the top of the World Coronation Series. Despite a threatening and imposing posture, she was shown to be quite friendly and later had a tough battle with Ash when they were in the Ultra Class in Battle Three With Bea! and A Battle of Mega Versus Max!.
Pokémon
| Bea | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hometown: Stow-on-Side | ||
| Episodes Present | ||
| JN034,JN039, JN065,JN077, JN085 - JN086, JN092, JN130, JN136 | ||
| Method | Pre-series | |
| On hand |     
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| Gigantamaxed | 
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| Other | ||
World Coronation Series participants
In the movies
Rafe
- Main article: Rafe
Rafe is one of the main characters in Destiny Deoxys, much like other rivals, he acts in rude way to Ash. Them face off in a Tag Battle in Battle Tower of Larousse City, where he is victorious.
During the crisis in the city, he and Ash put their differences aside and join to help the city.
Pokémon
| Rafe | ||
|---|---|---|
| Hometown: South City | ||
| Episodes Present | ||
| M07 | ||
| Method | Pre-series | |
| Unknown |
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Cross
In the manga
The Electric Tale of Pikachu
Ash & Pikachu
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
Trivia
- Gary, Paul and Alain notably are the only ones Ash's rivals that appeared in a movie in person: Gary appears in a flashback of his fight against Giovanni and Mewtwo in the first movie and Paul walking into a location appears similar statues of Dialga and Palkia present in the city of Solaceon during the credits in the thirteenth movie.
- However, most rivals of Ash in the Sinnoh and Unova region appear in static images during the credits of the thirteenth film.
- With his flashback in The Dream Continues! and Let's Join Hands, Gary is only rival to have appeared in all series of anime.
- Similar to that, disregarding the counterparts of the main games, Gary and Ritchie are the only rivals who appeared in one game in the series himself and also the manga-based anime.
- All main rivals battled Ash's Pikachu in their first battle against Ash.
