Champion

A Champion (Japanese: チャンピオン Champion) is a type of Pokémon Trainer that first debuted in the Generation I games. It is the name given for the Trainer who last defeated the Elite Four and the previous Pokémon champion.

Although the player character is always introduced to the Champion before challenging the Elite Four, there is often nothing to suggest their status, so it is often a "surprise" to find out that that person is the Champion.

After becoming Champion, the player returns home, rather than staying at the Pokémon League to fight challengers. The previous Champion keeps his/her position. This may be a decision of the player character and his/her family rather than official Pokémon League rules, as Champion Blue also keeps his position.

List of champions

Kanto/Johto

1. Blue (Red/Blue/Yellow/FireRed/LeafGreen)
2. Lance (Gold/Silver/Crystal)

Kanto/Johto Champion Sprites

Blue from Pokémon Red and Blue

Blue from Pokémon Yellow

Blue from Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

Lance from Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal

Hoenn

1. Steven (Ruby/Sapphire)
2. Wallace (Emerald)

Hoenn Champion Sprites

Steven from Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire

Wallace from Pokémon Emerald

Sinnoh

1. Cynthia (Diamond/Pearl/Platinum)

Sinnoh Champion Sprites

Cynthia from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

Cynthia from Pokémon Platinum

Trivia

• Unlike the Elite Four, all five Champions (including Wallace) have appeared in the anime at some point.

In other languages

• French: Maitre
• German: Champ
• Italian: Campione
• Korean: 챔피언 (Champion)
• Spanish: Campeón

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