Pokémon Champion: Difference between revisions

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[[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.]]
[[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}}.


In [[Generation VII]], the player as Champion can defend the title against challengers.
In [[Generation VII]], the {{player}} as Champion can defend the title against challengers.


==In the games==
==In the games==
[[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 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.
Champion is a {{DL|Pokémon Trainer|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.


Since in every [[core series]] game the player goes on to defeat the standing Champion (except {{g|Sun and Moon}}, in which case there is no current Champion and the player battles [[Professor Kukui]] instead), every [[player character]] is considered a Champion and subsequently entered into the [[Hall of Fame]], along with the player's [[party]]. However, for players in games other than Pokémon Sun and Moon, 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 stated his reign was over; in the [[Delta Episode]], [[Zinnia]] teases {{Steven}} that he is the former Champion). In games other than Pokémon Sun and Moon, 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 Pokémon Sun and Moon, the player can instead battle the Elite Four then take a challenger, being able to do this as many times as they would like.
Since in every [[core series]] game the player goes on to defeat the standing Champion (except in [[Alola]], in which case there is no current Champion and the player battles [[Professor Kukui]]{{sup/7|SM}}/[[Hau]]{{sup/7|USUM}} instead), every [[player character]] is considered a Champion and subsequently entered into the [[Hall of Fame]], along with the player's [[party]]. However, for players in games other than Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, 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 stated his reign was 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 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 Alola, the player can instead battle the Elite Four and then take on a challenger, being able to do this as many times as they would like.


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}}.
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}}.


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.  
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 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.


Known non-player Champions in the games:
Known non-player Champions in the games:
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{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #88a; border: 5px solid #88a"
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; text-align:center; background: #88a; border: 5px solid #88a"
|-
|-
! 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|{{kanto 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}}
! 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}}" | {{color2|{{unova color dark}}|Unova League}}
! rowspan = "2" style="background:#{{kalos color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | {{color2|{{kalos color dark}}|Kalos League}}
! style="background:#{{kalos color light}}" | {{color2|{{kalos color dark}}|Kalos League}}
! style="background:#{{galar color light}}; {{roundytr|5px}}" | {{color2|{{galar color dark}}|Galar 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>
| {{Gameabbrev4|DPPt}}
| 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}}
| {{Gameabbrev6|XY}}
| {{Gameabbrev8|SwSh}}
|- style="background:#fff"
|- style="background:#fff"
| {{color2|000|Blue (game)|Blue}}
| {{color2|000|Blue (game)|Blue}}
| {{color2|000|Trace (game)|Trace}}
| {{color2|000|Lance|Lance}}
| {{color2|000|Lance|Lance}}
| {{color2|000|Red (game)|Red}}
| {{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|Wallace}}
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| {{color2|000|Iris|Iris}}
| {{color2|000|Iris|Iris}}
| {{color2|000|Diantha|Diantha}}
| {{color2|000|Diantha|Diantha}}
| {{color2|000|Leon|Leon}}
|- style="background:#fff"
|- style="background:#fff"
| [[File:FireRed LeafGreen Blue.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:FireRed LeafGreen Blue.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Lets Go Pikachu Eevee Rival.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]]
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| [[File:Black 2 White 2 Iris.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Black 2 White 2 Iris.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:XY Diantha.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:XY Diantha.png|150x150px]]
| [[File:Sword Shield Leon.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="background:#{{dragon color}}" | {{color2|fff|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
| style="background:#{{unknown color}}" | {{color2|fff|Type|Various}}
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}; background:#{{unknown color}}" | {{color2|fff|Type|Unknown}}
|}
==In the side games==
===In {{ga|Pokémon Trading Card Game}}===
In {{ga|Pokémon Trading Card Game}}, after defeating the [[Grand Master]]s 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 {{DL|Ronald|Legendary Ronald Deck}}, which focuses around {{TCG|Fire Energy}}, {{tcg|Colorless}} Pokémon, and the Legendary {{TCG ID|GB|Moltres|1}} and {{TCG ID|GB|Dragonite|1 Promo}} cards.
In [[Pokémon Card GB2: Here Comes 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: #88a; border: 5px solid #88a"
|-
! 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"
! colspan=2 | {{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Trading Card Game (game)|TCG}}
|- style="background:#fff"
| colspan=2 | {{color2|000|Ronald}}
|- style="background:#fff"
|- style="background:#fff"
| style="{{roundybl|5px}}" | {{color2|000|Type|Various}}
| colspan=2 | [[File:Ronald.png|150x150px]]
| {{color2|000|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
|-
| {{color2|000|Type|Various}}
| style="{{roundybl|5px}}; background:#{{tcg colorless color}}" | {{color2|000|Colorless (TCG)|Colorless}}
| {{color2|000|Steel (type)|Steel}}
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}; background:#{{tcg fire color}}" | {{color2|fff|Fire (TCG)|Fire}}
| {{color2|000|Water (type)|Water}}
| {{color2|000|Type|Various}}
| {{color2|000|Type|Various}}
| {{color2|000|Dragon (type)|Dragon}}
| style="{{roundybr|5px}}" | {{color2|000|Type|Various}}
|}
|}


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===In the main series===
===In the main series===
[[File:Alder and Cynthia.png|thumb|250px|[[Alder]] and [[Cynthia]], Champions of [[Unova]] and [[Sinnoh]], respectively.]]
[[File:Alder and Cynthia.png|thumb|250px|[[Alder]] and [[Cynthia]], Champions of [[Unova]] and [[Sinnoh]], respectively.]]
In the [[Pokémon anime]], there can only be one Pokémon Champion per [[region]] at a time, except for the [[Orange League]]. While [[Pokémon Trainer]]s can freely request an informal 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 {{DL|Pokémon League|Champion League}} to face off the regional [[Elite Four]] members and, if successful, the League Champion.
In the [[Pokémon anime]], there can only be one Pokémon Champion per [[region]] at a time, except for the [[Orange League]]. While [[Pokémon Trainer]]s can freely request an informal 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 is no reigning Champion, and the winner of the region's first League Conference will directly become 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 Orange League, Trainers 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 Orange League, Trainers 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.
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| [[Diantha]]
| [[Diantha]]
| [[Kalos League]]
| [[Kalos League]]
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| [[Ash Ketchum]]
| [[Alola League]]
|}
|}


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==In the manga==
==In the manga==
===In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga===
The following are the known Champions in [[The Electric Tale of Pikachu]] manga:
{| style="float:left; background: #{{kalos color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}; border: 3px solid #{{dragon color}}"
! Name
! League
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| {{OBP|Drake|Orange League}}
| [[Orange League]]
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| {{OBP|Ash Ketchum|EToP}}
| [[Orange League]]
|}{{-}}
[[File:PS265.png|thumb|220px|Wallace wearing the "Champion's Cloak" in Pokémon Adventures]]
===In the Pokémon Adventures manga===
===In the Pokémon Adventures manga===
[[File:PS265.png|thumb|220px|Wallace wearing the "Champion's Cloak"]]
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|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.
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|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.


Line 170: Line 222:
|- style="background: #FFF;"
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| [[Alder]]
| [[Alder]]
| [[Unova League]]
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| [[Iris]]
| [[Unova League]]
| [[Unova League]]
|- style="background: #FFF;"
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| [[Diantha]]
| [[Diantha]]
| [[Kalos League]]
| [[Kalos League]]
|}{{-}}
===In the Pokémon Battle Frontier manga===
The following are the known Champions in the [[Pokémon Battle Frontier]] manga:
{| style="float:left; background: #{{kalos color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}; border: 3px solid #{{dragon color}}"
! Name
! League
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| [[Rald]]
| Unknown
|}{{-}}
===In the Pokémon Zensho manga===
The following are the known Champions in the [[Pokémon Zensho]] manga:
{| style="float:left; background: #{{kalos color light}}; {{roundy|10px}}; border: 3px solid #{{dragon color}}"
! Name
! League
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| {{zensho|Shigeru}}
| [[Indigo League]]
|- style="background: #FFF;"
| {{Zensho|Satoshi}}
| [[Indigo League]]
|}{{-}}
|}{{-}}


Line 195: Line 275:
|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
|pl=Mistrz ({{male}})<br>Mistrzyni ({{female}})<br>Czempion
|pt=Campeão ({{male}})<br>Campeã ({{female}})
|pt=Campeão ({{male}})<br>Campeã ({{female}})
|ro=Campion
|ro=Campion
Line 212: Line 293:
* [[Pokémon Master]]
* [[Pokémon Master]]
* [[Top Coordinator]]
* [[Top Coordinator]]
 
* {{cat|Episodes in which a Champion appears}}
* {{cat|Champions' Pokémon}}
{{Champions}}<br>
{{Champions}}<br>
{{TrainerNav|Kalos|kanto=yes|johto=yes|hoenn=yes|sinnoh=yes|unova=yes|kalos=yes}}
{{TrainerNav|galar|kanto=yes|johto=yes|hoenn=yes|sinnoh=yes|unova=yes|kalos=yes|galar=yes}}
{{League}}<br>
{{League}}<br>
{{Project CharacterDex notice|tc}}
{{Project CharacterDex notice|tc}}

Revision as of 22:48, 15 September 2019

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.

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

In the 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 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.

Since in every core series game the player goes on to defeat the standing Champion (except in Alola, in which case there is no current Champion and the player battles Professor KukuiSM/HauUSUM instead), every player character is considered a Champion and subsequently entered into the Hall of Fame, along with the player's party. However, for players in games other than Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, 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 stated his reign was 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 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 Alola, the player can instead battle the Elite Four and then take on a challenger, being able to do this as many times as they would like.

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 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 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 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.

Known non-player Champions in the games:

Indigo League/Johto League Hoenn League Sinnoh League Unova League Kalos League Galar League
RGBYFRLG PE GSCHGSS RSORAS E DPPt BW B2W2 XY SwSh
Blue Trace Lance Red* Steven Wallace Cynthia Alder Iris Diantha Leon
FireRed LeafGreen Blue.png File:Lets Go Pikachu Eevee Rival.png HeartGold SoulSilver Lance.png FireRed LeafGreen Red.png Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Steven.png Emerald Wallace.png Diamond Pearl Cynthia.png Black White Alder.png Black 2 White 2 Iris.png XY Diantha.png Sword Shield Leon.png
Various Various Dragon Various Steel Water Various Various Dragon Various Unknown

In the side games

In Pokémon Trading Card Game

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 Card GB2: Here Comes 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

In the anime

In the main series

Alder and Cynthia, Champions of Unova and Sinnoh, respectively.

In the Pokémon anime, there can only be one Pokémon Champion per region at a time, except for the Orange League. 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 is no reigning Champion, and the winner of the region's first League Conference will directly become 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 Orange League, Trainers 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 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.

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

Name League
Captain Orange League
Drake Orange League
Ash Ketchum Orange League
Lance Indigo League
Steven Stone Hoenn League
Cynthia Sinnoh League
Wallace Hoenn League
Alder Unova League
Diantha Kalos League
Ash Ketchum Alola League

A list of episodes in which a Champion appears can be found here.

In Pokémon Origins

Known Champions in Pokémon Origins:

Name League
Blue Indigo League
Red Indigo League

In Pokémon Generations

Known Champions in Pokémon Generations:

Name League
Blue Indigo League
Cynthia Sinnoh League
Diantha Kalos League
Calem Kalos League

In the manga

In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga

The following are the known Champions in The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga:

Name League
Drake Orange League
Ash Ketchum Orange League


Wallace wearing the "Champion's Cloak" in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

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 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 took 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:

Name League
Professor Oak First Triennial Indigo League
Red Ninth Triennial Indigo League
Steven Stone Hoenn League
Wallace Hoenn League, awarded by Steven
Cynthia Sinnoh League
Alder Unova League
Iris Unova League
Diantha Kalos League


In the Pokémon Battle Frontier manga

The following are the known Champions in the Pokémon Battle Frontier manga:

Name League
Rald Unknown


In the Pokémon Zensho manga

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

Name League
Shigeru Indigo League
Satoshi Indigo League


Trivia

  • In 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.
    • 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 other languages

Champion

Language Title
The Arab world Flag.png Arabic بطل batal
Chinese Cantonese 冠軍 Gungwān
Mandarin 冠軍 / 冠军 Guàn​jūn
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
Poland Flag.png Polish Mistrz ()
Mistrzyni ()
Czempion
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
DirectorInstructorLeague 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


RosaChallenge.png The Pokémon League VSMarshal.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.