In the English versions of the games, Hop refers to Leon by the nickname Lee. In all other languages, he is merely referred to as "older brother" or "brother".
"Leon is known far and wide for taking part in the Gym Challenge at the tender age of 10 years old—and even more so for claiming victory in the Champion Cup on his first attempt. Ever since that victory, he and his partner Charizard have remained unbeaten in both League and exhibition matches. He is called "the unbeatable Champion" and is a hero to many Trainers. He has but one weakness: a dismal sense of direction. But don't worry—wherever he ends up, he makes sure everyone has a champion time!"
Rare League Card
"Leon's dream, even when he was still the Champion, was to make Galarian Trainers the strongest Trainers in the world. In order to fulfill that dream, he has rebuilt Rose Tower into the Battle Tower, a facility dedicated to Pokémon battles. People say that he seems even more lively now than he was as Champion. Leon has also commented that another reason he likes the tower so much is because it's impossible to get lost inside. Leon's biggest problem now is apparently coming up with a new signature catchphrase to replace "Let's have a champion time!""
In the Battle Tower, Leon's team is randomly selected each time, but with Charizard guaranteed in the last slot (which he may still switch into at any time). He will Gigantamax his Charizard at the first opportunity.
Leon may reappear at the Champion tournament in Wyndon Stadium after receiving his rare League Card at the Battle Tower. He will Gigantamax his Charizard at the first opportunity.
Leon will leave a Poké Ball, containing a special Charmander for the player, at his own home in Postwick after the player defeats him in the Champion Cup. Once evolved into a Charizard, this Pokémon can Gigantamax.
"Hello, hello, Wedgehurst! Your Champion, Leon, is back! I promise I’ll keep doing my best to deliver the greatest battles for you all to watch!"
"Well, thank you for that! I hope you’ll all carry on training up your Pokémon and never shy from battle. Then come challenge me for the Champion title!"
"Too true that Charizard is blazingly strong. But other Pokémon can be strong as well! That’s why I want the strongest of challengers to fill the Gym Challenge and come battle me!"
"My wish is for Galar’s Trainers to work together to become the strongest in all the world!"
"Hop!"
"So, my number-one fan in all the world has come out of his way to pick me up!"
"Look at you, Hop! I reckon you’ve grown...exactly an inch and a quarter since the last time I saw you!"
"And these bright eyes over here... I’ve got it! You must be <player>—am I right? I’ve heard loads about you from my little brother."
"I’m the Galar region’s greatest-ever Pokémon Champion—and a massive Charizard fan, too. People call me the unbeatable Leon!"
"That Hop... Always wanting to be the best, isn’t he? With a proper rival of his own, I bet he’d push himself to become something truly special..."
"Well, everyone! I bid you farewell for today! But don’t you fret... I’ll always be around to make sure everyone in Galar can have a champion time!"
"Right then! The greatest gift from the greatest Champion... It’s show time, everyone!"
"Take a good look, you two!"
"The Grass-type Pokémon... Grookey!"
"The Fire-type Pokémon... Scorbunny!"
"And the Water-type Pokémon... Sobble!"
"All right! Line up, everyone!"
"Which will you choose?"
If talked to again : "<player>! My dream is to help make the Trainers of the Galar region strong as they can be. Choose a partner for yourself and become one of those strong Trainers, won't you?"
Grookey: "The Grass-type Pokémon Grookey, eh? It’s soothing—like a nice, long walk in the woods."
"The Grass-type Pokémon Grookey, is it?"
Scorbunny: "Scorbunny is Fire type. It’s filled to bursting with fiery passion!"
"You’re set on the Fire-type Pokémon Scorbunny?"
Sobble: "That’s the Water-type Sobble. It adapts to anything, as surely as water flows."
"Going with the Water-type Pokémon Sobble?"
Yes :"You chose Grookey/Scorbunny/Sobble!"
No: "It’s natural to want to consider your options! Though going with your instincts is fine, as well! You choose your dear partner however you like!"
"I bet you will be, Hop. That’s why I brought along these Pokémon for you and <player>. So the two of you can battle and train and grow stronger together...to try to reach me!"
"And you’ll come with me! Charizard will show you the ropes. He’s strict—but real strong and real kind, too!"
The following day
"You spent the whole night with that new partner of yours, right, Hop? You two getting on all right? Understanding one another? Maybe even built up a bit of love?"
"Then listen up, new Trainers! Believe in yourself and your Pokémon! If you trust in one another and carry on battling side by side long enough, then someday..."
"you might even become worthy rivals for me, the unbeatable Champion!"
"Oh, and you think you’re worthy of calling yourself such a proper Trainer already, Hop? Guess I’ll be the judge of that! Let’s see how you handle yourself in a battle against your friend, if he's/she’s up for it."
"What do you say? Willing and ready to take Hop on in the first-ever Pokémon battle of your life?"
Yes : "Believe in your partner Pokémon! And care for them, too, with all your heart. Do those two things, and I’m certain you’ll learn to choose the moves that suit your Pokémon. And more importantly...to have a champion time battling with them!"
No : "Than how about I give you a spot of advice. You don’t want to go getting so caught up in things that you forget everything you’ve accomplished till now. Take a moment to jot down what you’ve done, in order to save a record of your progress!"
"Looks like everyone’s on board, Pokémon and Trainers alike? Then let’s do this!"
After defeating Hop
"You and your Pokémon all fought hard. Made me almost want to let out Charizard and join in on all the fun! Good effort out there, <Pokémon>! Why don’t I get you all sorted?"
"And, <player>, you’ve got real promise! In fact, I’ve got a favor to ask you... Be a real rival to Hop, would you? Push him, and make the both of you stronger!"
"You? Join the Gym Challenge? You think you’re ready for the single greatest competition in the Galar region? Not putting the cart before the Rapidash there, Little Brother?"
"If that’s really what you want to do, you two have a whole lot you need to learn about Pokémon."
"Especially your friend <player>. Before you think about getting Gym Badges, best to think about getting a Pokédex."
"A Trainer’s Pokédex helps them learn lots of things about all the Pokémon out there, including their strengths. But it’s more than just a collection of data, you know. It’s a record of a Trainer’s love and passion for Pokémon training!"
"That’s the kind of enthusiasm a Trainer needs! I’ll let the professor know to expect you."
"Oh, that's nice to hear from the little brother who had me worried sick! I'd been waiting ages for your two, and you never showed! Of course I came looking the both of you!"
"The little chap's just fine. Though all of you had fainted by the time I found you here. You know this place is out of bounds... But it took courage to come in here all the same. And I can understand well enough why you did it. You did good, Hop!"
"Attacked by a mad Pokémon? What are you talking about, Hop?"
"Your moves passed right through it? So, the fearsome Pokémon they say live in the Slumbering Weald... Are they actually illusions or something? Get strong enough and maybe the two of you could be the ones to reveal the truth someday. For now, let's simply get out of this place. You'll be alright now that I'm here with you!"
"Well done! You reached the goal and managed to find the Pokémon Research Lab! You did a far sight better than I did my first time. I'm hopeless with directions. See how your world has already grown, all thanks to having Pokémon with you? I know I'm sure glad I've got Charizard with me...to keep me from getting lost all the time. Now, in we go!"
Pokémon Lab
"I've got to give it to Professor Magnolia. Everything in here looks fascinating..."
"Good to see you, too, Yamper! Yamper here is a real champ when it comes to helping you find your way around. He came to my rescue plenty of times back in the day, when I got lost on the road. Oh yeah, and that's his Trainer, Sonia. What can I say about Sonia? Well, I like the way she cooks. She makes food you can gobble down in a flash."
"This is <player>. He's/She's a new Pokémon Trainer. Set him/her on the right path, would you?"
"And I'm here to teach you how! You'll need to catch Pokémon if you've got any hope of filling in that Pokédex."
"Every Pokémon has got a type or two, which can make it good against some opponents, but poor against others. That's the reason you'll want to catch different Pokémon--to cover one another's weaknesses. Now, let's all have a champion time as I show you how it's done."
During the catching tutorial
"This is the way a real Champion catches Pokémon!"
After the catching tutorial/noticing the player has already caught a Pokémon
"I'll give you some more Poké Balls. In return, I'll only ask that you catch plenty of Pokémon! The Pokémon around here seem easy to catch. Almost like they're itching to join some Trainer's team, wouldn't you say?"
"And of course, they get Exp. Points from battle, so take on the other Trainers you meet along the path to help your Pokémon thrive. Your team will keep on changing and growing as you get stronger together, no doubt... But even I don't know exactly how yet! Show your Champion something good, all right?"
"So have you unraveled all the secrets of the Dynamax phenomenon yet?"
"You must know about Dynamaxing, right, <player>? Professor Magnolia's been doing research into the Dynamax phenomenon for years and years. And it takes a proper understanding of the thing if you plan to use Dynamaxing to the fullest!"
"Hop and <player> only just started out as Pokémon Trainers... There's still loads they don't know yet!"
"Well yeah...you're not wrong. That goal's precisely the reason I gave them both Pokémon, in fact. Right then. In that case...how about this? Let's see if the two of you can show me such a brilliant battle that I'm left with no choice but to endorse you. And don't worry, I'll make sure both your teams are in good shape before the battle starts."
"You remember what I asked, don't you? I think you've got potential, and that's why I want you to be a real rival to Hop. And that's direct from your Champion Leon!"
Before battling Hop
"Listen, you two. The reason I'm unbeatable is because I learn from every battle I see or take part in. That's how I've gotten to where I am today. So show me something good in this battle!"
After battling Hop
"<player>! Hop! Well, after seeing a match like that one... I suppose I've little choice but to give you both an endorsement as Champion!"
"You may both be young still, and plenty rough around the edges, but it was a proper battle. Charizard and I were both feeling the excitement in every last cell in our bodies! Hop, you've always tended to get caught up in things like how you throw your Poké Ball out... Things that have nothing to do with real strength. Honestly, I'd been worried about you still obsessing over that sort of nonsense, but it seems you really have grown a bit, Little Brother! And I'd like to see some more thrilling Pokémon battles out of you, too, <player>."
"Trust you to pull something like this! They say Wishing Stars fall down for those who have a true wish in their hearts, you know."
"I'd surely never make it to the stadium without you to show me the way, partner. Even with a huge old thing like this bang in the middle of the city, I still get lost."
"<player>! All right? One look tells me that you've become a Trainer worthy of that endorsement I gave you! And...yes, I reckon you might even be ready to use this... Here, try giving this to your partner to hold!"
"You can take that lift up to the city's upper level, if you're headed for the stadium next."
If talked to again
"I guess you might want to have a look around the city first. Only don't get lost like I do! When you're ready to visit the stadium, take the lift to get up there!"
"You've made it at last, Hop. And you, too, <player>!"
"The chairman certainly seems to be in high spirits! Now, listen closely, you two. You've both only just started on your path as Trainers. If you want to win, you need to do more than just train your Pokémon. You need to train yourselves, too."
"<player>! Seems you're doing well collecting Gym Badges."
"But Hop... Did something happen with him? He was acting really odd when I ran into him. He took one look at him and immediately was like, "I'm so sorry, Lee!" It might be the first time I've heard him apologize for anything, and I've no idea what it was for!"
"Maybe he's feeling down because he's had some hard losses in battle?"
"When you lose, you feel down in the dumps. But then there's nowhere left to go but back up! You've got to think on why it was you lost, though. You know, that little brother of mine...I think he might yet become a surprisingly great Trainer!"
"Blast, and look at the time! Nearly forgot my meeting with the chairman. That Oleana really lets me hear it when I'm late! Now if only I could remember which way to go..."
"Anyway, I'd say that you should go and say hello to Raihan while you're here, <player>. He's the greatest rival I've got and the final hurdle you'll have to face in the Gym Challenge. He should still be around the vault, if you hurry. It's down that way--on the way to Route 6."
"Well, I am the unbeatable Champion, after all! But what all is going on here?"
"Thanks! I appreciate the thought. But all I could ever ask of you would be that you join me in the greatest final match ever. I'll do my part to make that happen by keeping everybody's future safe. So you just keep on doing your part by winning your way through the Gym Challenge!"
"Looks like we all know what we need to do. So, you two--clear the Gym Challenge so we can meet again at the Champion Cup!"
"<player>! Thanks for coming, but I've got a handle on this! Whatever's making that noise, I'll see to it!"
"I already told you, didn't I? Keep your eye on the goal! And for you, that's winning the Gym Challenge! The only Gym Badge left is the one you'll get from the Dragon Gym's Leader, Raihan. Right? Raihan is the only Trainer out there I consider a real rival. He's that good, you know!"
"And there I go again! Sorry, but I suppose this is no time for me to be stopping for a chat. There's a bit of trouble here with my name on it. But don't you worry about a thing! The unbeatable champion is here to look after things and keep you all safe!"
"That came from the tunnel, wouldn't you say? Seems I'm about to have a champion time!"
"That was incredible. Brilliant. Honestly...there were even tears rolling down my face before I knew it. To think that the two of you set out together from the same town, built up the greatest teams, and arrived here at this point to throw everything you had at one another... That burning desire to win... Those moves filled with undefeatable passion! It was battling at its very purest, in every possible way! Even though there were some Trainers who weren't sure whether you were fit to be endorsed for the Gym Challenge at first..."
"Well then, all the more reason! My team members and I will give everything that we've got in us to defeat our challenger. And the challenger standing before us might well end up being you, <player>. In fact, that's precisely what I'm hoping for!"
"Best to refill your energy stores first! Why don't we go get some dinner together?"
"I think I understand well enough. What I don't understand is why we ought to cancel tomorrow's tournament in order to solve a problem that's a thousand years away from affecting any of us! What difference is one day going to make? My duty as Champion isn't this...this madness. It's to carry out that Champion Match! That's what Galar wants--and what I want! It's what we've all been looking forward to for so long!"
"In a thousand years! Fine. Look. I think I understand your concerns, Chairman. And I give my word I'll help you with your plans...just as soon as tomorrow's match is over."
"Never mind any of this, Hop, <player>. Let's head back to the hotel, and we'll all grab dinner together, yeah? It's on me, so you can order whatever you fancy."
"If you'll excuse us, Chairman Rose... And I do hope you'll watch tomorrow's match. It's sure to be one for the history books."
Wyndon Stadium
Champion Cup Finals intro
"It probably goes without saying, but... hello, Galar! I’m your Champion, Leon!"
"The chairman is tied up with some business, so I hope no one minds me stepping in on his behalf..."
"in order to lead you all to greater heights as Pokémon Trainers of the Galar region!"
"The time has come for you to battle it out until only the greatest challenger remains!"
"So, on behalf of the chairman, allow me to say... let the Finals matches begin!"
After clearing the Finals
"The tense, still air on the pitch... And the exact opposite from the audience, cheering and yelling... They're both fantastic, wouldn't you say?"
"But remember, the audience is also a bit cruel... They want nothing more than to see one of us lose, after all! It can fill you with fear knowing that, but I absolutely love pushing past the fear. I love giving it everything I've got as a Trainer and seeing my team give everything they've got to seize another victory! It's the greatest feeling in the world, and I can't get enough of it!"
"I can feel my partners itching with anticipation inside their Poké Balls... We're going to have a real champion time!"
"I'm the Galar region's Champion, Leon! Me and Charizard, and all the rest of our team, will use all our knowledge and experience to crush you completely!"
After Rose's interruption
"I don't know! But everything he was saying yesterday... Did he really pull this crazy stunt to solve some problem a thousand years in the future?! I've got to go see what's going on... I'm the Champion! I have to go!"
"I should've realized what the chairman intended to do before it came to this... I'll take responsibility now for fixing this mess! This is the real Champion time!"
"You came to help me in spite of the danger? Thanks, Hop. And you, <player>. You two really have grown tremendously! But no need for you kids to worry. It seems like some power of Eternatus's was keeping my team from Dynamaxing, but...we've had a champion time all the same!"
"Charizard and the rest of my champion team members have really worn Eternatus down."
"Now if I can simply catch it in a Poké Ball, we should be able to get this madness under control. Then everything will be back to normal. So watch this! It's going to be a real champion catch!"
Wyndon Stadium
Before battle
"My matches are always sold out, but this... I've never seen a crowd this wild!"
"Everyone knows what you did for us this week, <player>... They know you're the one who caught Eternatus and saved the future of the Galar region."
"A real hero, who battled alongside the Legendary Pokémon, Zacian and Zamazenta... I couldn't have dreamed of a better challenger to help increase my winning streak!"
"Now that I've seen just what kind of strength you possess as the greatest of challengers...crushing you into the dirt will show everyone just how strong their Champion truly is!"
"Come on, <player>! Let's make this a final match that'll go down in Galar's history! No! A match that'll change Galar forever!"
"We're gonna have an absolutely champion time!"
After sending out first Pokémon
"It's one of the duties of the Champion to get the crowd fired up!"
Upon first receiving a super effective hit
"A supereffective hit... I'd expect nothing less from your team!"
Upon first landing a super effective hit
"Aiming for supereffective hits is a surefire way to claim victory!"
"<player>! I’ve been waiting for you. Always knew you’d be able to win your way here. Now, how about you take on Challenger Leon with everything that you’ve got?"
Upon being defeated
"Battling against a Champion like you... It really is the best... And since you managed to defeat me, you’ll be moving up the ranks here at the Battle Tower."
After being defeated
"I knew you had it in you, <player>! I was sure you and your Pokémon would blast right through the first stage of the Battle Tower! But don’t go thinking you’ve seen all the Battle Tower has to offer. We’re only getting started!"
Poké Ball Tier
Before battle
"Well done, <player>! Just as I knew you’d do! I never expected the Poké Ball Tier would hold you long... Now it’s time you and I had some fun!"
Upon being defeated
"I’m glad we’ve got such a strong Champion here in Galar, but even more than that... I’m gutted to have lost! Thanks for always giving me the chance to have the greatest battles. But I don’t plan on losing the next one!"
After being defeated
"Your Pokémon certainly look delighted to battle alongside you, <player>! But of course they do! They’re lucky enough to battle with a Trainer who knows just how to draw out the best of them! That’s it. I’m gonna be sure to draw out even more of my own team members from now on, too!"
Great Ball Tier
Before battle
"The Battle Tower is the place to go if you want to see how Trainers dedicated to growing stronger live and do battle. Looks as though your own strength is about as amazing as ever, <player>. But I’ll not just take your word for it!"
Upon being defeated
"You and your team are utterly brilliant. You’ve gone beyond me now... So it’s time we move you up a rank! But I don’t plan on sitting on my bum. The next time we meet in the Battle Tower, I’ll make you regret winning your way to facing me!"
After being defeated
"The strong desire to win! That’s the trigger that makes you accumulate new skills and transform experience into strength! And you and your team—you’ve got a real great desire to win, don’t you! Love it! But you still haven’t seen the real challenge the Battle Tower is waiting to throw at you!"
Ultra Ball Tier
Before battle
"My dream has always been to make the people of the Galar region stronger. And this Battle Tower is making that dream come true! So come on, <player>! Think you and I can get even stronger, too? A fierce battle is the only way to do it!"
Upon being defeated
"You never stop surprising me, you know that? I’m really astounded at how far you’ve come! Right then! Let’s move you up a rank! There are no limits when it comes to Pokémon! Keep on having a champion time!"
After being defeated
"Now, that’s an absolutely champion time! The stronger you get, the more the Trainers here at the Battle Tower burn with the desire to be the one to beat you and break your streak! Their Pokémon are all sharpening their teeth and claws in anticipation! And I’ll be putting together my greatest ever team, too. Naturally! So, do your best to reach me once again!"
Master Ball Tier
Before battle
"Looking back at when I first met you in Wedgehurst, the path to this place feels... well, short in one way, but so long in others. Allow me to be the one who faces you in the greatest-ever match here at the Battle Tower!"
Upon being defeated
"When I’ve got you, and I’ve got Hop, and I’ve got Charizard beside me... I feel there’s no limit to how strong I can become! It’s just like I told you before... There’s truly no limit when it comes to Pokémon! We’re all going to have a champion time!"
After being defeated
"The greatest battle of the Battle Tower is over... But at least since it was between you and me... No, since it was between your team and mine, we managed to make it one brilliant match! Champion! I hope this isn’t the last time I get to meet you in battle! Keep challenging me! So that I can keep reaching ever greater heights!"
All tiers
Upon victory
"Come on—remember our final match! Is this really the best you can do?!"
Leon reappeared in SS013, where he heard a commotion outside the stadium and went to see what was happening. He saw Ash battling a GigantamaxDrednaw with his Pikachu and noticed that it had Gigantamaxed without a Dynamax Band. He gave Ash advice that allowed him to defeat Drednaw before properly introducing himself to them. The next day, Leon approached Ash and Go at the WyndonPokémon Center and accepted Ash's earlier request for a battle. Beforehand, Leon gave Ash an explanation of how Dynamaxing and G-Max Moves worked and gave him his own Dynamax Band. During the battle, both sides Gigantamaxed their Pokémon, with Pikachu even managing to land a couple hits on Charizard, but in the end, Pikachu was defeated. Ash and Leon then promised to each other that once Ash was strong enough, they would battle again.
Pokémon
This listing is of Leon's known Pokémon in the anime:
Leon appeared in Letter, where he and Charizard battled Bea and her Machamp in a televised battle inside Wyndon Stadium. The Champion and his partner eventually emerged victorious. He later appeared with his Charizard in a brief flashback Chairman Rose had while meeting John, a fan of Leon's.
Leon reappeared in a fantasy in Training, where Bea thought she saw him in the Wild Area, only to realize it was actually a Rhydon.
Leon debuted in the Sword & Shield arc. He was first seen on the outskirts of Wedgehurst, trying to move a flock of Wooloo off of some train tracks. He was helped by Sōdo and Shirudomiria, who drove off the Obstagoon that was terrorizing the Wooloo. After introducing himself to the children, Leon headed off to Motostoke to appear on a television program, only to get lost on the way there.
Later, it was revealed that Leon had decided to endorse the two Trainers for the Gym Challenge thanks to this experience, just like they had hoped he would. The Gym Leaders of Galar were surprised by this decision, as Leon had never endorsed two Trainers at the same time before.
Leon's uniform number is "1", making him the only NPC with a uniform number not using all three available digits.
Leon's Champion logo is only displayed when the player enters the center of Wyndon Stadium before the actual battle with Leon. When the player enters the area before the match that Rose soon interrupts, the regular Wyndon Stadium logo is displayed instead.
If the player chose Scorbunny:
