Pokémon Champion

A Pokémon champion or League champion (Japanese: リーグ優勝者 League champion or simply チャンピオン Champion) is the highest known level of rank for a Pokémon Trainer. 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 Pokémon champion. There is usually only one Pokémon champion per region at a time. It is assumed that the champion must defend their title against challengers, although this is never explicitly stated.

In the games, Kanto and Johto share a League champion, while the other regions with a Pokémon League have their own.

Players who become the Pokémon Champion will notice that it 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 and can be battled again even after being deposed.

The path to becoming Champion differs between the anime and the games. Instead of fighting the Elite Four, there is a tournament among accomplished Trainers; however Lucian mentioned that the winner of the Sinnoh League has the opportunity to battle the Elite Four and their Champion.

List of Champions

In the games

• Blue of Pallet Town - Indigo League
• Lance of Blackthorn City - Johto League
• Steven Stone of Mossdeep City - Hoenn League
• Wallace of Sootopolis City - Hoenn League
• Cynthia of Celestic Town - Sinnoh League
• The player - All games, once defeating the previous Champion

In the anime

• Jon Dickson of Sento Cherry Town - Silver Conference
• Tyson of Mauville City - Ever Grande Conference
• Drake of Pummelo Island - Orange League
• Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town - Orange League and Battle Frontier
• Cynthia of Celestic Town - Sinnoh League

In the Pokémon Special manga

• Red of Pallet Town - Ninth Annual Pokémon League competition