Through the six generations of the Pokemon Franchise, players have had to battle their way through Rivals, Gym Leaders and the Elite 4 to face off against the strongest Trainers in the region. This is a countdown of the most powerful Champions in the Pokemon Universe.
The Champions with their signature Pokemon.
This list is compiled from the counterparts in the video game series and not the anime.
Circa Pokemon Emerald, Wallace, who was previously a Gym Leader takes the pedestal of the Hoenn League Champion by giving over the reins of the Sootopolis Gym to his long time mentor Juan.
Through the credits following the Delta Episode in Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire we find out that his position as Champion was equal parts personal favor and equal parts battle expertise to the already reigning Steven Stone who then takes an indefinite leave of absence to pursue a more personal calling.
Wallace being a Water Pokemon Master stands at number 8 on the list. As incumbent Champion, Wallace favors a full-fledged Water type team with his Milotic being most synonymous with his position as a powerful Trainer. He stands at the lowest tier of the list owing to his limited battle prowess (as compared to the other Champions) and lack of a diverse team.
Battling Wallace in the games is a very straightforward affair largely in part to his predictable battle style and his Type specialization. Water types, although abundantly bulky, are easily handled by even the most amateur of players. Falling to a well raised, Electric and/or Grass type, the only hurdle Wallace has to offer is with his Tentacruel and Ludicolo. Then again, considering two thirds of the battle already in the bag, there isn’t much that Wallace can do otherwise.
Alternatively, the Hoenn Champion moonlights as a Pokemon Coordinator, evidence of which can be found in the anime series as well. The players can sporadically find themselves trying to show up their Pokemon in the Beauty contest’s Master Rank in ORAS next to Wallace’s Pokemon. Until the developers decide to buff him up in future remakes at a later time, Wallace sits ‘elegantly’ on the base of this list.
If you played Pokemon X and Y without consulting any guides or spoilers per say (as I do), you would be visibly surprised at Diantha’s reveal of boasting the position of the Kalos Champion. After going through the entire plot of the narrative, there isn’t any glaring indication that Diantha would be your final hurdle to the Hall of Fame.
Diantha is a famous movie star in the Kalos region. Her celebrity status and unique style already make her an iconic presence to the local population. The player initially comes across her in Lumiose City and apart from being sincerely concerned about their journey there isn’t much to gauge from her interaction.
Diantha’s team on hand isn’t as much of a threat as it is a fashion statement. Hailing fully evolved Pokemon that display a wide color palate, the only noteworthy presence is that of her Mega Gardevoir. As much as Gamefreak would like to play fair, they do have stand out favorites out of the 719 Pokemon discovered so far – Gardevoir being one of them, and they saw to it that it’s Mega Evolution get the game’s equivalent of a standing ovation as the staple of Diantha’s team.
Diantha will go the extra mile in this case and gift a Ralts to the player after the game is over in Lumiose City holding the coveted Gardevoirite, Gardevoir’s Mega Stone.
We’re almost there!
The coveted number 2 spot on the list goes to the Hoenn Champion, Steven Stone.
Making his debut in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, Steven is the heir of the Devon Corporation. Specializing in the extremely defensive Steel type, Steven has an innate penchant for stone collecting.
Early on in the game, we can gauge that Steven possesses a sincere interest in the development of the player, giving the Trainer helpful hints, moving the story along, at one point partnering up with the protagonist to take on Team Magma/Team Aqua.
Steven’s presence in the games is complimented by his frequent gifts to the Trainer as well. From a Beldum in Mossdeep City to having your pick of the Hoenn Starters in Kanto, Steven is a novelty to interact with.
With a genuine regard for the wellbeing of all Pokemon, Steven goes a step ahead in the sixth generation remakes of Ruby and Sapphire by giving the player their Key stones and starter’s Mega Stone.
Although a Steel type enthusiast, Steven also has several Rock Pokemon on his team, with Metagross being his most called upon partner in battle. As of ORAS, Steven’s Metagross is capable of Mega Evolving, being the first time that the player encounters one.
He is a formidable opponent, clearly deserving his place so high on the list because of his multi faceted battle style.
This list is compiled from the counterparts in the video game series and not the anime.
8. Wallace
 |
| Wallace in his signature Pokemon Emerald attire |
Through the credits following the Delta Episode in Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire we find out that his position as Champion was equal parts personal favor and equal parts battle expertise to the already reigning Steven Stone who then takes an indefinite leave of absence to pursue a more personal calling.
Wallace being a Water Pokemon Master stands at number 8 on the list. As incumbent Champion, Wallace favors a full-fledged Water type team with his Milotic being most synonymous with his position as a powerful Trainer. He stands at the lowest tier of the list owing to his limited battle prowess (as compared to the other Champions) and lack of a diverse team.
Battling Wallace in the games is a very straightforward affair largely in part to his predictable battle style and his Type specialization. Water types, although abundantly bulky, are easily handled by even the most amateur of players. Falling to a well raised, Electric and/or Grass type, the only hurdle Wallace has to offer is with his Tentacruel and Ludicolo. Then again, considering two thirds of the battle already in the bag, there isn’t much that Wallace can do otherwise.
Alternatively, the Hoenn Champion moonlights as a Pokemon Coordinator, evidence of which can be found in the anime series as well. The players can sporadically find themselves trying to show up their Pokemon in the Beauty contest’s Master Rank in ORAS next to Wallace’s Pokemon. Until the developers decide to buff him up in future remakes at a later time, Wallace sits ‘elegantly’ on the base of this list.
7. Diantha
 |
| Diantha with Mega Gardevoir |
Diantha is a famous movie star in the Kalos region. Her celebrity status and unique style already make her an iconic presence to the local population. The player initially comes across her in Lumiose City and apart from being sincerely concerned about their journey there isn’t much to gauge from her interaction.
Diantha’s team on hand isn’t as much of a threat as it is a fashion statement. Hailing fully evolved Pokemon that display a wide color palate, the only noteworthy presence is that of her Mega Gardevoir. As much as Gamefreak would like to play fair, they do have stand out favorites out of the 719 Pokemon discovered so far – Gardevoir being one of them, and they saw to it that it’s Mega Evolution get the game’s equivalent of a standing ovation as the staple of Diantha’s team.
Diantha will go the extra mile in this case and gift a Ralts to the player after the game is over in Lumiose City holding the coveted Gardevoirite, Gardevoir’s Mega Stone.
6. Alder
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| Alder |
Anyone remember Mon*Star from SilverHawks? Alder is his human love child. There is no other explanation for that ginger mane of his. But let’s not be too quick to judge.
Alder is one of the more deep characters that you might have come across in the meta game. His helping hand and frequent interaction with the player is (spoiler alert) supremely overshadowed by his past. A nomad at heart, we learn that Alder’s very first Pokemon ever, possibly a Larvesta/Volcarona, had died. Being unable to save his beloved partner instilled in him a need to wander around and encourage young Trainers that the pursuit of strength was not all that it’s cracked up to be. He has reined in his battle spirit so much in fact that when the player reaches him the first time at the Pokemon League, Alder has already been defeated by N only moments ago – an anomaly in itself as defeating the Unova Champion should not be such an easy feat.
Alder’s team is predominantly Bug type, a first for a Champion, with his Volcarona paying sincere homage to his own personal style – a fiery six pronged star.
A formidable opponent with a well balanced team of his own, Alder realizes the bigger picture, and by the end of the events in Pokemon Black and White, has humbly retired to his hometown of Flocessy to make way for the more worthy ‘younger generation’ where he’s more than happy mentoring passing Trainers, even indulging in a battle or two from time to time.
Alder lives on vicariously through the achievements of his grandson, Benga – mirroring how Alder may have been while he was a young boy.
Alder is one of the more deep characters that you might have come across in the meta game. His helping hand and frequent interaction with the player is (spoiler alert) supremely overshadowed by his past. A nomad at heart, we learn that Alder’s very first Pokemon ever, possibly a Larvesta/Volcarona, had died. Being unable to save his beloved partner instilled in him a need to wander around and encourage young Trainers that the pursuit of strength was not all that it’s cracked up to be. He has reined in his battle spirit so much in fact that when the player reaches him the first time at the Pokemon League, Alder has already been defeated by N only moments ago – an anomaly in itself as defeating the Unova Champion should not be such an easy feat.
Alder’s team is predominantly Bug type, a first for a Champion, with his Volcarona paying sincere homage to his own personal style – a fiery six pronged star.
A formidable opponent with a well balanced team of his own, Alder realizes the bigger picture, and by the end of the events in Pokemon Black and White, has humbly retired to his hometown of Flocessy to make way for the more worthy ‘younger generation’ where he’s more than happy mentoring passing Trainers, even indulging in a battle or two from time to time.
Alder lives on vicariously through the achievements of his grandson, Benga – mirroring how Alder may have been while he was a young boy.
5. Iris
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| Iris with her Haxorus |
A bit of a wild child, hailing from a land unkown, Iris is the youngest Champion to make the list.
In Pokemon White, Iris is the Opelucid Gym Leader, Drayden’s protégé of sorts, but by Black 2/White 2 has gone up the ranks to become the Champion of the Unova League.
Her Pokemon team is primarily Dragons, with her Haxorus being the one to beat. Feisty and unnerving, Iris has done considerably well despite the short length of her tutelage under a Dragon Master, to be able to dethrone the previous Champion, Alder and taking up his mantle at the end of the League.
Iris is an extremely tough opponent and is easily one of the most frustrating match ups if the player is not prepared to tackle her unique onslaught.
In Pokemon White, Iris is the Opelucid Gym Leader, Drayden’s protégé of sorts, but by Black 2/White 2 has gone up the ranks to become the Champion of the Unova League.
Her Pokemon team is primarily Dragons, with her Haxorus being the one to beat. Feisty and unnerving, Iris has done considerably well despite the short length of her tutelage under a Dragon Master, to be able to dethrone the previous Champion, Alder and taking up his mantle at the end of the League.
Iris is an extremely tough opponent and is easily one of the most frustrating match ups if the player is not prepared to tackle her unique onslaught.
4. Gary Oak
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| Gary Oak with his Pidgeot, Arcanine and Umbreon |
The grandson of Professor Samuel Oak, Gary (or Blue, if that’s what you know him as) was the Pokemon series’ first rival, and there hasn’t been any one like him ever since.
Hailing from Pallet Town, Gary’s small town roots had nothing on him when it came to etching his name in Pokemon League history. With a good variety on his team, Gary was unsurprisingly swift in his climb to becoming Champion. Always a step ahead of the player, what Gary lacked in patience, he made up for in grit and fiery ambition.
His rash personality wasn’t all peaches and cream. Gary would become easily bored and leave his duties much to the detriment of other Trainers.
Although the main narrative of the series only allowed him to be Champion for a very short time, Gary clearly had the mettle to be taken seriously as a competent Trainer. Upon losing at the Indigo Plateau, Gary made his way to Viridian City, where he took up the role of Viridian City’s Gym Leader, handing over the Earth Badge to all who could best him at a Pokemon battle.
Gary’s team is insanely first generation and while that loyalty to the original 151 might be commendable, it is way too outdated to be competitively viable. It is for this and this reason alone that when it comes to a match up of Champions, Gary does not secure a loftier perch on this list. Smell ya later Gary!
Hailing from Pallet Town, Gary’s small town roots had nothing on him when it came to etching his name in Pokemon League history. With a good variety on his team, Gary was unsurprisingly swift in his climb to becoming Champion. Always a step ahead of the player, what Gary lacked in patience, he made up for in grit and fiery ambition.
His rash personality wasn’t all peaches and cream. Gary would become easily bored and leave his duties much to the detriment of other Trainers.
Although the main narrative of the series only allowed him to be Champion for a very short time, Gary clearly had the mettle to be taken seriously as a competent Trainer. Upon losing at the Indigo Plateau, Gary made his way to Viridian City, where he took up the role of Viridian City’s Gym Leader, handing over the Earth Badge to all who could best him at a Pokemon battle.
Gary’s team is insanely first generation and while that loyalty to the original 151 might be commendable, it is way too outdated to be competitively viable. It is for this and this reason alone that when it comes to a match up of Champions, Gary does not secure a loftier perch on this list. Smell ya later Gary!
3. Lance
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| Lance and Dragonite |
The original Dragon Pokemon extraordinaire. Lance was the combined Champion of both Kanto and Johto (as both regions shared the same Pokemon League) after Red took a leave of absence to go stand silently atop Mount Silver.
Originally the fourth and final member of the Kanto Elite 4, Lance was an untouchable Trainer owing to his high-leveled Dragon team.
Dragon Pokemon up till the sixth generation have been generally skewed to being extremely powerful, a dynamic which the developers of the game have since then, rectified.
The interest in the Dragon type runs in the family it seems, as his cousin Clair, is the presiding Gym Leader of Blackthorn City and his grandfather is the elder of a revered group of Dragon Masters.
Lance also seems to be a vigilante when the situation arises, flying off on the back of his Dragonite to help those in need – hey, if the cape fits.
Lance partners up with the player in Mahogany Town after investigating Team Rocket’s stimulating the Pokemon at the Lake of Rage to evolve much before they are ready to naturally do so.
Dragons are awesome, Lance is awesome. The proof is in the pudding.
Originally the fourth and final member of the Kanto Elite 4, Lance was an untouchable Trainer owing to his high-leveled Dragon team.
Dragon Pokemon up till the sixth generation have been generally skewed to being extremely powerful, a dynamic which the developers of the game have since then, rectified.
The interest in the Dragon type runs in the family it seems, as his cousin Clair, is the presiding Gym Leader of Blackthorn City and his grandfather is the elder of a revered group of Dragon Masters.
Lance also seems to be a vigilante when the situation arises, flying off on the back of his Dragonite to help those in need – hey, if the cape fits.
Lance partners up with the player in Mahogany Town after investigating Team Rocket’s stimulating the Pokemon at the Lake of Rage to evolve much before they are ready to naturally do so.
Dragons are awesome, Lance is awesome. The proof is in the pudding.
2. Steven Stone
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| Steven Stone and Mega Metagross |
The coveted number 2 spot on the list goes to the Hoenn Champion, Steven Stone.
Making his debut in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, Steven is the heir of the Devon Corporation. Specializing in the extremely defensive Steel type, Steven has an innate penchant for stone collecting.
Early on in the game, we can gauge that Steven possesses a sincere interest in the development of the player, giving the Trainer helpful hints, moving the story along, at one point partnering up with the protagonist to take on Team Magma/Team Aqua.
Steven’s presence in the games is complimented by his frequent gifts to the Trainer as well. From a Beldum in Mossdeep City to having your pick of the Hoenn Starters in Kanto, Steven is a novelty to interact with.
With a genuine regard for the wellbeing of all Pokemon, Steven goes a step ahead in the sixth generation remakes of Ruby and Sapphire by giving the player their Key stones and starter’s Mega Stone.
Although a Steel type enthusiast, Steven also has several Rock Pokemon on his team, with Metagross being his most called upon partner in battle. As of ORAS, Steven’s Metagross is capable of Mega Evolving, being the first time that the player encounters one.
He is a formidable opponent, clearly deserving his place so high on the list because of his multi faceted battle style.
1. Cynthia
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| Cynthia with her Garchomp |
The crowning glory of the list of Pokemon Champions – the piece de resistance if you will. With the advent of the fourth generation in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Trainers all over the world were introduced to the vitality that the Pokemon League had to offer, the Sinnoh Champion – Cynthia.
Hailing from Celestic Town, Cynthia was the first female Champion introduced in the series, a highly coveted position further validated because of how badass she is.
Boasting a Garchomp as the cornerstone of her well rounded team, Cynthia is by far the most difficult AI in the game. An avid researcher of Pokemon mythos, the player can encounter Cynthia at several pivotal points of the main story. Following her around in the Distortion World chasing after a rogue Giratina was only half as foreboding because she was right there with you.
From being a valuable part of the narrative as well as acting as an aide to the Trainer, it is no surprise that GameFreak kept bringing her back in future generations, even if it was just a cameo. She is a fan favorite, rightly so, being one of the handful of characters who when defeated, gives the Player a palpable sense of accomplishment.
It is largely hypothesized that regardless of who Cynthia might face in the Elite 4 roster of the Pokemon series, she would largely come out on top. This includes every Elite Trainer in the Pokemon League as well as fellow Champions. Her extremely balanced team heightened by one of the most frustrating strategies is in itself a prime reason for Cynthia’s position as the cardinal Champion in the franchise so far.
Hailing from Celestic Town, Cynthia was the first female Champion introduced in the series, a highly coveted position further validated because of how badass she is.
Boasting a Garchomp as the cornerstone of her well rounded team, Cynthia is by far the most difficult AI in the game. An avid researcher of Pokemon mythos, the player can encounter Cynthia at several pivotal points of the main story. Following her around in the Distortion World chasing after a rogue Giratina was only half as foreboding because she was right there with you.
From being a valuable part of the narrative as well as acting as an aide to the Trainer, it is no surprise that GameFreak kept bringing her back in future generations, even if it was just a cameo. She is a fan favorite, rightly so, being one of the handful of characters who when defeated, gives the Player a palpable sense of accomplishment.
It is largely hypothesized that regardless of who Cynthia might face in the Elite 4 roster of the Pokemon series, she would largely come out on top. This includes every Elite Trainer in the Pokemon League as well as fellow Champions. Her extremely balanced team heightened by one of the most frustrating strategies is in itself a prime reason for Cynthia’s position as the cardinal Champion in the franchise so far.
