The iconic Pokémon anime series began airing on TV Tokyo in 1997. Now, some 25 years later, Ash Ketchum, the protagonist trainer, has won the world championship.
In a journey of destiny, Ash Ketchum has been training, meeting new friends, battling with countless rivals, and challenging various tournaments.
The latest episode of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series saw Ash defeat Leon in the Pokémon World Coronation Series, becoming the No. 1 trainer by rank in the show.
This particular championship is a global competition bringing together the greatest trainers across every region in the franchise, including prior title holders including Cynthia, Lance, Iris, and Steven.
Ash did not achieve such an incredible feat alone, for his closest companion, Pikachu, stayed with him through every moment. His winning team that secured the world title included Pikachu, Gengar, Dracovish, Sirfetch’d, Dragonite, and Lucario.
The match concluded with a massive showdown between Leon’s fearsome Charizard and Ash’s Pikachu. It couldn’t have been a better final fight, as Pikachu is the only Pokémon to stay by Ash’s side for 25 years. Normally, Ash begins every region with a brand new team but keeps his trusted electric mouse.
His victory brings tears of joy to longtime fans, particularly with the inclusion of cameos from old friends like Misty, Brock, May, Max, Cilan, Dawn, and more.
At the moment, the English dub has yet to release. This episode was just broadcast in Japan with a worldwide air time set for “the future.” Still, if this brings back nostalgia, you can always go and watch the initial season on Netflix.
Social media has been flooded with praise to bask in the joy of seeing the underdog Pokémon trainer achieve his lifelong dream of becoming the very best like no one ever was. Ash himself described the achievement as a “special, legendary, historic day.”
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Ash has not been without setbacks in the past. Despite his status as the definitive protagonist of the Pokémon franchise, his consistent failure to win the championships has been a recurring joke because it seemed like it would never happen.
For so long, Ash did not age nor defeat the top trainer in most regions. To review, here are his rankings for each:
- Kanto: Top 16
- Johto: Top 8
- Hoenn: Top 8
- Sinnoh: Top 4
- Unova: Top 4
- Kalos: Top 2
- Alola: Winner
- Pokémon World Coronation Series: Winner
Defeating Leon, the champion of the Galarian Pokémon League in the Pokémon World Coronation Series, also makes Ash Ketchum champion of the Galar region.