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World Coronation Series

The Pokémon World Coronation Series (Japanese: ポケモンワールドチャンピオンシップス Pokémon World Championships ) is an anime -exclusive tournament. It is a competition held to determine the strongest Trainer in the world . It first appeared in Flash of the Titans! , where the previous annual championship season ended. The latest season started in Destination: Coronation! and concluded in Partners in Time! .

• 1 Registration
• 2.1 Normal Class
• 2.2 Great Class
• 2.3 Ultra Class
• 2.4 Master Class
• 3.1.1 Gallery
• 5 In other languages

Registration

To compete in the tournament, participants must register themselves online first. The latest season received more than 10,000 entrants.

Each entrant generates a profile and a score according to the registration position.

Trainers are divided into four classes based on their win/loss ratio. Each class is represented by a different type of Poké Ball :

• Normal Class (ノーマルクラス Normal Class )
• Great Class (スーパークラス Super Class )
• Ultra Class (ハイパークラス Hyper Class )
• Master Class (マスタークラス Master Class )

The battles are all judged by the Drone Rotom , which updates the rankings after each battle. In the event of a draw, no change happens, regardless of the difference between the contestants' rankings.

Trainers can usually only battle against other Trainers in the same class. However, the top-ranked Trainer of the Ultra Class can only advance to the Master Class by defeating the lowest-ranked member of the Masters Eight for their position in a special entrance battle (Japanese: 入れ替え戦 Promotion Match ).

On occasion, one-day events called Battle Festival Challenges (Japanese: バトルフェス Battle Festivals ) are held where many participants can gather to compete with each other at will. These events are held at stadiums and other such venues, and are open for the public to watch.

Normal Class

All first-time participants are automatically put into this class, regardless of any previous championships or statuses. The challenger must seek out opposing Trainers in nearby areas, and both must agree to battle.

Battles in Normal Class follow the following rules.

• Both challengers must be of the same class.
• Both challengers must send out their first Pokémon at the same time.
• It consists of battles with one or two Pokémon for each Trainer.
• Both challengers can switch their Pokémon at any time.

The class is represented by a normal Poké Ball .

Great Class

Trainers reach this class after Normal Class. They must be between 999th and 100th place to advance to Great Class. The battle rules remain the same as in the Normal Class.

The class is represented by a Great Ball .

Ultra Class

Trainers reach this class after Great Class. They must be between 99th and ninth place to advance to Ultra Class. Unlike in the two previous classes, battles in Ultra Class are pre-scheduled, and each participant's opponent is decided for them. Battles in Ultra Class are usually broadcast worldwide, held in stadiums and other such venues, and have commentators apart from the evaluation of the Drone Rotom.

Battles in Ultra Class follow the following rules:

• It consists of battles with one to three Pokémon for each Trainer.
• Each challenger can only use one of the following techniques per match: Mega Evolution , Z-Moves , or Dynamax .

The class is represented by an Ultra Ball .

The highest ranked Trainer of this class must defeat the lowest ranked member of the Masters Eight for their position in the Master Class.

Master Class

The Master Class consists of the eight Trainers who are at the top of the world ranking. They are called the Masters Eight (Japanese: マスターズエイト Masters Eight ) and are certified by the Pokémon Battle Commission (Japanese: ポケモン・バトル・コミッション Pokémon Battle Commission ). Commission members are responsible for evaluating and accepting any temporary changes to the rules of an official battle that is agreed between both Trainers.

They battle each other at the end of the season in a single-elimination tournament called the Masters Eight Tournament , where the winner becomes the Monarch (Japanese: 王者 Monarch ). The tournament is held at the Wyndon Stadium . During the tournament, battles are refereed by Dan as opposed to Drone Rotom.

Outside the Masters Eight Tournament, a member of the Masters Eight may request a battle against other members in the same class. The battle rules remain the same as in the Ultra Class.

The class is represented by a Master Ball .

The following is a list of named participants in the latest season of the World Coronation Series by ranking as of Partners in Time! . The Master Class is ordered by the results of the Masters Eight Tournament :

↓ - Indicates an unspecified rank drop due to a loss.

Masters Eight

This group consists of the eight best Pokémon Trainers in the world. It consists of Elite Trainers who have won other championships and competitions around the world.

The previous season's Masters Eight Tournament ended in Flash of the Titans! ; the latest season's tournament began in Curtain Up! Fight the Fights! and ended in Partners in Time! .

Leon being crowned the Monarch of the World Coronation Series in Flash of the Titans!

Ash being crowned the Monarch of the World Coronation Series in Partners in Time!

• In Japanese, the World Coronation Series shares its name with a real life event .
• The ranking and progression system of the competition is similar to the operation of the Battle Tower and Battle Stadium in Pokémon Sword and Shield , as well as in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet .
• The Trainers ' profiles follow a visual pattern similar to that of Pokémon GO .
• Ash 's first battles in the Normal, Great, and Ultra Classes were all against Electric-type users .
• While Ash represents the Alola region as its regional Champion, no Trainers actually native to said region are known to have participated in the World Coronation Series.
• Ash is the only known competitor in the World Coronation Series shown to use Z-Moves .
• Alain is the only one who is not a Champion .
• Iris is the only one who is not known to utilize Mega Evolution , Z-Moves, or Dynamax , while Ash is the only one to use all three.
• Steven is the only member to not use a Flying - or Dragon-type Pokémon, including type changes via Mega Evolution.

In other languages

Pokémon Battle Commission

• World Championships
• Episodes with World Coronation Series matches
• World Coronation Series participants
• Pokémon League
• Multiregional competitions

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The World Coronation Series Logo.

The World Coronation Series  ( Japanese : ポケモンワールドチャンピオンシップス,  Hepburn :  Poketto Monsutaa Waarudo Chanpionshippusu ,  trans.  Pocket Monsters World Championships) is a competition that many Pokémon trainers compete in to officially be declared as the strongest Trainer in the world. The competition is divided into 4 ranks based on Trainers' record performances: Normal Class, Great Class, Ultra Class, and Master Class. Highly skilled trainers will be advanced to the next rank to compete with a smaller pool of competitors. The top eight trainers of the Master Class will compete in a final tournament and the winner will be crowned as the "Monarch". The current Monarch is Ash Ketchum , who is the Pokémon Champion of Alola . Previously, Leon was the Monarch, but he lost the title after losing to Ash in the finals of the Masters Eight Tournament . Trainers entering the competition for the first time start at Normal Class, including strong trainers such as Gym Leaders and Pokémon Champions, regardless of their career.

Ash Ketchum decided to compete in the World Coronation Series in the hopes of earning an official rematch battle with Leon to help him achieve more in his goal to become a Pokémon Master .

• 1 Registration
• 2.1.1.1 Battles in the Normal Class
• 2.1.2.1 Battles in the Great Class
• 2.1.3 Ultra Class
• 2.1.4 Battles in the Ultra Class
• 2.1.5.1 Battles in the Master Class
• 2.2.1.1 Quarter Finals
• 2.2.1.2 Semi Finals
• 2.2.1.3 Finals
• 3.1.1 Other competitors

Registration [ ]

To compete in the tournament, participants must first register themselves online. The current season received more than 10,000 entries.

Each entry generates a profile and a score according to the registration position.

Competition [ ]

The scoreboard used during the Normal Class

The battles in the competition are all judged by the Rotom Drone and can which serve for each of them to increase their overall score in their ranks. The best way for Trainers to climb through the ranks is to defeat competitors with a higher rank than themselves.

The World Coronation Series Battle Festival in Shalour City.

On some occasions, there are also one-day events called the World Coronation Series Battle Festival where many participants can gather to compete with each other at will. This will allow Trainers to increase their ranks much faster if they are successful in winning the battles against others. These events are held at stadiums and other such venues and are open for the public to watch.

The World Coronation Series Ranking tier.

Trainers are divided into four classes based on their battle history and statistics. Each class is represented by a different type of Poké Ball . Several factors will affect the changes in ranking, including the battle's results, the previous rankings of the participants, etc.

Normal Class [ ]

Those ranked in 1,000th place or lower compete at the Normal Class. Only those ranked in 999th place to the 100th place can advance into the Great Class.

In this class, challengers must seek out opposing Trainers in nearby areas, and both must agree to battle. The battles have consisted of matches with one or two Pokémon for each Trainer. Both challengers must send out their first Pokémon at the same time and can switch their Pokémon at any time during the fight. At the end of the match, each Trainer has their ranking updated according to the battle they participated in.

The Normal Class is represented by a normal Poké Ball .

Battles in the Normal Class [ ]

• Ash vs. Visquez (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Oliver (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Hayden (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Unnamed Trainers (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Lob (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Korrina (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Unnamed Trainers (Victor: Unnamed Trainers)

Great Class [ ]

The Trainers from 999th place to the 100th place are in the Great Class. Only the ones in 99th to 9th places can advance into the Ultra Class. The rules in the Great Class are just as the same as the ones in the Normal Class, except they cannot battle with Normal Class trainers and instead battle with other Great Class trainers.

The Great Class is represented by a Great Ball .

Battles in the Great Class [ ]

• Ash vs. Tony (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Kricketina Kylie (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Bea [Round 1] (Victor: Bea)
• Ash vs. Bea [Round 2] (Draw)
• Ash vs. Dozer (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Rinto (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Iris (Victor: Ash)

Ultra Class [ ]

The Trainers in 99th to 9th places are in the Ultra Class. Only those ranked in Top 8 can advance into the Master Class. Unlike in the two previous classes, battles in Ultra Class are pre-scheduled, consist of 1v1, 2v2 or 3v3 battles, and each participant's opponent is decided for them. Battles in Ultra Class are usually broadcast worldwide, held at stadiums and have commentators apart from the evaluation of the Rotom Drone. Techniques such as Mega Evolution , Z-Moves , or Dynamax can only be used once within a match.

The highest ranked member of the Ultra Class would then have to defeat the lowest ranked member of the Master Class in a special Entrance Battle in order to take the latter's position in the Masters Eight. This battle is refereed by Dan and uses the same rules as in the first round of the Masters Eight Tournament.

The Ultra Class is represented by an Ultra Ball .

Battles in the Ultra Class [ ]

• Ash vs. Volkner (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Bea [Round 3] (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Marnie (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Drasna (Victor: Ash)
• Ash vs. Raihan (Victor: Ash)

Master Class [ ]

The Wyndon Stadium

The top 8 ranked trainers are in the Master Class, where they battle each other at the end of the season in a tournament. The finals are held in a Single Battle at the Wyndon Stadium , where techniques like Dynamax and Gigantamax can be used. The winner of this tournament will be crowned as the "Monarch".

The Master Class is represented by a Master Ball .

Battles in the Master Class [ ]

• Leon vs. Lance (Victor: Leon)
• Leon vs. Raihan (Victor: Leon)
• Leon vs. Flint (Victor: Leon)

Masters Eight [ ]

The Masters' Eight, as of "Aim For the Eight!".

This group consists of the eight best Pokémon Trainers in the world. It consists of Elite Trainers who have won other championships and competitions around the world.

The current season's Masters Eight Tournament opened in Curtain Up! Fight the Fights! and concluded in Partners in Time! .

In the quarterfinals the matches are 3-on-3. While exchanging Pokémon is allowed, techniques as such as Dynamax, Z-Moves and Mega Evolution can only be used once during a match.

In the semifinals the matches are 6-on-6. The rules, like the quarterfinals, is still the same.

In the finals, the rules are the same as the semifinals. However, Leon made a special request that Ash be allowed to use each of Gigantamax, Mega Evolution and Z-Moves instead of just one. The winner will be crowned Monarch, making them the strongest Pokémon Trainer in the world.

Battles in the Masters Eight [ ]

Quarter finals [ ].

• Leon vs. Alain (Victor: Leon)
• Lance vs. Diantha (Victor: Diantha)
• Iris vs. Cynthia (Victor: Cynthia)
• Steven vs. Ash (Victor: Ash)

Semi Finals [ ]

• Leon vs. Diantha (Victor: Leon)
• Cynthia vs. Ash (Victor: Ash)
• Leon vs. Ash (Victor: Ash)

Trainers competing in the World Coronation Series [ ]

Ash Ketchum, the winner and newest current Monarch of the World Coronation Series.

From left to right; Lance, Alain, Diantha, Ash Ketchum, Leon, Cynthia, Steven Stone and Iris.

Other competitors [ ]

• Raihan : Rank 9 (Ultra Class)
• Drasna : Rank 12 (Ultra Class)
• Volkner : Rank 27 (Ultra Class)
• Marnie : Rank 29 (Ultra Class)
• Bea : Rank 30 (Ultra Class)
• Flint : Unknown rank (Ultra Class)
• Unseen Trainers: Unknown rank (Great Class)
• Dozer : Unknown rank (Great Class)
• Kricketina Kylie : Unknown rank (Great Class)
• Rinto : Unknown rank (Great Class)
• Korrina : Rank 1,001 (Normal Class)
• Hayden : Rank 1,024 (Normal Class)
• Visquez : Rank 2,109 (Normal Class)
• Oliver : Unknown rank (Normal Class)
• Tony : Unknown rank (Normal Class)
• Lob: Unknown rank (Normal Class)
• Unnamed Trainers: Unknown rank (Normal Class)
• Unseen Trainers: Unknown rank (Normal Class)
• This event is based on the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield 's rank battle system in Battle Tower and Battle Stadium .
• The English version of the event's name and the title of the top Trainer bare royal themes.
• In cases of matches resulting in a tie, the ranks of the participants don't change.
• The Trainers ' profiles follow a visual pattern similar to that of Pokémon GO .
• Ash's first battles in the Normal, Great, and Ultra Classes were all against Electric -type users.
• 2 Legendary Pokémon
• 3 Ash Ketchum

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Ash Ketchum has finally become the very best

Like no one ever was

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Share All sharing options for: Ash Ketchum has finally become the very best

After 25 years of training, adventuring, and meeting new friends along the way, Ash Ketchum has finally achieved his life long dream of becoming the world’s best Pokémon trainer. In the latest episode of the anime Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series Ash beat Leon in the Pokémon World Coronation Series, thus becoming the No. 1-ranked trainer in the show’s world.

In the anime, the Pokémon World Coronation Series is a global championship that brings together the best trainers from across all regions — including previous champions like the fearsome Cynthia and others like Iris, Steven, and Lance. Of course, Ash didn’t pull off the win all by himself. His pal, Pikachu , was there for every step of the way. His final team that allowed him to clinch the world title had Pikachu, Dracovish, Gengar, Sirfetch’d, Lucario, and Dragonite.

The match ended with an intense showdown between Pikachu and Leon’s Charizard. It feels appropriate, given that Pikachu is the only one of Ash’s Pokémon who has stuck with him throughout his 25-year journey. Typically, Ash starts each new region with a new team, while always keeping Pikachu on it.

So his victory is a bit of a tear-jerker — especially as the show features cameos from Ash’s previous Pokémon partners and old travel buddies, like Brock, Misty, May, Max, Cilan, Dawn, and others.

Fans stateside will have to wait to watch the full episode in English. The episode just broadcast in Japan and will air worldwide sometime “in the future,” according to a news release. However, if this makes you nostalgic you can go and watch the first season of the retro show on Netflix now.

Fans flocked to social media platforms to share together in the joy of finally seeing Ash achieve his dream with one person describing it as a “special, legendary, historic day.” Before this, Ash’s inability to reach his championship goal had been a recurring joke, because it just seemed like it would never happen — Ash neither aged or beat the top trainer of a region, let alone the world.

This is not a dream, this is real life. This day, on November 11th, 2022, Satoshi/Ash Ketchum became the new World Champion. 25 years in the making. He did it. What a special, legendary, historic day. This will never get old. I’m so proud of him. pic.twitter.com/nAWl4PmKLJ — Angel (4-4) (@Games23_) November 11, 2022

As a fan, it can’t but help feel bittersweet. Now that Ash has achieved his dream, what lays ahead for him and the anime? The Pokémon Company has not announced plans for a new Pokémon series with a new protagonist, but that hasn’t stopped fans from speculating that Ash’s journey might be coming to an end. Whatever happens though, it’s nice knowing that with persistence and the right friends, even a dorky boy with a naughty Pikachu can achieve his dreams.

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Guide to the Pokemon World Coronation Series Masters Tournament

Aug 13, 2022

Pokemon Journeys is likely about to conclude with an event unlike anything seen before, with the World Coronation Series Masters Tournament bringing together the likes of Steven, Cynthia, and Leon. 

Each Pokemon generation has its own anime series and the finales range from unceremonious to epic. Pokemon Journeys, the series attached to Sword and Shield and the eighth generation, is set to go out with a bang.

Recent series like XY and Sun and Moon generally had an intense focus on their respective regions. Journeys has a much broader focus, bringing in Ash’s former partners and rivals from over the years.

That theme is enduring right up to the very end. The World Coronation Series in Pokemon Journeys is bringing together the Masters 8 for the biggest tournament in Pokemon history. Here’s what you need to know about the Pokemon Masters Tournament including the trainers and bracket.

What is the World Coronation Series in Pokemon Journeys?

The World Coronation Series is a ranking system for trainers that was introduced in Pokemon Journeys. Many of the biggest names in all of Pokemon are registered participants, but this concept wasn’t introduced until Pokemon Journeys .

Trainers are ranked based on their results against other participants, with a long list of gym leaders, elite four members, and other major characters all included. Because Ash wasn’t a member of the World Coronation Series, he had to work his way up to the top throughout the series. He rockets to the top by defeating a number of prominent characters including Unovan champion Iris, Sinnoh gym leader Volkner, and Galarian up-and-comer Marnie.

#アニポケ 豆知識番外編🔎 ポケモンがバトル中とてつもない力を発揮する『メガシンカ』🧬 ポケモンが一時的に巨大化する現象『ダイマックス』💪 第116話のバトルでは、 カルネの #サーナイト がメガシンカし、ワタルの #カイリュー はダイマックス🔥 2つの戦略が見られましたね👀 pic.twitter.com/ajadGKkyYN — アニメ「ポケットモンスター」公式 (@anipoke_PR) July 12, 2022

Ash manages to work his way into the top eight of the World Coronation Series, dubbed the Masters 8, which gains him entry into the Masters Tournament.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for the Pokemon Journeys series .

Who is in the Pokemon Journeys Masters Tournament?

The World Coronation Series Masters Tournament in Pokemon Journeys features eight elite trainers, who are ranked as follows:

The Masters Tournament in Pokemon Journeys is notable for a number of reasons. First and foremost is the fact that it brings together many of the most prominent names in the series. Many of these characters have been among the most protected in the series, rarely being made to look weak. 

On top of the big names involved, it also ropes all of the battle gimmicks together for the first time ever. Mega evolution, Z-moves, and Gigantamax will all face off against one another.

World Coronation Series Masters Tournament Bracket in Pokemon Journeys

The bracket for the World Coronation Series Masters Tournament was revealed at the start of the event. The eight trainers were put in a straightforward, single-elimination bracket to decide a winner.

The opening matches include:

• Leon vs. Alain
• Lance vs. Diantha
• Cynthia vs. Iris
• Steven vs. Ash

This guarantees several interesting matchups will unfold. As of this writing, all four quarterfinal matches are done and two hotly anticipated matches are penned in for the semifinals. The outcome of the tournament carries huge stakes for the Pokemon series as a whole, with multiple seemingly undefeatable characters set to take a loss and a possible reboot of the series if Ash can finally become a Pokemon master.

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Interest Pokémon Anime Declares Winner of Pokémon World Coronation Series

Spoiler Warning: The following article contains spoilers for the Pokémon Journeys: The Series , the most recent anime.

The 132nd episode of the Pokémon Journeys: The Series anime aired in Japan on Friday, and it featured the exciting conclusion of the Pokémon World Coronation Series arc. The finals featured none other than Ash Ketchum (Satoshi in Japanese), the young boy from Pallet Town who started his journey back in 1997, against Galar's undefeated champion Leon in a 6v6 showdown of their strongest Pokémon.

And the winner of the Pokémon World Coronation Series is...

ASH KETCHUM!

Congratulations to Ash Ketchum for finally being the very best, like no one ever was!

What makes Ash's victory here more notable than in previous seasons is that this tournament was a best of the best matchup between the greatest masters in the world. Ash faced multiple champions in the World Coronation Series, from Sinnoh's strongest Cynthia to Hoenn's hearty Steven. More than that, he has endured numerous hardships and battles throughout the anime's 25-year run (despite Ash being forever 10). He traveled across the land, searching far and wide. The tournament's final results have revealed the fruits of his labor.

This is not the first time Ash has become a champion in the series. Ash won the Orange League Championships back in the series' second season, though that league had no equivalent in the game series. However, more recently, Ash won first place in the Alola League in the Pokémon Sun & Moon anime. His hard-earned victory came after difficult losses in the Kanto, Johto , Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos regional championships.

With the ninth generation of games, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet , on its way next Friday, perhaps Ash will continue his winning streak as Paldea's future champion. For now, Ash can celebrate one of the biggest achievements of his career.

The episode will air in English on Netflix as part of the Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series anime in the future.

Pokémon Journeys: The Series premiered on TV Tokyo and its affiliates in Japan under the title Pocket Monster in November 2019, two days after the Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield games shipped worldwide. The series continues to air in Japan under that name.

The first 12 episodes of Pokémon Journeys: The Series debuted in the United States on Netflix in June 2020, and the service added new episodes quarterly. The anime also premiered on the Canadian television channel Teletoon in May 2020.

The localized title of the anime, Pokémon Journeys: The Series , has 48 episodes. Pokémon: Master Journeys : The Series continues with Pocket Monster 's 49th episode, which premiered in Japan in December 2020. Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series debuted on October 21 in the U.S. on Netflix .

Source: Email correspondence

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Pokémon Journeys: The Masters Eight’s First Round Matchups Are Set

Pokémon Journeys has revealed the matchups for the first round of the Masters Eight. All that's left is to see who's advancing and who's going home.

After weeks of speculation, Pokémon Journeys has finally announced the first-round matchups for the Masters Eight Tournament in the World Coronation Series. The competition is sure to be fierce as the eight participants consist of the winner of the Lumiose Conference in Kalos and all seven Regional Champions from Kanto to Galar. Ash Ketchum’s goal throughout the Journeys anime has been to battle against Leon, the reigning Monarch of the WCS. However, the eternally-ten-year-old trainer from Pallet Town will have to win the two hardest battles of his life just to get to a matchup against Leon.

The Masters Eight Tournament will be an eight-person bracket consisting of three rounds of single elimination. Based on trailers for the upcoming battles, the matches will be at least 2v2 but possibly 3v3. As soon as all of a trainer’s Pokémon are unable to battle, they will be eliminated from the World Coronation Series. A standard eight-person bracket’s matchups would usually be based on seeding but, considering that would pit Leon (1st seed) against Ash (8th seed) in the first round, the pairings have instead been decided at random so the series can avoid having the marquee matchup right off the bat. Let’s take a look at each first-round matchup and discuss who could, should, or probably will, emerge victorious.

RELATED: Pokémon: How the Journeys Anime Should End

Leon the Monarch vs Alain the Mega Evolution Specialist

It’ll be a battle of Charizards between Leon, the Galar Region Champion and reigning Monarch of the WCS, and Alain, the winner of the Lumiose Conference in Kalos. Alain is the only participant in the Masters Eight who's not a Regional Champion, and Leon has never lost an official battle, so this match looks pretty bleak for Alain. While his Mega Charizard X is a force of nature, Leon’s not the reigning Monarch for nothing.

Many fans will be disappointed that this pairing means a rematch between Ash and Alain is off the table, but it’s for the best to avoid the repetitiveness of Ash having to face two Charizard trainers in three battles when much of the field consists of trainers Ash hasn't battled before. Gigantamax Charizard vs Mega Charizard X would be a fight for the ages (if Journeys goes that route), but Alain’s tenure in the Masters Eight is going to be short, regardless.

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Lance the Dragon Master vs Diantha the Movie Star

The Kanto/Johto Champion, Lance, will be taking on the Kalos Champion, Diantha, in the only first-round matchup that could go either way. On paper, Lance should get clapped in this battle considering he’s a Dragon user and Diantha’s signature Pokémon is a Mega Gardevoir – a dreaded member of the criminally overpowered Fairy Type. Fortunately for Lance, the Pokémon anime has never been beholden to Typing, and he wouldn’t be much of a Champion if he couldn’t overcome a Type disadvantage.

Trailers have shown Diantha also using an Aurorus (an Ice/Rock Type) during this battle, meaning the Kalos Champion will go by the books when it comes to slaying Dragons. Judging by the bracket, the winner of this battle faces the winner of Leon vs Alain – unless the second-round matchups are also decided randomly -- and it’d be more interesting to see Leon battle Diantha considering the anime already showed him beating Lance in the previous WCS’ Finals.

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Cynthia the GOAT vs Iris the Doomed

Cynthia, the Sinnoh Champion, will be battling Iris, the Unova Champion, in what's easily the first round's most lopsided battle. No one becomes a Regional Champion by being a pushover, and Iris is no exception, but Cynthia's simply on another level – even more so now that trailers have confirmed she can Mega Evolve her Garchomp. Iris only became a Champion relatively recently, while Cynthia has stood peerless from her introduction until Leon’s debut.

No doubt Iris and her signature Haxorus will get some good licks in during their battle against Sinnoh’s Champion, but if there’s a universe where Cynthia could ever lose to Iris it’s certainly not this one. It also doesn’t help that Iris has already battled Ash during the WCS and – assuming the second-round matchups aren’t randomly chosen -- the winner of this battle faces the winner of Ash vs Steven – so avoiding repetitiveness could also be a part of Iris’s inevitable defeat at the scythes of Cynthia’s Mega Garchomp.

RELATED: Pokémon: Shingo Using His Computer to Win Wasn't Wrong

Steven Stone vs Ash Ketchum

The final battle of the first round will be between Hoenn’s Champion, Steven, and Alola’s first-ever Champion, Ash. Steven is one of the tougher matchups Ash could've gotten, considering his Journeys team has only one Pokémon (Gengar) that's capable of dealing super-effective damage to a Mega Metagross. This will be Ash’s first-ever official battle against a Regional Champion, and Steven is the third seed -- behind only Cynthia and Leon in the Masters Eight.

Steven’s Steel and Rock Pokémon are hard to damage while Ash’s heaviest hitter, Dragonite, won’t be any use against Steel Types and is weak to Rock. For once, Ash actually has the writing staff on his side (considering the whole point of Journeys is for Ash to battle Leon), so it’s highly unlikely he will get bounced from the Masters Eight in the first round -- even if Steven certainly should be able to defeat a ten-year-old.

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Pokémon the Series – Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series, Episode 16

Absol absolved, where to watch, pokémon the series — pokémon master journeys: the series, episode 16.

Watch Pokémon the Series — Pokémon Master Journeys: The Series, Episode 16 with a subscription on Netflix, or buy it on Apple TV.

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Junichi Masuda

Ken Sugimori

Satoshi Tajiri

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Ash Ketchum Wins Pokémon World Coronation Series

The Pokémon Company group revealed that Ash Ketchum, the protagonist of the Pokémon animated series, has become the top Trainer in the Pokémon world after winning the Masters Eight Tournament of the Pokémon World Coronation Series. Ash welcomes his victory in the latest episode of “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series,” which premiered today in Japan and will air worldwide in the future.

In the latest season of the Pokémon animated series, Ash and his Pikachu have put their training to the test—and as a result, Ash has officially achieved his goal of becoming the new Monarch of the Pokémon World Coronation Series. The historic win represents a culmination of Ash’s adventures in the Pokémon world, from countless battles to challenging quests, spanning 25 years.

Since the start of their journey in the Kanto region, Ash and his Pikachu have faced numerous rivals, often coming in shy of a tournament victory. However, the pair continued to forge ahead, with Ash eventually securing the title of the first-ever Pokémon League Champion at the Manalo Conference in the Alola region, signifying how far he had come as a Pokémon Trainer.

Ash’s title of World Champion is also a significant pop culture milestone and celebration for Pokémon fans around the world who have remained committed to following his journey over the past 25 years.

“Ash Ketchum’s determination and perseverance to achieve his goal of becoming the world’s top Pokémon Trainer over the course of 25 seasons represents the very best of what it means to be a Trainer,” said Taito Okiura, vice president of marketing for The Pokémon Company International. “We cannot wait to celebrate this moment with Pokémon fans when the newest season of ‘Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series’ and this adventure-defining episode air around the world in the coming year. This is a season fans won’t want to miss!”

“Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series” is streaming now exclusively on Netflix in the U.S. Fans can stay tuned to Netflix for new episode availability information and to join Ash and his Pikachu as he embarks on his latest adventure in becoming the world’s strongest Pokémon Trainer.

To learn more about “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series,” visit  Pokemon.com .

Source: Press Release

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Josh has been an anime fan for nearly twenty years. In addition, he is a light novel author with over 25 books published as well as the owner of Meteora Press, his personal publishing label. Anime and otaku culture isn't Josh's only area of expertise. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in Game Design and has created a handful of independent games along with a deep working knowledge of the gaming industry.

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Tara Strong (Brancharoo) Shannon Chan-Kent (Berrykit) Zeno Robinson (Goh) Kerstin Julia Dietrich (Gohs Smart Rotom) Sarah Natochenny (Ash) Ikue Ôtani (Pikachu)

Atsuhiro Tomioka, Akemi Omode, Shôji Yonemura, Hitomi Mieno, Yuka Miyata, Yûko Kakihara, Michihiro Tsuchiya

As Ash battles his way through the World Coronation Series, Goh continues his quest to catch every Pokémon. Together, they're on a journey to adventure.

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As Pokémon champ Ash faces his 'final chapter,' is it goodbye for him and Pikachu?

Pikachu and Ash Ketchum, pictured in Pokémon: The First Movie , have been traveling the world as part of Ash's journey to be the top Pokémon master. Getty Images hide caption

Pikachu and Ash Ketchum, pictured in Pokémon: The First Movie , have been traveling the world as part of Ash's journey to be the top Pokémon master.

After 25 years, is this farewell for Ash Ketchum and Pikachu? As the famous anime duo are being celebrated for their Pokémon world championship victory, a new series debuting next year will star all-new heroes and it's unclear if Ash and Pikachu will ever return.

In 1997, Ash set off on a journey from his humble beginnings in Pallet Town to become the very best like no one ever was. Over two decades later, he's now a Pokémon world champion.

Ash emerged victorious in the Pokémon World Coronation Series in an episode of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series that aired last month in Japan. The first 12 episodes of the season premiered Oct. 21 in the U.S. on Netflix, but the release date of the episode showing Ash's ultimate win has not yet been announced.

Fans anticipate that the second part of the series will come out in the U.S. early 2023 based on the timeline of previous series releases.

"Ash Ketchum's determination and perseverance to achieve his goal of becoming the world's top Pokémon Trainer over the course of 25 seasons represents the very best of what it means to be a Trainer," Taito Okiura, vice president of marketing for The Pokémon Company International, said in a statement on Nov. 11.

He's done it! Ash has become a World Champion! 🏆🎉 pic.twitter.com/a2jPb8pym3 — Pokémon (@Pokemon) November 11, 2022

Pokémon will run a collection of 11 special episodes after Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series , featuring fan-favorite characters like Misty and Brock who were among Ash's first friends. The company called it "the final chapter for Ash and his Pikachu."

"The forthcoming special episodes not only celebrate Ash's monumental achievement, but they also act as an expression of gratitude from Pokémon to all the fans who have joined him and his partner Pokémon Pikachu along the way," according to a Dec. 16 news release .

Sarah Natochenny, the English voice actor for Ash, took to Twitter Friday to reflect on nearly two decades of voicing the character.

"It's been an extraordinary privilege to have been the English voice of Ash Ketchum for what will be 17 years," Natochenny wrote. "No matter what lies beyond his final chapter, he'll live forever in the hearts of many generations to come."

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The special collection will begin airing in Japan on Jan. 13.

The next Pokémon chapter will feature new heroes

While it is not clear if Ash and his Pikachu will cameo in the future, the company announced Friday it would roll out a new series with new protagonists that will premiere next year.

That series "will follow a never-before-seen storyline and characters — including dual protagonists named Liko and Roy in the Japanese version of the series — as they set off on action-packed adventures across the Pokémon world," according to the press release.

An all-new Pokémon series has been announced! Join 2 new characters and 3 Paldea starter Pokémon as they adventure through the Pokémon world! Plus, commemorate Ash’s journey with special episodes concluding Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series. Coming soon in 2023 and beyond! pic.twitter.com/2lrM6W1dgW — Pokémon (@Pokemon) December 16, 2022

When the series first began in 1997, Ash had just turned 10 years old and was eligible for a Pokémon trainer's license.

"I will journey to gain the wisdom of Pokémon training, and I hereby declare to the Pokémon of the world, I will be a Pokémon master!" he declared.

Twenty-five years later, he did.

The series follows Ash and his Pikachu across numerous regions as they make friends, meet new Pokémon and battle other trainers. Ash frequently came shy of tournament victories until the recently established Manalo Conference , where he became the first Pokémon league champion in the Alola region.

But to be a Pokémon world champion, the trainer must be the strongest in the world — not just in a league.

The final episode of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series is titled , "Pokémon! I'm Glad I got to Meet You!" The premiere — and the start of Ash's journey — was called, "Pokémon - I Choose You!"

• Cast & crew

Destination: Coronation!

• Episode aired Sep 11, 2020

Ash has entered the World Coronation Series and aims to work his way up the competitive ladder. His first opponent, the acting Vermilion Gym Leader, Visquez, is hoping to challenge someone, ... Read all Ash has entered the World Coronation Series and aims to work his way up the competitive ladder. His first opponent, the acting Vermilion Gym Leader, Visquez, is hoping to challenge someone, too. Ash has entered the World Coronation Series and aims to work his way up the competitive ladder. His first opponent, the acting Vermilion Gym Leader, Visquez, is hoping to challenge someone, too.

• Rica Matsumoto
• Daiki Yamashita

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• Professor Cerise

• Dr. Sakuragi

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• September 11, 2020 (United States)
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April 18, 2024

Ten Memorable Dragon-type Pokémon Trainers

Who’s your favorite dragon-type trainer.

A s we continue our Year of the Dragon celebration of Dragon-type Pokémon, we thought we’d take a moment to honor the Pokémon world’s most iconic Dragon-type Trainers. These are the people who have committed their lives to working with Dragon-type Pokémon and to becoming the most powerful, knowledgeable Pokémon Trainers that they can be. They’re Gym Leaders, members of the Elite Four, and several of them rose to the rank of Master Class in the World Coronation Series. Is your favorite Pokémon Trainer on this list?

Lance is about as OG as it gets. With his dramatic cape and complete faith in his Pokémon, this Champion is one of the most prominent figures in the Pokémon world.

Clair and her iconic Kingdra have trained together with dedication. They are now so in sync that they even look alike!

This sailor’s battle savvy and commitment to remaining shirtless at all times are certainly notable.

Cynthia is an enduring icon in the Pokémon world. Her style, her strength, her composure in the heat of battle, and her kindness to young Trainers who seek out her advice all make her an unforgettable character.

It makes perfect sense that Iris hails from the Village of Dragons given her seemingly innate connection to Dragon-type Pokémon. Iris’s connection to her human friends can’t be beat, either—her adventures with Ash and Cilan saw all three evolving as Trainers!

He’s not just on this list because we like the beard and the armored suspenders: the fact that Drayden is both a Gym Leader and Opelucid City’s mayor shows a dedication to both Pokémon and people!

Is Drasna the strongest Dragon-type Trainer on this list? No. But does she have wicked cool—if not entirely practical jewelry—and a peaceful temperament that sets her apart from the fiery personalities of the other Trainers on this list? Absolutely.

It can’t be easy living in Leon’s shadow, but Raihan does everything—from battling to taking selfies with his fans—with such flamboyance that he’s impossible to overlook or forget.

He’s an art teacher who’s deeply in touch with his emotions AND is the strongest member of the Paldea Elite Four. What’s not to love?

He’s got a wicked cool jacket and he’s Drayden’s grandson, which makes him a Pokémon icon in the making.

Looking for more content celebrating the Year of the Dragon and Dragon-type content? Check out this Dragon-type Pokémon quiz . And keep an eye out for more Dragon-type features throughout the year. Want to watch the seasons or episodes of the Pokémon anime mentioned in this article? Here’s where to watch .

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