In the world of PokémonBeing strong can take you far, but having other qualities in your personality can make them respect you and make you a complete coach. Ash’s journey through Pokémon has certainly been a long one. In his adventures throughout the anime, he has encountered numerous trainers, be they friends, foes, or rivals.
Some are great tacticians in battle, others are arrogant and aggressive, but there are a select few who command respect, or have earned it. Respect can be earned over time, age and experience, or through personal growth, determination, and hard work. Thus, the most respected trainers Ash has encountered on his adventures vary dramatically in age, battle style, and general demeanor.
10 Tyson: A nice guy, but a tough, tactical fighter
Tyson is a friend of Ash and company on the Hoenn series. He’s generally laid-back, but he’s also humble, loyal, and genuinely cares about his Pokémon. In Pokémon battles, however, he is serious, strong-willed, and well-calculated.
Ranking of the 10 most respected anime leaders
Pokemon: 10 Strongest Trainers Ash Fought In Kanto, Ranked
Also, her main Pokémon is surprisingly a Meowth, possibly the first time a Meowth has been used properly in the anime. He proceeds to earn Ash’s respect by defeating him and going on to win the Hoenn League Conference, all displaying an exemplary attitude.
9 Drake: intimidating and unbeatable (mostly)
For years, Drake was recognized as the undefeated champion of the Orange Isles, simply sweeping the challengers thanks to a well-balanced team – and his trusty Dragonite. This impressive dominance led Drake to become bored with the lack of worthy challengers.
All of this came to an end when Ash finally defeated him, defeating the tough Dragonite, ending his unbeaten streak, and earning the winner’s trophy. Drake was impressed by Ash and excited to have had such an intense battle. This was an iconic moment for Ash as he had become a champion by beating an unbeatable opponent, which also cemented Drake as an essential player in Ash’s progression.
8 Hala: Values and tradition are everything
As one of the four island kahunas of Alola, Hala enjoys great prestige. The island’s kahunas are chosen by the Tapu guardians and are bound to their role until death. Hala relishes the opportunity to fight young coaches who want to make it through the Melemele Island Grand Test, but she is also more than willing to offer advice.
Hala is proud of her role and heritage, and always adheres to Alolan traditions. While he can also be somewhat carefree outside of combat, alongside his fighting Pokémon, he’s a tough hurdle for any trainer to overcome.
7 Professor Kukui: Respected teacher and skilled trainer
Professor, teacher, mentor, caretaker and beloved masked icon, Professor Kukui is truly a forgotten hero of the sun and moon adventures. He is always there to give Ash and the other students advice and the push they need to improve.
His alter ego, “The Masked Royal,” is a revered celebrity in Alola and considered a formidable and unbeatable Pokémon trainer. Although his identity is kept a secret for most of the series, the final exhibition match with Ash is proof of how impressive and well-rounded his character is and a more than capable Pokémon trainer.
6 Diantha: Share a special connection with her Gardevoir
Diantha is a well known and beloved actress who appears in Pokémon X e Y. Along with her Gardevoir, she is a force to be reckoned with, hence why she is also the champion of Kalos.
In the anime, he confronts Ash on multiple occasions with almost inconclusive endings due to interruptions. The fighting is always close and she is especially intrigued by Ash’s relationship with his Greninja. She uses mega evolution, which makes her a dangerous opponent. She is an excellent example of a champion with supreme strength and a healthy competitive attitude.
5 Steven Stone: a smart mind and a formidable coach
Steven Stone, who made his anime debut during the series Ruby and Sapphire, is an intelligent and somewhat reserved ally of Ash and his friends after meeting them in the Granite Cave. Unlike the games, Steven is never discussed as a champion in the anime, but his strength as a Pokémon trainer remains considerable.
When he reappears in Pokémon X and Y, he is less reserved and more open to interacting with other trainers. He is highly respected and, in some cases, is even considered a figure of a mentor.
4 Ash Ketchum: Show pure determination to overcome any setback
Despite frequently displaying impatience and naivety, Ash Ketchum’s entire journey in Pokémon has been one of learning from mistakes, persevering, and overcoming obstacles. Most of his great battles end with the opposing coach gaining respect for Ash due to these traits and his application under pressure, regardless of the outcome.
Their love for their Pokémon and their willingness to learn have often been seen to inspire others to improve themselves and their own approaches to Pokémon. You may not always make the best decisions, but your no-give-up attitude is commendable. All of this, plus the fact that he now has a victory in the Pokémon League.
3 Lion: Emphatically strong and considered a Pokémon monarch
Leon is known as the Pokémon Monarch and one of the strongest trainers in the world, having beaten Lance in the final of the World Coronation Series. For his appearances in Pokémon TravelHe is shown as a showman, with a great appreciation for spectacular battles, but he is also a great athlete in victory.
His great attitude and immeasurable strength immediately catch the attention of Ash, who sets out to defeat Leon in battle. Leon appreciates and respects the spark and determination that Ash possesses, and relishes the opportunity to confront him when he’s ready.
2 Lance: Deadly Dragon Trainer with a keen sense of justice
Although Lance is considered a late-breaking boss in the first two generations of Pokémon games, his main goal of keeping the world in peace is further explored in the anime. He makes no secret that he cares a lot about Pokémon and most of the time he infiltrates evil organizations in an attempt to stop their nasty plans.
On The Pokémon Days He is seen narrowly losing in the World Coronation Series to Leon, Galar’s champion, but being amiable in defeat. Lance’s strength, courage, and sense of justice are undeniable, making him one of the most respected Pokémon trainers.
1 Cynthia: Kind but overwhelmingly powerful
She is the champion of the Sinnoh region for a reason. Not only is Cynthia incredibly powerful and calculating as a coach, but her calm and caring nature, coupled with her wealth of knowledge, understanding and experience, commands everyone’s respect.
Cynthia, friendly and at the same time formidable, has a certain seriousness in his presence. It is very clear how difficult it is to fight her and anyone who stands up to her in the anime is either completely humiliated or offered parting advice in defeat.
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