Champion (Pokémon)
Overview
The term "Champion" in the Pokémon video game series refers to the highest-ranking Trainer in a region's Pokémon League. The Champion is the final challenge for Trainers who have defeated all the Gym Leaders in the region and the Elite Four. The Champion's team often consists of the most powerful Pokémon, providing a significant challenge to the player.
Role in the Games
In the Pokémon games, the player's ultimate goal is to become the Champion. This is achieved by defeating all the Gym Leaders in the region, collecting their badges, and then challenging the Elite Four and the current Champion. The Champion is typically the most difficult Trainer to defeat in the game, with a team of high-level Pokémon that often have a wide range of types and abilities.
Champions in Different Regions
Each region in the Pokémon world has its own Champion. These Champions are often characters that the player encounters throughout their journey. Some Champions are former Gym Leaders or Elite Four members, while others are characters that the player meets along their journey.
Kanto
In the Kanto region, the Champion is initially Blue, the player's rival. After the player defeats Blue, they become the new Champion.
Johto
In the Johto region, the Champion is Lance, a former member of the Elite Four who specializes in Dragon-type Pokémon.
Hoenn
In the Hoenn region, the Champion is Steven Stone, a Steel-type specialist. In the remakes of the original Hoenn games, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the Champion is Wallace, a Water-type specialist.
Sinnoh
In the Sinnoh region, the Champion is Cynthia, who has a diverse team of powerful Pokémon.
Unova
In the Unova region, the Champion is initially Alder, but he is later replaced by Iris in the sequels Black 2 and White 2.
Kalos
In the Kalos region, the Champion is Diantha, an actress who uses a variety of Pokémon types.
Alola
In the Alola region, which lacks a traditional Pokémon League, the player becomes the first Champion after defeating the Elite Four and the previous Champion, Professor Kukui.
Galar
In the Galar region, the Champion is Leon, who is undefeated in official matches and is the older brother of the player's rival, Hop.
Champion Battles
Champion battles are typically the most challenging battles in the Pokémon games. Champions have a full team of six Pokémon, which are often higher level than any other Trainers' Pokémon in the game. These Pokémon also have a wide range of types and abilities, requiring the player to use a diverse team and strategic battle tactics.
Champions also often use Full Restore items to heal their Pokémon, making the battles even more challenging. In addition, the player cannot use items from their Bag during battle in some games, adding an extra layer of difficulty.
Post-Game
After becoming Champion, the player can often challenge the Elite Four and the Champion again for rematches. In these rematches, the Champions typically have even stronger Pokémon. Some games also feature a Battle Tower or similar facility where the player can battle powerful Trainers and former Champions.
In the Anime
In the Pokémon anime, the role of the Champion is similar to that in the games. Champions are the highest-ranking Trainers in a region and are often the final challenge in a Pokémon League Conference. Champions in the anime include characters such as Lance, Cynthia, and Diantha, as well as new characters like Leon.