Throughout the years, the Pokémon anime franchise has introduced a plethora of skillful and talented trainers to its ranks. Ash’s journey across the world helped him meet many characters who would help him grow, thanks to their incredible battle abilities and powerful companions. Nonetheless, despite how beloved most of these trainers are, there are some who are clearly on another level in of strength.

The world of the series is home to some of the most impressive and inspiring fighters in the industry, with creatures that could cause untold devastation in combat. These trainers have left a mark on the series with their incredibly imposing teams, as well as the splendid feats they accomplished during the anime.

10 Iris

From Beloved Companion To Respected Champion

Best known for being one of Ash’s cherished companions, as well as the champion of the Unova region, Iris is a cheerful and determined trainer. She specializes in Dragon-Type Pokémon, with her Haxorus being a legend among fellow fighters. While she began the Black and White series as a novice trainer looking for a chance to shine, she quickly developed into a masterful combatant.

In a short time, she was able to conquer the Unova region and establish herself as its new champion. She was also one of the few trainers selected to compete in the prestigious Masters 8 tournament, a testament to her might. Nonetheless, she did lose rather quickly during the tournament, proving Iris still has a lot to learn about being a Pokémon trainer. She also lacks experience, seeing as her journey began shortly before the world championships.

9 Tobias

A Mysterious Trainer Aided by Mythical Beasts

By far one of the most controversial trainers ever introduced to the Pokémon anime, Tobias was one of Ash’s opponents during the Sinnoh League tournament. Fans know next to nothing about this mysterious man, as he was introduced shortly after the beginning of the competition. Nonetheless, viewers are aware that he is skilled enough to defeat and capture some of the most powerful and rarest Pokémon ever, the Legendaries.

Only two of his team are known, these being the imposing Darkrai and the agile Latios. With these partners by his side, Tobias dominated the tournament, with Ash being the only trainer capable of defeating two of his creatures. His true power will lamentably never be revealed, as he was never seen again after winning the Sinnoh League.

8 Alain

A Master of Mega Evolution

Considered by fans to be one of Ash’s best rivals, Alain is an incredibly talented trainer from the Kalos region. His most iconic battle in the anime is undoubtedly the one against the protagonist during the finals of the X and Y Pokémon League. This fight, regarded as one of the most exciting in the show, allowed Alain to demonstrate his strategic mind and dominion over the art of Mega Evolution.

His Mega Charizard was powerful enough to not only resist the attacks of Ash’s Greninja, a creature who is super-effective against it, but ultimately defeat it. However, his loss against Leon during the Masters 8 tournament demonstrated that relying on the power of his Charizard alone was not enough to be crowned as the best trainer in the world.

7 Steven Stone

Powerful and Elegant Like No Other

Champion of the Hoen region and one of the most talented Steel-Type Pokémon s, Steven Stone is a bonified celebrity in the world of the series. He is a trainer capable of facing hordes of enemies and coming out unscathed from the fight. This was proven during his battle against Team Flare in the X and Y era, as he was seen battling entire squads of grunts and defeating them without issue.

His most iconic battle was against Ash, serving as the protagonist's first opponent during the Masters 8 tournament. His Metagross, an already imposing Pokémon, became an even greater threat thanks to its Mega Evolution. Nevertheless, his Steel-Types ended up falling under the might of Ash’s team, despite them being resistant to Electric-type moves.

6 Lance

The Most Iconic and Memorable Champion

Even decades after he was first introduced, the first-ever champion of the Pokémon anime, Lance, continues to be a legend among fans of the series. This Dragon-type is a feared and respected figure by all followers of the franchise, as his strength and abilities seem to know no bounds. For many years, Lance was considered one of the few trainers Ash would have no chance of defeating in combat.

His shiny Gyarados and mighty Dragonite can defeat any unprepared opponent in a single move. Lance was strong enough to fight for a considerable time against the Legendary Pokémon Kyogre in one of the most memorable battles of the Ruby and Sapphire anime. While he could not sur the power of Leon or Diantha, his participation in the Masters 8 tournament is still talked about among fans to this day.

5 Diantha

A Stylish and Strategic Opponent

One of the most underrated champions of the Pokémon franchise, mostly due to her underwhelming performance in the X and Y games, Diantha is a true master of her craft. Whether she is preparing for a future role in a film or training with her team to defeat another opponent, this stylish woman is proof that elegance and strength can both be a part of a battle.

Her team is led by a powerful Gardevoir that can Mega Evolve, making it a terrifying opponent to fight against. Thanks to the power of her Pokémon, Diantha became one of the few people in the history of the franchise to defeat Lance in a battle. Even though she was swiftly overwhelmed by Cynthia’s power in the next battle, she more than proved she is worthy of her title as Champion, thanks to her incredible strategies and deep bond with her partners.

4 Cynthia

Pokémon’s Strongest Woman

Arguably one of the Pokémon franchise’s most iconic trainers ever, Cynthia has been a recurring character ever since her introduction during the Diamond and Pearl era. She is the kind but imposing Champion of the Sinnoh region and the strongest woman in the series. Her might is such that trainers tremble at the mere mention of her name.

Her signature Mega Garchomp is a creature powerful enough to take a direct hit from any opponent and shrug it off as if it were nothing. Cynthia was by far one of the toughest opponents Ash has ever faced, being closer than anyone, besides Leon, to take him out of the Masters 8 tournament. Regardless of her defeat, she remains one of the franchise’s most respected trainers.

3 Lucius

The Legendary Defender of Paldea

Not many Pokémon fans are likely familiar with the legend of Lucius, as he was introduced in the Horizons anime. It is said that this mythical trainer was among the most powerful heroes of the Paldea region, fighting for justice and against evil everywhere he went. His adventures became tales of bravery to inspire children to become better people and trainers, these being the main reasons why Roy decided to become a trainer.

His team is by far one of the most impressive ever seen in the series, having three confirmed Legendary Pokémon by his side. His most trusted partner, Shiny Rayquaza, has been an occasional ally of the heroes throughout the story of Horizons anime, and it has proven to be the mightiest monster in the series. Nonetheless, due to Lucius' focus not being on battling other trainers, it is hard to define how powerful he would be against the strongest fighters in the franchise.

2 Leon

A King With the Strength of a Legend

Out of all the trainers Ash fought against during his journey to become the best trainer in history, Leon is, without a doubt, the most impressive. Known for being the Champion of the Galar region, as well as the former strongest trainer in history, this charismatic man is an absolute force of nature. His entire team was composed of the most resilient and determined Pokémon the protagonist had to fight against.

Still, there is nothing that could compare to the prowess of his Charizard, a creature with the power to take down Legendaries on its own. Leon’s signature Pokémon had the strength necessary to fight Zygard to a stalemate, a task that most trainers would consider impossible. Yet, even the former king was defeated during the Masters 8 tournament, not without reminding the world why he was once the best.

1 Ash Ketchum

A True Inspiration for Pokémon Fans

Ash is a character who needs no introduction, as he has been the face and heart of Pokémon for over 25 years. When he was introduced to the series, Ketchum was seen as a novice who had no idea what being a true trainer was like. Yet, through an unbreaking determination and willingness to learn from his mistakes, he rapidly became one of the most formidable fighters the world had ever seen.

Unlike most other trainers in the series, Ash never maintained a single team, instead choosing to raise new powerful groups to help him on his journey. By the time the Masters 8 tournament commenced, the protagonist was ready to prove to the world he was the best and most powerful trainer. He defeated several of the mightiest masters in the series, Cynthia and Leon included, establishing himself as the best and most skilled trainer in the world.