Ash Has Become World Champion After 25 Long Years

In April 1997, the first episode of the Pokémon anime was made available. It centered on 10-year-old Ash Ketchum and his desire to become the most powerful Pokémon trainer. He finally attained his goal after 25 years by defeating Leon, the current Pokémon Champion.

Despite Ash Ketchum's prior victories in Pokémon League tournaments, none of them compare to the World Coronation Series. Ash Ketchum participated in the Pokémon World Championships, which determined the best Pokémon Trainer of all time from among a range of trainers and league champions from all previous series. Ash Ketchum advanced to the finals by winning his two matches—his first against Steven Stone and his second against Cynthia.

Six-on-six play began the final match between Ash and Leon, and the deciding round saw a one-on-one battle between Leon's Charizard and Ash's Pikachu. After a competitive battle in Pokémon Journeys episode 132, Pikachu is briefly knocked out. At that point, he has a flashback of Ash's other Pokémon from the series, who he befriended and who are supporting him. Pikachu regains his drive and eventually vanquishes Leon's Charizard.

Rika Matsumoto, who is the voice of Ash also had something to say on this special occasion:

"It’s been twenty-five years since I’ve played Ash, but he’s always been a guy who has done his best during battles. He always does the best he can, I can’t handle the emotion. The boy I have seen since 1997 has grown up, and I also think of those who could no longer see him as a champion. One step away from becoming the Pokémon World Champion, both for children and adults, please continue to support Ash Ketchum until the end! "