The Unbeatable Pokemon Teams of Ash Ketchum: A Rank above the Rest!

Highlights

Ash Ketchum's journey in the Pokemon anime is coming to an end, with the final episodes premiering in September on Netflix.

Throughout his journey, Ash has experienced both victories and disappointments in Pokemon League tournaments, but every team he has assembled has played a crucial role in his development.

In the World Coronation Series, Ash finally emerges as the ultimate trainer with his most powerful team to date. This exceptional lineup includes Pikachu, Gengar, Dragonite, Sirfetch'd, Dracovish, and a Mega-Evolving Lucario.

Being a Pokemon anime fan this year brings a mix of emotions. Recently, at the 2023 San Diego Comic-Con, it was revealed that the last episodes of Ash Ketchum's epic adventure will debut on Netflix in early September. Finally, after over two decades, viewers will witness the momentous occasion of Ash winning his first championship league.

Although Ash's journey comes to a close, it is worth reflecting on his previous teams to truly appreciate how close he has come to achieving the title of the very best. While not every team Ash used in Pokemon League tournaments achieved success, they have all played a crucial role in his personal development and growth.

8 Vertress Conference

Ash Ketchum's performance as a trainer in Pokemon the Series: Black & White has sparked controversy among fans. Despite entering the Vertress Conference with an incomplete team of undeveloped Pokemon, excluding Pikachu, Ash managed to reach the Top 8. However, he was ultimately defeated by Cameron, who possessed a significantly stronger team consisting of Lucario, Samurott, Hydreigon, and Ferrothorn.

7 Ever Grande Conference

The Ever Grande Conference marked the peak of Ash Ketchum's journey in the Hoenn region. Notably, his team saw new additions from the third generation, namely Swellow, Glalie, and Torkoal. However, Ash's lineup also included Grovyle, who had yet to evolve into Sceptile, and Corphish.

Despite not having the optimal choice of Pokémon, Ash impressively secured a place in the Top 8 of the tournament. Nonetheless, his limitations became evident when he faced off against Tyson, a formidable trainer with a roster comprising of a Metagross, a fully-evolved Sceptile, and a formidable Hariyama. Unfortunately, Ash was unable to compete on the same level as Tyson with his current team.

6 Lily Of The Valley Conference

Despite coming towards the end of Ash's adventures in the Sinnoh region, he made the peculiar decision to fill his team for the Lily of the Valley Conference with several Pokemon he had previously acquired in different regions. These included Heracross, Torkoal, and Swellow. It is worth mentioning that at this point, Ash did have a Sceptile, but his only fourth-generation Pokemon was an unevolved Gible.

It is safe to say that Ash had far superior options from his Sinnoh lineup, such as a fully evolved Torterra and Infernape, as well as the useful Ground/Flying-type Gliscor. This proved to be a particularly disadvantageous choice when facing Tobias, a trainer who had a Darkrai and Latios on his team. However, Ash's Sceptile did manage to defeat Darkrai before ultimately being defeated by Latios.

5 Indigo Plateau

For Ash's inaugural Pokemon League tournament, he was limited to selecting only three Pokemon from his Kanto captures. Ultimately, he opted for Pikachu, Squirtle, and Charizard. However, this selection proved to be less advantageous due to Charizard's disobedience, rendering it virtually useless in Ash's group.

The consequences of Charizard's disobedience were far-reaching, resulting in Ash's defeat and subsequent elimination from the league. His opponent, Ritchie, and his own Pikachu named Sparky emerged victorious. While Ash managed to secure a place in the Top 16 of the tournament, it is conceivable that a stronger bond with Charizard could have empowered Ash to overcome Ritchie and progress to the next stage.

4 Silver Conference

Ash entered the Silver Conference in the Johto region with a stronger team, as he was allowed to bring six Pokémon. From his Kanto journey, Ash brought Pikachu, Snorlax, and Charizard, who was now more obedient. He also added Gen 2 Pokémon Noctowl, Bayleef, and Totodile to his team.

Unfortunately, this team could not take Ash to the finish line, and he was disqualified in the Top 8 of the tournament. He lost to trainer Harrison, who had powerful Pokémon like Steelix, Houndoom, and even his Blaziken, his starter Pokémon from the Hoenn region. Losing to Harrison inspired Ash to explore the Hoenn region for his next adventure.

3 Manalo Conference

Apart from the Indigo Plateau Conference, the Manalo Conference in Alola was the only other occasion when Ash was only allowed to enter three Pokemon into a tournament. His chosen three were Pikachu, Dusk Form Lycanroc, and Melmetal, a remarkably powerful Mythical Pokemon that was Ash's first capture of its kind.

Fortunately, Ash's decision paid off this time, as he emerged as the champion of the regional tournament for the very first time. His victory included defeating Gladion and his formidable team, which consisted of Silvally, Zoroark, and Nihilego. Furthermore, Ash also won an exhibition match against Professor Kukui and his Tapu Koko.

2 Lumiose Conference

Despite not winning the Lumiose Conference, Ash's performance as a trainer and the team he assembled were exceptional. His team consisted of Pikachu, Hawlucha, Goodra, Talonflame, Noivern, and the powerful Ash-Greninja. This form of Greninja had the ability to transform into its impressive Ash-Greninja form. Unfortunately, Ash faced a formidable opponent in Alain, who had a team comprising Charizard, Tyranitar, Metagross, Weavile, Bisharp, and Unfezant. The battle between the two trainers was intense and evenly matched. Despite the strong bond between Ash and Greninja, they ultimately couldn't surpass the power of Alain's Mega Charizard X.

1 World Coronation Series

Ash achieved the title of the greatest trainer in the Pokemon world after emerging victorious in the World Coronation Series, marking the conclusion of Pokemon Ultimate Journeys: the Series. This esteemed tournament comprised renowned trainers such as Leon, Iris, Cynthia, Korrina, Volkner, and Lance.

Remarkably, Ash's team showcased their utmost potential throughout the entirety of the anime series. In addition to his loyal Pikachu, Ash welcomed new members including Gengar, Dragonite, Sirfetch'd, and Dracovish. Notably, his recently acquired Lucario boasted the ability to Mega-Evolve. However, it was undeniably Pikachu who emerged victorious in the tournament, leading Ash to claim the ultimate victory.