After 25 Years, Ash Ketchum Is The Very Best, Like No One Ever Was

For most of the Pokémon anime, the story has been that of Ash Ketchum falling various degrees of 'just short' as he's traveled through Kanto, Johto, et al on his quest to become each region's Pokémon champion.

His fortunes finally changed when he visited Alola and won a league title, qualifying him for the "Pokémon Masters Eight" tournament between the eight Pokémon region's champions.

In the anime, Ash defeated Hoenn's Steven and Sinnoh's Cynthia to earn a spot in the final with Leon, the champion of Galar. Last night, at the conclusion of a three-episode battle, Ash defeated Leon, finally earning the title of the strongest Pokémon trainer in the world.

Pikachu knocked out Leon's Charizard to seal the deal after undergoing a pristine "Power of Friendship" anime moment, in which Ash's former Pokémon visit Pikachu in Poké-purgatory to cheer him on, to rise from the jaws of defeat.

If there was a way for them to redeem Ash not using his past Pokemon, this was it. The most beautiful scene in Pokemon anime history I've ever seen. This is #Anipoke Heritage right here! pic.twitter.com/w0eldO5rfc

— Anipoke Fandom (@AnipokeFandom) November 11, 2022

The moment was understandably massive for Pokémon fans, some of whom have waited all 25 years for Ash to finally reach the summit of the Pokémon universe.

That being said, Ash's victory inspired some bittersweetness — now that Ketchum has become the greatest trainer in the world in an episode that tied in 25 years of history, it sure could be a fine place to end the Pokémon anime, or at least Ash's journey. The finale of this season will air on December 9th in Japan, but its title, "Pokémon! I'm Glad I Got To Meet You!" has some wondering if it's really the end for Ash.

I’m not ready to say goodbye to Ash Ketchum.I’m not ready to say goodbye to Pikachu.I’m not ready to say goodbye to my childhood.I’m not ready to say goodbye to the Pokémon anime.Please, this can’t be the end, I feel like my heart is sinking here 😭💔 #anipoke #Pokémon pic.twitter.com/y7FyOpUwZV

— Pokeferlax~ (@pokeferlax) November 9, 2022

He probably is a Pokemon Master right?Then… If it's the case… Is the Pokemon anime end?Omg.😢 pic.twitter.com/GtPWfQc1Ko

— Mixeli (@PokeliYT) November 11, 2022

With a title like that, you can’t help but think this could really be the end… 😢 #anipoke pic.twitter.com/xrdzfV0P60

— Anipoke Hub 🏆🔥 (@AnipokeHub) November 9, 2022

It seems unlikely that Pokémon will end the anime considering, well, it's Pokémon, but it's not inconceivable the show may move away from Ash Ketchum and Pikachu. As the games seem to be moving in a new direction, it may be time, after 25 years, for the anime to do so too.

It will be some time before the world knows of the future of the Pokémon anime, but for now, Pokémon fans, enjoy this moment. You and Ash have earned it.