Having a skilled trainer in Pokémon is advantageous for success in battles and competitions, where strategic knowledge and effective training play a pivotal role. A strong bond between the trainer and their Pokémon enhances performance and responsiveness in battles, creating a more enjoyable and fulfilling journey. Versatility in team composition allows skilled trainers to adapt to diverse challenges and opponents encountered throughout their adventure. Accomplished trainers are more likely to achieve their goals, whether completing the Pokédex, winning tournaments, or aspiring to become a Pokémon Master. Beyond individual success, skilled trainers contribute to the social fabric of the Pokémon world, engaging in trades, multiplayer battles, and earning recognition and prestige within the community.
He's done it. After a contentious Masters Eight Tournament, Ash Ketchum has faced the strongest Champions the Pokemon world has to offer and won. He's officially recognized as the very best Trainer alive. He's going out on top, too, as he's on his last ride as the star of the Pokemon anime. It's unclear how long he'll keep his standing at the very top once the cameras stop rolling, but should he continue battling, he's probably going to be a force to be reckoned with at the next few Masters Eight Tournaments.
Of course, second place on this list is former World Coronation Series Monarch and loser of the recent final, Leon. Despite ultimately losing to Ash, he most certainly proved his championship pedigree wasn't unwarranted. He absolutely blazed through his other opponents in the Masters Eight, and gave Ash a really hard time. His team seems to be the most formidable of the bunch still, with massive threats across his whole lineup of Pokemon. All credits to Ketchum, but it shouldn't be forgotten that Leon was one solid hit to Pikachu away from defending his title.
Despite the loss in the semi-final, Cynthia showed the world she was still on top of her game. After a convincing victory over Iris, she entered her battle against Ash guns blazing, taking out three of his Pokemon in a flash. As this list suggests, she might not be the outright best Trainer alive anymore, but she is probably still the most ruthless in battle. She comes at opponents like a tidal wave, thanks to the sheer power of her Pokemon, but she can also keep them guessing with her strategic excellence.
After debuting in the anime as a lowly traveler, Steven Stone took Wallace's mantle as Hoenn Champion and has proved his skills to be worthy of that throne since the XY seasons. His shiny Mega Metagross is still up there as one of the strongest Pokemon owned by any Trainer, period. Unfortunately, he can only go as high as fourth here after running into Ash, who had the power of friendship and a tad bit of plot armor on his side. Still, in any other Tournament where Ash didn't participate, it's hard not to picture him at least putting up a good fight in either the semi-final or final.
Lance resembles an elite athlete falling out of his prime. For the earliest seasons of the anime, he was implied to be the strongest Trainer of the land, but as the anime has introduced more characters, he's had more people competing for his spot at the throne.