In the world of Pokémon, being strong can take you far, but having other qualities to your personality can garner respect and make you a complete trainer. Ash's Pokémon journey has certainly been a long one. On his adventures throughout the anime, he has encountered numerous trainers, whether they are friend, foe, or rival.

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Some are great tacticians during battle, some are arrogant and aggressive, but there are a select few that command respect, or have earned it. Respect can be earned over time with age and experience or following displays of personal growth, determination, and hard work. Therefore, the most respected trainers that Ash has encountered on his adventures vary drastically in age, battle style, and general demeanor.

10 Tyson: Nice Guy But A Stern And Tactical Battler

Tyson, Ash and Pikachu at Ever Grande City in Hoenn

Tyson is a friend of Ash and company in the Hoenn series. He is generally relaxed but is also humble, loyal, and truly cares for his Pokémon. In Pokémon battles, however, he is serious, strong-willed, and well-calculated.

In addition, his main Pokémon is surprisingly a Meowth - arguably the first time a Meowth has been used properly in the anime. He proceeds to earn the respect of Ash by defeating him and going on to win the Hoenn League Conference, all while displaying an exemplary attitude.

9 Drake: Intimidating And Unbeatable (Mostly)

Drake about to send out a Pokemon

For years, Drake was renowned as the undefeated champion of the Orange Islands, simply sweeping challengers aside thanks to a well-balanced team - and his trusted Dragonite. Such impressive dominance led to Drake becoming bored due to a lack of worthy challengers.

This all came to an end when Ash finally defeated him, eventually overcoming the tough Dragonite, bringing his undefeated streak to an end and obtaining the winner's trophy. Drake was impressed by Ash and excited to have had such an intense battle. This was an iconic moment for Ash, as he had become champion by beating an unbeatable opponent, thus also solidifying Drake as an essential player in Ash's progression.

8 Hala: Values And Tradition Are Everything

Hala in the Pokemon Sun & Moon anime

As one of the four island kahunas of Alola, Hala is held in high regard. Island kahunas are chosen by the Tapu guardians and are tied to their role until death. Hala relishes the chance to battle younger upcoming trainers looking to pass the Grand Trial of Melemele Island but is also more than happy to offer advice.

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Hala is proud of his role and heritage, always adhering to Alolan traditions. While he can also be somewhat carefree outside of battling, alongside his fighting Pokémon, he is a tough obstacle for any trainer to overcome.

7 Professor Kukui: Respected Teacher And Skilled Trainer

Professor Kukui, Pokemon

A professor, teacher, mentor, caretaker, and beloved masked icon, Professor Kukui is truly an unsung hero of the Sun & Moon adventures. He is always there to give Ash and the other students advice and the push they need to better themselves.

His alter ego, 'The Masked Royal', is a revered celebrity in Alola and regarded as a formidable, unbeatable Pokémon trainer. While his identity is kept a secret for most of the series, the final exhibition match with Ash is a testament to how impressive and well-rounded his character is and a more-than-capable Pokémon trainer.

6 Diantha: Shares A Special Connection With Her Gardevoir

Diantha and Gardevoir

Diantha is a renowned and beloved actress who appears in Pokémon X and Y. Together with her Gardevoir, she is a force to be reckoned with, hence her also being the champion of Kalos.

In the anime, she battles Ash multiple times to mostly inconclusive ends due to interruptions. The contests are always close and she is especially intrigued by Ash's relationship with his Greninja. She utilizes mega-evolution, making her a dangerous opponent. She is a prime example of a champion with supreme strength and a healthy competitive attitude.

5 Steven Stone: A Smart Mind And Formidable Trainer

Steven Stone

Initially debuting in the anime during the Ruby and Sapphire series, Steven Stone is a clever and somewhat reserved ally to Ash and friends after meeting them in Granite Cave. Unlike in the games, Steven is never referred to as a champion in the anime, but his strength as a Pokémon trainer is still considerable.

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When he reappears in Pokémon X and Y, he is less reserved and more open to interacting with fellow trainers. He is well-respected and in some cases even seen as a mentor figure.

4 Ash Ketchum: Shows Pure Determination To Push Through Any Setbacks

Ash with Pikachu and Bulbasur hugging him in Pokémon.

Despite frequently showing impatience and naivety, Ash Ketchum's entire Pokémon journey has been spent learning from mistakes, persevering, and overcoming obstacles. Most of his major battles end with the opposing trainer gaining respect for Ash due to these traits and his application under pressure, regardless of the result.

His love for his Pokémon and willingness to learn has frequently been seen to inspire others to better themselves and their own approaches to Pokémon. He may not always make the best decisions, but his never-give-up attitude is to be commended. All this plus the fact that he now has a Pokémon League win to his name.

3 Leon: Emphatically Strong And Considered A Pokémon Monarch

Leon in Pokémon

Leon is known as the Pokémon Monarch and one of the world's strongest trainers, having beaten Lance in the final of the World Coronation Series. From his appearances in Pokémon Journeys, he is shown to be a showman, with a great appreciation for spectacular battles, but is also a great sportsman in victory.

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His great attitude and immeasurable strength immediately grab the attention of Ash, who makes it his goal to defeat Leon in battle. Leon appreciates and respects the spark and determination that Ash possesses and relishes the chance to face him when he's ready.

2 Lance: Deadly Dragon Trainer With A Keen Sense Of Justice

Lance ready for battle in the Pokemon anime

While Lance is considered to be a late-game boss in the first two generations of Pokémon games, his main goal of keeping the world at peace is explored further in the anime. He doesn't hide the fact that he cares deeply for Pokémon and is mostly found infiltrating evil organizations in a bid to stop their unsavory plans.

In Pokémon Journeys he is seen barely losing in the World Coronation Series to Leon, the champion of Galar, but being gracious in defeat. There is no disputing Lance's strength, courage, and sense of justice, making him one of the most widely-respected Pokémon trainers.

1 Cynthia: Kind Yet Overwhelmingly Powerful

Cynthia holds out her arm in the Pokemon anime

She is the champion of the Sinnoh region for a reason. Not only is Cynthia incredibly powerful and calculated as a trainer, but her calm and caring nature alongside her wealth of knowledge, understanding, and experience commands respect from everyone.

Likable yet formidable, Cynthia has a certain gravitas to her presence. It is made abundantly clear how tough a battle with her is and anyone seen battling her in the anime is either humbled completely or offered parting advice in defeat.

NEXT: 10 Pokemon Trainers Ash Shouldn't Be Able To Beat