Pikachu has taken part in hundreds of Pokémon battles over the years. His first ten battles show that it was a rather rocky start to his battling career. Pikachu had to learn some tough lessons early on, which helped sculpt him into the fierce competitor that he is today.
That's not to say he didn't do well in these initial battles. Choosing not to evolve in this era was a pivotal moment that defined the kind of Pokémon he was to become. Pikachu has always given his best and has been able to defeat opponents much bigger than him since the beginning using his speed, guts, and trademark never-say-die attitude.
10 Vs Team Rocket In "Ash Catches A Pokémon"
Pikachu's first-ever battle is in the third episode of the anime when he faces off against Team Rocket for the very first time. Pikachu doesn't fare too well, with Koffing blinding him with its Sludge attack. After Ekans and Koffing get the better of Pidgeotto, the unlikely hero ends up being Ash's freshly caught Caterpie. It certainly isn't the most auspicious beginning for Pikachu. Things could only get better from there.
9 Vs Brock's Onix In "Showdown In Pewter City"
Pikachu's second battle and Ash's first Gym battle is against Pewter City Gym Leader and future travelling companion Brock in episode 5. In one of the most infamous battles in the history of the Pokémon anime, Pikachu ends up defeating Onix after the sprinklers are set off, making Onix vulnerable to Pikachu's Electric attacks. Although Pikachu doesn't outright beat Onix, Brock declares Ash victorious and gives him his first Gym Badge.
8 Vs Giselle's Cubone In "The School Of Hard Knocks"
Pikachu's third battle is against Giselle in "The School of Hard Knocks," the ninth episode of the anime. Pokémon Tech student Giselle forces Ash and Pikachu into a battle, sending out Cubone.
After trading blows, the two engage in a staring contest before Cubone uses its Bonemerang attack, the first of which hits Pikachu in the head. When the second one is launched, however, Pikachu turns Cubone's skull around so it can't see. Cubone's bone comes flying back and knocks it out.
7 Vs Bulbasaur In "Bulbasaur And The Hidden Village"
Pikachu's fourth battle is against Bulbasaur in the tenth episode of the anime, "Bulbasaur and the Hidden Village." Melanie, who watches over a number of sick Pokémon along with Bulbasaur, wants Ash to take Bulbasaur with him so his bulb can grow. Bulbasaur agrees to go with Ash on the condition that they have a battle, so Ash puts his faith in Pikachu. When Bulbasaur uses Vine Whip, Pikachu's Thunderbolt travels up through the vines, shocking and defeating Bulbasaur.
6 Vs Lt. Surge In "Electric Shock Showdown"
Pikachu's fifth battle comes in "Electric Shock Showdown," episode 14 of the anime. Ash faces Lt. Surge at the Vermillion City Gym. After Surge's Raichu defeats Pikachu in their initial encounter, Nurse Joy offers Ash a Thunder Stone that will evolve Pikachu. Ash considers it but ultimately lets Pikachu decide. Pikachu refuses to evolve and goes on to defeat Raichu in their rematch, using his superior speed to get the win.
5 Vs Team Rocket Thugs In "Battle Aboard The St. Anne"
Pikachu's sixth battle is against a gang of Team Rocket thugs in "Battle Aboard the St. Anne," the fifth episode of the anime. Team Rocket tries to suck up everyone's Poké Balls with a powerful vacuum, but Ash, Brock, and the other people on the ship band together to stop them. While standing atop a pyramid of other Pikachus, Ash's Pikachu shocks the grunts, sending them flying into the air and helping to prevent the theft.
4 Vs Sabrina's Abra & Kadabra In "Abra And The Psychic Showdown"
Pikachu's seventh battle is against Sabrina's Abra in episode 22. Ash competes for a Gym Badge at the Saffron City Gym. During the battle, Gym Leader Sabrina's Abra evolves into Kadabra.
Ash questions the legality of this, but it is within the rules and the battle continues. In the end, Pikachu is overwhelmed by the Psi Pokémon's psychic attacks, so Ash forfeits the match.
3 Vs Sabrina's Kadabra In "Haunter Versus Kadabra"
Pikachu's eighth battle is a rematch against Sabrina's Kadabra in episode 24, "Haunter versus Kadabra." At first, Pikachu is reluctant to battle after the disaster in his last match against Kadabra. However, with the disappearance of the Haunter that followed Ash back from Lavender Town, Pikachu steps up. Haunter plays pranks on Sabrina to make her laugh in the middle of the battle. Since she and Kadabra are linked telepathically, Kadabra laughs too, rendering it unable to battle and handing Ash and Pikachu the win.
2 Vs Team Rocket In "Pokémon Fashion Flash"
Pikachu's ninth battle is against Team Rocket in the 28th episode of the anime. In an attempt to rescue Misty, who Team Rocket has kidnapped, Brock and Ash send out Geodude and Pikachu. Team Rocket and their Pokémon are dressed in extravagant outfits, and thanks to a wardrobe malfunction, Ekans and Koffing trip on their outfits. Pokémon Breeder Suzie's Vulpix interrupts the battle and Fire Spins Team Rocket up and away.
1 Vs Hitmonchan In "The Punchy Pokémon"
Pikachu's tenth battle is against Hitmonchan in episode 29 of the anime, "The Punchy Pokémon." In an attempt to show off his boxing knowledge, Ash pits Pikachu against what he believes to be a wild Hitmonchan, but Hitmonchan blocks Pikachu's punches. It turns out that the Hitmonchan belongs to a trainer named Anthony, who wants to become P1 Grand Prix Champion. He instructs Hitmonchan to knock Pikachu out, and it doesn't waste any time doing so.