The most recent episode of the anime to air in Japan showcased Ash's victory over the incredibly powerful Gym Leader of Hammerlocke City, Raihan, which pushed him into the position of 8th-best Trainer, and to the Masters Eight, a group comprised "of the eight best Pokémon Trainers in the world", which "consists of Elite Trainers who have won other championships and competitions around the world."
The rankings for the Masters Eight are as follows:
- Leon, the current world's best Trainer and Champion of Galar
- Cynthia, the Champion of Sinnoh
- Steven, the Champion of Hoenn
- Lance, the Champion of Kanto and Johto
- Diantha, the Champion of Kalos
- Alain, the Kalos League Champion
- Iris, the Champion of Unova
- Ash, the Champion of Alola
The Pokémon anime currently airs every Friday from 6:55 PM JST on TV Tokyo.
- Sources
ポケモンバトル最強を決める大会に出場する8名のトレーナーがついに決定!新たなキービジュアルを解禁!
株式会社小学館集英社プロダクション(ShoPro)のプレスリリース(2022年5月6日 19時30分)ポケモンバトル最強を決める大会に出場する8名のトレーナーがついに決定!新たなキービジュアルを解禁!prtimes.jp