10 trainers Ash couldn't beat, ranked by strength

Ash Ketchum has fought against numerous trainers from different regions in the Pokemon anime. While he was able to defeat many of them with his strategic maneuvers and monsters, some got the better of him. Brandon, Sawyer, Tyson, and Flint are a few names whom the anime protagonist could not take down. This was because of their strength and trust in the battle capabilities of their monsters.

Several other factors contribute to strengthening their relationship with their Pokemon in the series. That said, we will look at the rank list of the ten trainers that Ash Ketchum couldn’t beat in the Pokemon anime.

Note: Parts of this article are subjective and reflect the writer's opinion.

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Ranking ten trainers by strength that Ash Ketchum couldn't defeat

10) A story of Hoenn (Ash vs Drake)

The invitation from the Elite Four members and the sea captain Drake to Ash Ketchum to join in a Double Battle on a ship starts the story of this fight. Once Ketchum boards the ship, he declares Pikachu and Groovyle as his challengers to the crew. Meanwhile, Drake says his picks are Shelgon and Altaria.

The showdown starts with Ketchum showcasing his aggressive style and Drake controlling the atmosphere of the battle with his powerhouses. The determination to bring victory home by taking out Ash’s monsters shows why Drake is formidable. The former makes a mistake amid the battle, and Drake capitalizes on this to catch him off guard. He then finishes the bout.

9) Pikachu loses to Meowth (Ash vs Tyson)

Tyson and his Meowth from the show. (Image via The Pokemon Company)

In the battle between Ash Ketchum and Tyson at the Hoenn League's Evergrande Conference, the latter shows an exceptional performance, winning the hearts of the spectators. Ketchum, who has never met a skilled Team Rocket agent like Tyson, wonders how he can win. Despite his endeavors, the latter manages to defeat him in the competition.

Even though Ketchum does manage to bring some of the critters down from Tyson’s team, including Metagross, his Pikachu eventually loses to Meowth. The Scratch Kat Pokemon uses a surprising Thunderbolt attack on the Electric-type Pikachu. Both Meowth and Pikachu use Iron Tail on each other bodies at last, but the latter faints due to the inflicted damage.

8) The magician Alakazam (Ash vs Anabel)

A picture of Anabel. (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Anabel, one of the trainers that Ash Ketchum fails to beat, demonstrates the combat capacity of her Alakazam and Metagross during the arc of the Battle Frontier in the anime. She is an amazing trainer who specializes in Psychic-type Pokemon.

So, Ketchum challenges the character with his Corphish, Tauros, and Pikachu. He has to beat Anabel’s team setup to obtain the Ability Symbol.

Alakazam’s Psychic prowess manages to bring down Ketchum’s Corphish and Tauros in the fight. However, he sends out his Pikachu to confront this magician, and it ends up receiving tons of damage. After this, Alakazam gets taken out by Pikachu, but Anabel surprises everyone by revealing a Metagross, and she uses it to best the remaining critter.

7) Rivalry ignites (Ash vs Paul)

Ash and Paul are rivals, and both inspire each other differently to become one of the best trainers in the world. These rivals have their philosophies regarding how one should train and raise Pokemon.

Both are good at what they can bring to the table, and their battle of ideals clash at Lake Acuity in the Sinnoh region during Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, "Pedal to the Mettle!" and "Evolving Strategies!" episodes.

Paul likes to change the lineup of his Pocket Monsters frequently, confusing Ash to wonder. However, he cannot keep up with Paul’s strategic countermeasures. Ash eventually loses to Paul despite his Chimchar evolving into Monferno to help out in the battle.

6) A test of Pikachu’s will and strength (Ash vs Lt. Surge)

Lt. Surge (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Ash Ketchum and Lt. Surge have battled twice in the anime, and the former lost in the first confrontation. This happens because Ketchum’s Pikachu could not beat Surge’s Raichu, leading to a humiliating defeat. Our hero realizes that the electrical power of Raichu is far superior, and he would need to evolve his Pikachu to get the same.

Lt. Surge exhibits how powerful his Raichu is by delivering an electrifying performance and sending Pikachu to get treatment in the Pokemon center. From this battle, Ash works on improving the speed of his monster to challenge Surge for the second time.

5) The show of mighty Infernape (Ash vs Flint)

Another exciting battle that took place between Ash and Flint, an Elite Four member, showed fans how robust an Infernape is in the animated series. This Fire- and Fighting-type monster is one of the best Pokemon from Flint’s team. He uses it to completely extinguish Ash's unit, showing no mercy whatsoever.

He has Infernape, Pikachu, and Buizel to square off against the Elite Four member Flint. He tries to land significant damage to Flint’s ace, which is none other than the powerful Infernape, but he brutally loses.

Ash’s Infernape and Buizel get knocked by a single hit from Flint's Infernape, leaving Pikachu to continue the match. Eventually, the Electric Mouse Pokemon also loses because of prolonged action.

4) The losing streak continues (Ash vs Trip)

Ash Ketchum and Trip, one of the rival figures, have already fought multiple times in the Pokemon series. During the former's adventure in Unova, he meets Trip and knows that he has a Snivy as a Starter Pokemon. Snivy and Pikachu get into a fight, while the former makes quick work of the latter, winding up the business in the process.

The second time Ketchum and Trip meet, they agree to battle in the Unova League. Ash thinks about putting his faith in his monsters to conquer this competition, however, Trip easily knocks off his first two Pokemon. The latter performs exceptionally well in front of the audience, and Ketchum can't do anything about the circumstances.

3) Two trainers collide! (Ash vs Brandon)

Brandon and Ash Ketchum are adversaries due to their strength in the community. The former is known for confronting Ash thrice in the anime and winning twice. His first win comes in Battling the Enemy Within! episode. Despite having a type advantage in the fight, he has to taste loss because an ancient Pyramid King spirit possesses him.

The rematch between Ketchum and Brandon happens in Overjoyed!, where the former shows his fighting skills and takes control of the battle. He squares off against Brandon's Registeel, however, his Pokemon gets knocked out by the Legendary monster.

2) The shattered confidence (Ash vs Wulfric)

Right after Ash Ketchum loses to Sawyer in the show, he has to get Wulfric to obtain his final Kalos Gym Badge. Ash is unsure whether he is capable of beating Wulfric, as he is unable to bond with Greninja during the last battle. Even so, the hero charges with his Hawlucha and Talonflame, but these picks get demolished by Wulfric’s Avalugg.

Avalugg goes on to bring down Ash’s Greninja even when he uses the Bond Phenomenon. This loss teaches Ash a lesson, and he continues to grow as a trainer.

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1) Who is strong? (Ash vs Tobias)

Tobias is the second contender that Ash Ketchum faces in the Lily of the Valley Conference. Once the latter defeats Paul in the same competition, he comes across Tobias, a mysterious trainer whose information is unknown. He reveals his expertise by specializing in different types of powerhouses, with his team containing Darkrai, Latios, Latias, Swampert, and Ninetales.

In their memorable scrabble at the Sinnoh League, Tobias sends out his Darkari as a lead critter. He uses this lead to dominate Ash and his partners, knocking out half of his critters. Ketchum manages to nullify the power of this Mythical Pokemon, but Tobias guides and commands his Latios to end the battle once and for all.

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Edited by Sijo Samuel Paul