Dawn & Zoey Push Each Other's Limits Through a Friendly Pokémon Rivalry

There's always an extra element of tension when two long-time friends face each other in battle as rivals, adn that's especially true in Pokémon.

Ash Defends His Legacy Against Sawyer During The Kalos League’s Climax

When it comes to Pokémon's Kalos League, it's easy to get lost in the theatrics of Ash's final battle against Alain in the finals.

May’s Kanto Grand Festival Victory Over Drew Is a Pivotal Turning Point

May and Drew's showdown in the Kanto Grand Festival helps highlight how far tournaments and contests have evolved over the course of the series.

Ash & Drake’s Orange Islands Battle Sets a High Bar For 6v6 Fights

Ash has been involved in some of Pokémon's greatest battles, and his early clash against Drake in the Orange League doesn't necessarily get the respect that it deserves, considering what it accomplishes.

Ash’s Best Efforts Still Fall Short Against Paul’s Superior Pokémon Team

It's typically exciting when Ash achieves a victory in battle, but sometimes a just loss can become an even stronger epiphany.

Ash Leaves Alola With Class & Challenges His Own Mentor

Professor Kukui was a trusted mentor to Ash, which makes their 6v6 fight a true rite of passage for the younger trainer.

Dawn’s Win Against May Pulls Her Out of a Major Slump

It's fascinating to see how one significant fight can be enough to pull a character out of a slump and help them regain their fighting spirit.

Ash Defeats His Childhood Rival & Charizard Finally Realizes His Potential

Ash and Gary's showdown during the Johto Silver Conference hits so much harder than any other rival clash because they're the anime's original rivals.

Ash Finally Becomes a Pokémon Master When He Defeats Leon

It's difficult to pay off decades of storytelling and surpass the impossibly high expectations that surround certain battles.