Pokémon Sword & Shield - Champion Battle Music (HQ)

[@Pokeli]

Well.. I was right all along! He was a good guy in the end! ^^

[@tiarajuleka9718]

You must never judge the book by its cover xD

[@raikonzero]

Also not to believe every "leak" you read on the internet

[@EdgardoJCruz-dk5kv]

Thank goodness. Otherwise it be awkward for Hop to have his older brother turn out to be evil.

[@Jhay052347968]

This is quite a disappointing theme... EDIT: Yes, its an opinion. People have different taste. Please understand that not everyone like/dislike something that you like/dislike.

[@raistlinmaje3430]

Love how they mixed in the Hall of Fame in this battle theme, it's great!

[@outlandr5468]

Leon: "Awww would you look at that, you got all the way here with that Pokemon I just gave you" Trainer: "Your job... h a n d i t o v e r"

[@MantraMan2077]

"No way... You got you're own!" "Well I want yours too..."

[@codegenesis34]

I like that Dark Souls reference ಡ ͜ ʖ ಡ

[@sarafontanini7051]

GIVE ME YOUR CROWN, OLD MAN

[@Nad_0618]

"Already took that Pink guy's Job along with the biggest business in the whole Galar regions' Ceo so let's make my Career Ending streak a Triple while I'm at it. Afterwards I think i might go End the Monarchy, who knows."

[@thehovergoat99]

Rose: So I turned myself in Leon, after being beaten: Your tower, hand it over

[@reydesonic]

I like the implication that this guy would've been us before everything happened. This guy is the protagonist, his rival was Raihan, Sonia was his friendly 'rival', the professor lady was his professor, so it makes sense everyone of these are grown adults. They have had their adventure, Leon was just as of an up and coming trainer as we are currently in the game. Starter was Charmander. And he's been undefeated for so long, hence this Champion theme has the Hall of Fame theme all over it. It is a contrast compared to Gen 7, where we were the champions already, and the theme was the main theme of Pokémon. I like the implications. And then we represent the new generation. We are the new protagonist for Galar, Hop is our rival, Sonia becomes the new Professor for us, etc. We see a lot of "people passing down titles", and that includes Opal, whose entire character revolved around finding a new sparkling Trainer to overtake her Gym, and had her sights in Bede, who had it rough finding his own spot in his world. And then we have Piers who represents that person who is so focused on keeping the past alive that he tries to no use Dynamax. EDIT: Ty everyone for the likes and your opinions! I wanted to add that this game is kind of the only one that has the adults doing the adult stuff as it's SUPPOSED to be and the young ones focus on their journey. Goes to show how Galar is very journey-centric.

[@mauricioaguilar7227]

Bro you justnailed the entire meaning of the game. Great work!

[@derrickhaggard]

You perfectly explained the entire meaning of the game. Nice job!

[@ryancasey3801]

Fuck yeah! Take my like for explaining that!

[@katonnor]

Remember after we finish the tournament piers also passed his gym over to marnie. I also like opals arc of searching for a new leader like you said aswell. When Leon was defeated he throw up his hat and announced that we were the new champion like he was happy to pass over the title.

[@arturoperezify]

Plus his clothing style looks mismatched like how we sometimes always mix and match with our characters clothing options and his tendency to get lost is like how when we're playing we'll sometimes go off and do random things in the game instead of progressing the story.

[@dezzebotwahe240]

I didn't want to end this man's whole career. Just like I didn't want to crush and humiliate Hop and Marnie in front of all the people

[@victiniplayz3965]

Dezzebot wahe her name is actually marnie

[@dezzebotwahe240]

@@victiniplayz3965 I know. It was just auto-correct. Will edit

[@blastchaos4286]

You didn't end his career, he's the new chairman of the pokemon league. Man is living it good in his retirement.

[@dezzebotwahe240]

@@blastchaos4286 well that's nice to hear. I wish him the best

[@SgtFrankBatman]

Dezzebot wahe Marnie, yes. Hop didn’t shut up. I wanted to ruin his life

[@umbreon651]

my favorite thing about sword and shield is how they treat gym battles as major sporting events. i have never been as excited to battle a champion than when i fought leon.

[@tiramisuellie]

More like never been more excited to enter a gym

[@lightyoshiman]

galar is the most competitive when it comes to pokemon battles they won't even let you participate in the pokemon league unless you prove your a good trainer that's why you basically need permission from either the champ himself, the chairman or a gym leader compared to the other regions where anyone can take the challenge

[@PauloRicardo-hc5ll]

this Pokémon Sword & Shield in the end was unique it made me nervous in battles the youngest was not very afraid of losing the battle and fear Pokémon Scarlet and Violet was good but nothing big like this aew

[@jockson7574]

I really wish scarlet and violet followed the same pattern and I hope they do in dlc

[@diegoabreu7066]

Haven't played Sw&Sh, but the Champion's route in Sc&Vi has its own charm. Gamefreak did it right going in a different direction. Gym battles that stimulates local economy with leaders that are common people, it's so immersive! Besides, the Team Star has one of the best ever made music and story

[@truegreen7]

I know the first half of the theme can sound disappointing without context, but when you're actually playing and 2:03 kicks in, the music invokes the most fun any champion theme ever has. This battle was perfectly built up from the beginning of the game and the entire region has been watching your journey too. This theme perfectly serves its purpose.

[@jorge.aguirre]

This.

[@Bobafett-bi8ht]

THIS

[@screamy6220]

THIS!

[@Thelurkerbelowsea]

THIS!!

[@MegaJACproductions]

THIS!!!!!!!!

[@kvltofsobek90]

Making the old hall of fame theme the basis for the championship title battle theme was such a great move on their part. I love the addition of the chanting crowd too

[@xeroh9894]

all hail sobek!

[@sebastianalvarado14]

I never noticed that until now

[@Peashooter_theplant]

I feel like it's a celebration of pokemon. The music represents how far the series has come.

[@Jirbolicious]

I got chills when I heard the crowd

[@thekiss2083]

Might be the best piece of fanservice I've ever seen.

[@ok9922]

Finally i became the champion. Now i can endorse Youngster Joey to enter the Gym Challenge.

[@gecco5645]

This is a underrated comment

[@saulodoamordivino]

Then Top Percentage Rattata crushes your team.

[@_Fish893]

That would not be possible beacause he can’t beat alliester or bea

[@_Fish893]

Plus rattat illigel

[@rushshahaiosifovg]

*Endorse

[@tedscheett9420]

So, when I fought Leon in Shield, he had used Max Rockfall on my Cinderace with his Charizard, setting up Sandstorm, which knocked himself out. Because Leon wanted to prove a point: the only one who could beat the Unbeatable Champion was himself.

[@msn9006]

😂

[@javajawa9068]

what a power move holy shit

[@Soooooooooooonicable]

You don't beat Leon, you survive him.

[@toolatetothestory]

Ngl, Chad move

[@StandUpConorDy]

“The only thing strong enough to stop us, is ourselves.” -MandJTV

[@ccshade7294]

leon is like the first champion who actually says "i'm the adult, leave the dangerous matters to me!" instead of expecting a kid to take down a group of terrorists on their own

[@randomyoutubeuser261]

That makes Leon the best champ. Instead of doing the Lance/Steven/Cynthia thing of "would you like to help me beat up those bad guys?"

[@littlemines6648]

Yeah that is good, but the only problem is that it constantly steals your adventure. Like when the dynamax pokèmon were running amok, Just like EVERY other major problem in the game, Leon takes care of it. It would be really nice for us to have a double battle againts the roaming dynamax pokèmon instead of Leon constantly appearing out of nowhere and doing it for us. Kinda made the game feel lacklustre adventure-wise

[@teamkillerjoker1565]

@@littlemines6648 But it also tells you to focus on your objective, getting all the badges to challenge him. It makes much more sense story wise.

[@littlemines6648]

Team Killer Joker True. Still though, i would love some adventures with Leon, he is one my favourite champs. I feel like after game he just becomes as depressed as Hop is once Bede swept the floor with him. It makes sense considering its not eternatus/zacian that is the goal in the game, it is besting Leon, but some more adventure/main story never did harm.

[@teamkillerjoker1565]

@@littlemines6648 Yeah fair, he is a great character so more of him is never a bad thing. But overall for the story I think it was great to keep his all start team a secret. Really surprising the op pokemon he used. But he does inherit the battle tower after you beat him, and he runs that. So I wouldn't say he has nothing to do, as he now owns and runs everything to do with the gym challenge and has the battle tower to battle and improve in. And I wouldn't say his adventures are exactly done yet, I have faith that he will show up in the second DLC, just like hop did in the first.

[@bhamber2641]

Leon: *Throws off his cape* His sponsors: Am I a joke to you?

[@oroshithegodeater2590]

Leon: I REJECT MY SPONSORS JOJO

[@azuredragon8388]

Aren't all of his sponsors run by Macro Cosmos? As in Chairman Rose?

[@herothecrow994]

Robert Wimms wait so chairman rose runs game freak? He mush be quite the Charizard fan.

[@azuredragon8388]

Herokid_Playz I don’t think I want Rose as a game dev with his line of thought....

[@adamrhodes9533]

Eh. Replicas exist. If anything, in battles, that cape holds him back from it's sheer weight.

[@shizathoth4534]

Thinking back, this theme fit him so well. Leon isn't an intimidating Champion like Cynthia or Lance, he is the people's Champion for a region where Pokemon are more like sports than any other. Like Alder, he's not just here to be the strongest. He wants to have fun, and make others have fun too.

[@jackpowell233]

I completely agree. Only he uses dragons, not bugs

[@Cat-ki3hy]

less like cythia and lace, more like iris

[@MrXxsnipesXx]

nah

[@VanillaMidgetSSBM]

On top of that, if you listen you can hear the Motif of the Gen 1 Hall of Fame song, remember that Leon is Undefeated in battle up until this point. Nobody thought you would beat him. So it's like they're already playing the Victory horns.

[@Oscarus4250]

@@jackpowell233 He has ONLY two Dragon Pokemon... That doesn't make him Dragon-type specialist

[@dillonx719]

the thing that really makes me appreciate this theme is that it feels like a love letter to the pokemon franchise itself in a way

[@davidola2034]

Yeah same with the sun and moon champion theme

[@thelordoflulz]

While Geeta's theme is like Masuda's farewell letter to the franchise, with a little Spanish flair added.

[@phoenixfire6433]

It’s sort of a last hurrah for the old linear fashion.

[@veefam1998]

@@phoenixfire6433And what a Hurrah it was. This game was amazing

[@trex5197]

Leon: here kid take this bunny Trainer: by the end of this week you’ll be jobless Edit: it appears I have to explain to everyone that the entire game takes place in one whole week, I’m not talking about the time it took me to complete the game.

[@mivescensa4303]

Trex LMAO

[@spectrumpkmn7494]

So underrated

[@unc00lzer05]

LOL

[@danllan835]

Literally my thoughts when I started the game and chose Scorbunny

[@arial9751]

What Really Happened: *Trainer Manages To Defeat Leon The First Time On Tuesday, Defeats Him on the Battle tower on Wednesday, and the Third/Final Time In Friday.*

[@ShermTank7272]

Maybe I’ve been playing too many Yakuza games, but when Leon reaches for his shoulder to throw off his cape, I half-expected him to rip off his shirt too and reveal a giant Charizard tattoo underneath

[@musa4574]

Patriarch of the Galar Region: Leon

[@nickkayfabe6147]

That would have been even better lol

[@grimmashley8422]

Galar gym leaders as Yakuza bosses

[@vhein1506]

@@grimmashley8422 Milo: Patriarch of the Turffield Clan, a Galar League Subsidiary Nessa: Matriarch of the Hulbury Family, a Galar League Subsidiary Kabu: Patriarch of the Motostoke Family, a Galar League Subsidiary Bea/Allister: Heads of the Stow-on-Side Alliance, a Galar League Subsidiary Opal: Matriarch of the Ballonlea Family, a Galar League Subsidiary Gordie/Melony: Heads of the Circhester Alliance, a Galar League Subsidiary Piers/Marnie: Heads of the Spikemuth Clan, a Galar League Subsidiary Raihan: Patriarch of the Hammerlocke Family, a Galar League Subsidiary -- Leon:Head of the Galar League Rose: Captain of the Galar League

[@grimmashley8422]

@@vhein1506 Hell yeah.

[@Vegito_]

Everybody Gangsta Til Your Little Brother’s Friends Takes Your Job

[@gabrielemanconi4696]

It's like the 12 year old kid on Xbox live who turns out really is screwing your mom

[@kjkhoo3680]

"hey you gave me that red rabbit that burns things that other day right? yeaaaahhhhh...."

[@christopherwallace7903]

Vegito Instinct Glenn from Fire Emblem Three Houses in a nutshell

[@straypaper]

Hop: "Hey bro this is my friend" Trainer: "I'll make you jobless tomorrow"

[@dbxvhero9006]

I wanted to like this but I didn’t want to ruin the 777

[@kisamatttcg9397]

They chose this song to be the Theme for VGC at worlds and it fits so well for the high level games we've seen so far

[@gamerhero9559]

So no more Blue theme? That's impressive.

[@ernicojay08]

@@gamerhero9559 because its a battle of Champion vs Champions

[@butteredsalmonella]

Its so fitting that the eventual Runner-Up (Guillermo Castilla Diaz) of VGC 2022 also had a Gigantamax Charizard AND lost to an Electric Type Pokemon.

[@daviddaniel8304]

@@butteredsalmonella the Charizard curse continues

[@rockstarjohanneplayz1055]

@GameRHero5 yea bc Leon's theme is waaaaaaaaay better.

[@killjoydotgg]

I gotta say, the abundance of crowd chanting in this particular Champion theme makes you feel like your battle with Leon is being spectated by pretty much all of Galar, unlike the Champion battles of previous generations (video games-wise, of course) where it's just you and the Champion in a room.

[@sweetpigfat3898]

I feel like it would be cool that as when Leon loses more and more Pokémon, the crowd chanting gets more and more quiet. Like as if the crowd is just starting to be in shock as their undefeated champion goes down.

[@metaboi488]

@@sweetpigfat3898 But the Cheering reaches its climax when leon Gigantamaxes his Charizard. Now that would be ear candy.

[@strangerdanger1135]

@@sweetpigfat3898 It would be better if the cheering gets LOUDER, because Leon doesn't even get scared whrn he's about to lose, he's still confident, so the crowd would be the same, and as the guy above me said, the crowd's cheering reaching its climax -lenny face- would be godly.

[@samuelmatheson9655]

You and the championship in a blast proof bunker , lmao

[@elin111]

Previous champion battles were always anti climatic because they never felt like an actual event, hardly anyone would even care if the champion lost.

[@jarettdeperio7481]

Leon's 3 personalities: . Guys, I'm the undefeated champion! . Do you guys like the pokemon Charizard? . Guys, where the hell am I?

[@masterpuggo4023]

And his fourth personality “Did I mention I was the unbeatable champion?”

[@rehnhuang1529]

@@masterpuggo4023 WAS

[@lordcherrymoore5252]

Lets be honest, those are two more personalities than nearly every other champion. Gen 8 did a lot of things wrong, but giving the gym leaders and champ some shreds of a personality for once (except for gen 5) was not one of them.

[@rogue1248]

@@lordcherrymoore5252 wait so even WE had that quality, WE were the champion of Alola, so that's our quality too?

[@thehovergoat99]

His fifth personality “What’s that? A team you’ll try and kill me with in the Battle Tower? How cute. *Now I will reduce them to atoms.* Enjoy 10 more battles.”

[@ChiefScarneck]

Literally the whole Galar region: Have you heard about our unbeatable Champion who is unbeatable and has never lost a battle before? Me: I'm about to end this man's whole career.

[@Arkantos1900]

I heard that Leon, the unbeatable champion, has a Charizard!

[@screamy6220]

Chief Scarneck Leon: *UNO REVERSE CARD*

[@solierafromtheultrareconsquad]

Leon: But can you really defeat the unbeatable Leon and his awesome Chari- My Cinderace: _This is where the fun begins._

[@AA-xr6rj]

Stealth stones :おまえわもしんでる Omae wa mo shinderu

[@moojaymay]

Just a fun fact for you epic gamers out there, did you know that Leon is undefeated and his favourite Pokémon is Charizard?

[@alacritical7873]

This theme is easily the most fun and lighthearted champion theme, which fits very well for Leon and the Galar Pokemon League, as a whole. While the battle is high-stakes, it doesn't have the tension of virtually every other champion theme; it's more about having fun, and, as Leon would say, having a champion time for yourself

[@Selet101]

i agree this theme is more fun and lighthearted than most, but I personally believe Iris's is the most fun and light hearted of the champion themes. This is a close second though for sure

[@aydenmaxwell8759]

People don't like this theme for not being like other darker or more the final challenge champion themes.

[@aydenmaxwell8759]

It's about you've gone through trial and tribulations to get here and it's been such a fun time why not make the finally feel like you have already won. Edit: even though the theme is Leon's victory theme really because no one thinks you'll really win.

[@Potterholic1]

Iris would like to have some words with you.

[@jellopuffy2974]

Didn't Leon want to retire from the Champion gig? Like he just wants to have fun with what might seem to be his last fight and just have fun in the end

[@JP_KI]

I know it's nothing new, but I just love the fact he actually trains up the 3rd unpicked starter and uses it on his team in the championship match

[@johannessguten2527]

Its still kind of new when kukui did it i was blown away from a pokemon game for the first time in 4 years. Would be a bit cooler if like in usum with gladion though that instead of universally having a charizard for all 3 starters he has a g max venusaur if you have rillaboom along with a cinderace yet if you have intelleon he has a g max blastoise. I think this game really would have benefitted from a delay

[@Xman34washere]

In my first fight with him he destroyed me with Dragapult, then finished the job with Rillaboom. I was on my second account.

[@kaikecesar1123]

It's not the same one, the starters in the beggining were caught in Pokeballs, the starter that he uses in the champion battle was caught in an Ultra Ball

[@trainerrichard6859]

@@kaikecesar1123 NOOO! MY IMMERSION!

[@helptheresacockroachinmyba1939]

@@johannessguten2527 kinda a problem since his g max was shown before you choose a starter and just changing it halfway would be weird

[@lukoscreyden]

SwSh feel like the first games to treat the League as a big deal, rather than just "lel I'm Champion now *sits alone in fancy room*". This is something I always liked about the anime and was dying to see in a game. Gen8's Gym challenge is my absolute favourite in the series. I love it.

[@katonnor]

Agreed much more realistic too with it being basically an event that everyone in the region watches not just fights that most people in the region don't know even happen. This is also shown with the fact we know who the champion is from the start. It's a lot more realistic for the champion to be a well known celebrity

[@bunnytummyaj]

and after everybody in town is like “oMG iS tHat THe chAmpIoN???” And the people at the stores go “how it’s going champ?”

[@basketoffruit4485]

Yeah it never made any sense to me why the champion was usually kept secret. Nobody talks about them. If they're the strongest trainer in the region, it would make sense for people to know and talk about the champ.

[@BKThe_1]

you and me, it just has that feeling of pure hype the music, the chants, the size of the stadium hell even dynamaxing made everything even hyper. overall 10/10 best gym challenge and im excited to see how the next games improve on that

[@whoopzreal]

I loved it, but I miss Victory Road

[@azuredragon8388]

This man has the absolute best losing pose ever. The way he tosses his hat off, like he's willingly and happily giving over his title to the next generation Edit: Thank you all so much for 4.6k likes

[@BroccolusPrime1511]

That was a big Terry Bogard moment and i loved it

[@lukoscreyden]

Glad to see other people acknowledge that. Leon is very meme-able (which I actually like), but just that short animation does a lot for his character.

[@majorsmask]

@@lukoscreyden lets have a champion time i wonder if there's a bit of newcastle inspiration to that phrase (for those who don't know in newcastle they say champion to mean good)

[@lukoscreyden]

@@majorsmask well, "champion" is used in many parts of Britain as slang for "good". It isn't the MOST common, but it does show that GF did their homework. In fact, I am surprised at how well they did with portraying Britain without resorting to dumb stereotypes. Obviously, the catchphrase is a nice play on words. "Lets have a good time!" I know you already know this, hence your comment, just wanted to add my own bit :)

[@azuredragon8388]

@@lukoscreyden slick wordplay on their part too.

[@Dekomata]

A certain trainer from pallet town has finally become the very best that no one ever was.

[@bojanmarkovic4500]

Mhm, took him 25 years. Best 25 of his/my life ngl

[@TumblrSexyMan31]

@@bojanmarkovic4500 took me a week Well i guess i did use a legendary

[@juanmarinmoranchel5667]

It's Champion Time

[@Jor-On]

YESSIRRRRRR

[@NateTheOhioan]

To catch them was his true test

[@jcferido]

I played this and when he sent Aegislash, I was like, “He has a a top tier Pokémon” but then realized it’s a Sword and Shield, so of course he had it on his team

[@raikaria3090]

Also the AI is a bit bad at using it.

[@Ryxtou]

I had a Cinderace and I one shotted it with Pyro Ball. Boi

[@EvelEyee]

They actually nerfed aegislash anyway, so it's less menacing

[@danielpowell4104]

@@EvelEyee yeah King shields attack drop went from 2 to 1. It wasn't that necessary if they made obstruct drop 2. Doesn't make sense to me

[@EvelEyee]

@@danielpowell4104 that's not the only nerf(think u know what the other nerf is)

[@AhtNFG]

Me: *sends out rock type against charizard* Leon: call an ambulance *max overgrow* But not for me

[@Boufty]

I sent my drednaw, dynamaxed, and immediately proceeded to panic.

[@AhtNFG]

Boufty i had a seismitoad which had max rockfall but got oko’d

[@PrimalGoat]

I had a Gmax intelleon. Literally one-shot him.

[@lloydbagby8355]

And that why i use tryantar

[@Fiera111]

That why you need to use a coalossal

[@pedrovillarreal9800]

Imagine endorsing the child that ends your career

[@biglion3179]

Jokes aside, he ended up getting more sponsors, and ran a new job he enjoyed more.

[@satan3034]

As well as his dream of making Galar’s trainers strong, by being beaten by the trainer who teamed up with his brother to save the whole region. So things did end up working out more than we thought.

[@embersilver7105]

You did nothing wrong to him though, he is happy

[@mejiacantillogustavo]

Couldnt have had it any other way

[@Junimeek]

420 likes, don't ruin this!

[@shinodavid1914]

At the end of every semester, I would always come back here just to celebrate my small victories in college. This has been my battle song since I've become a university student. And now I am on third year! 😊✨

[@sheldontom]

bless, you are not alone. power through college 😁😁

[@kisamatttcg9397]

This was my hype song for my Thesis defense

[@GuyWithoutHobbies]

Congrats man! And all of you for achieving even small things in your week, month, year or even life!

[@rafaytariq8955]

Gen 1: 8 bit Gen 2: 8 bit the sequel Gen 3: bombastic trumpets Gen 4: sophisticated pianos Gen 5: eardeffning orchestras Gen 6: somber violins Gen 7: extravagant bass Gen 8: are howls and the crowd instruments?

[@evanm1337]

If it works it works. Plus I love the crowd chanting when the player and the opponent Dynamax.

[@schizophrenicmelancholy2706]

Yes, Patrick. Howls and crowds are instruments. *Single Tear*

[@Dununerp]

Baby, gen 8 is bass central

[@thesupertroodon14]

Don't forget bagpipes

[@daddyderrick6769]

Gen 6 is more violent guitars

[@adriank7655]

making everyone else in the "elite 4" level 50 with 5 pokemon and then making Leon level 60 with 6 pokemon was something that I was not prepared for lol

[@xflame7556]

Ain't champ for nothin'.

[@slumberingwealdarts2941]

me neither, i ended up having to stall max revives against his team, and i havent had to do that since Cynthia

[@popsicIes]

this is why you train in the wild area until you're literally at level 94-

[@adriank7655]

@@popsicIes well I mean I was already sweeping teams just fine, I thought that I would let the elite 4 at least be a challenge

[@kellyjohana516]

I mean have you fought lvl 60 Zacian and then go straight up to challenge Hop in the forest with his almost level 70 team? That's a huge gap yo.

[@normalprofile5553]

I loved the feel of the battling in Sword and Shield. It feels like YOU'RE the center of attention to millions of people, like you're a celebrity. You're not just sitting in a small room with another person. Playing this just gave me excitement. If swsh wasn't rushed then this would've probably been the best pokemon game in the world.

[@burnttofu9210]

If swsh wasn't rushed yeah.. only _pain_

[@TrialByDance]

Honestly even as rushed as it is I still think it's the best in the series. It gave me a feeling I never experienced with any previous games. I have never felt as exhilarated during a Pokemon battle as I did fighting Leon for the title.

[@jordanjensen3342]

@@TrialByDance while there are many things to love about sw/sh, I think the flaws it does have hold it back a bit. IMO, it’s second to bw/bw2. I love pretty much everything they did with it, but I think it could’ve been a bit longer, and maybe a higher difficulty, even as a choice. But I think overall it’s a major step in the right direction. The music is fantastic, the designs are great, for the most part except the final starter evos , and hop has the greatest character arc of any rival, except maybe N. I hope they take the flaws into consideration for gen 9

[@SM-be5dh]

@@jordanjensen3342 Yeah, if the games weren't as rushed as they were, and had a better story, they would probably outclass BW2. They really capture the essence of a pokemon game with stuff like the wild area and the 2 dlcs. I wish more time and love was put into this game because I could play it over and over and never get bored. It's honestly pushing the franchise to newer heights and making the games so much fun.

[@Roze_aye]

Honestly, thats one thing I always kinda disliked about pokemon games. Its like, one day you see Diantha out and about and from what youve heard, shes the champion. Although youve never seen her fight. Then boom, you catch a random interview on the news and learn she isnt champion anymore. Someone else beat her. Its like, "When the hell did that happen!?"

[@GoldenChocobo]

This theme always makes me cry happy tears _because_ it’s using the Hall of Fame theme. First heard that theme back in 1998-99 when I’d worked my butt off to beat my rival’s team (hadn’t known about any glitches at that point) and heard this song as a reward while having my team recorded. I was so happy I got to wipe the smirk off of rival’s face. Good times we’re had by my then-kid self. Over 20 years later, this theme is given a new context. It’s not about rewarding the journey, but celebrating the journey itself as a whole. The champion isn’t the smug prick of a rival Blue here and isn’t trying to keep you down. Win or lose, he’s proud of you for the journey you took to make it to him in the first place. The use of the Hall of Fame theme and the crowd cheering you both on makes this really beautiful and heartwarming. In a way, it’s almost like passing the torch from a Gen 1 old fart like myself to another young fan while wishing all them all the best of luck in all of their endeavors. That this champion’s partner Pokemon is Charizard also resonates with me as a lot of my friends back then started with Charizard in Red/Blue (I was a water-main myself and I miss my dear Blastoise). Tl;dr - this song makes me feel good and miss my childhood

[@umcaraqualquer3640]

You got the idea! This game always felt like a celebration of the old gens, but realizing that we are adults now, and it's time for the series to have it's new batch of kids!

[@supremeseregios6810]

Hop waiting at Hammerlocke Stadium for Leon: Where the heck is Lee? He would've gotten here by now. Raihan: Eh, he probably took a detour. Shouldn't be that long. *Meanwhile in Unova* Leon: WHERE AM I?!

[@ps4pro668]

Giratina: What are you doing here in the distortion world? Leon: I was on my way to the kitchen and I got lost along the way Giratina: you ended up in the distortion world on your way to the kitchen? Leon: I’m not a clever man

[@ThanatosZero]

Oh boy! He isn't by chance a relative of Masaki Andoh, or is he?!

[@CertifiedSoapEater]

I have a theory that Leon is blind and charzard is his service animal

[@CertifiedSoapEater]

@person person yes, it does mean he can burn down every building in galar

[@a_random_lizard]

Red: "..." Leon: "h-hey there s-stranger, got a-a-anything w-w-warm? It's f-freezing here" Red: "..."

[@mettatonsagent7541]

He’s like Pokémon All Might. He’s a guy who gives a cheery outlook to the public yet still genuinely cares, he’s the previous generation’s “main protagonist” character, he’s extremely popular, and he gives rise to a new protagonist who later takes on his role

[@ytphomeee2216]

Papa bless

[@alxcus2962]

Yes.

[@cobaltordinaire5219]

*it was at this moment Leon learned; he was not the protagonist*

[@Nagotan]

Best description I’ve seen so far. He’s definitely the protagonist of the previous group of people attending the gym challenge. The guy everyone loves and wants to help everyone. Best champion in all of Pokémon. SwSh and DP are my all times favs btw, don’t hate

[@RandomPerson-ob6wm]

Leon’s design has to be one of my favorites. Some people make fun of the cape, but if I were to become a Pokémon Champion, heck yeah I would wear a cape.

[@esteban8471]

It's not even the cape that people hate, it's his pants that don't match the rest of his outfit.

[@QueenofSilence101]

@@esteban8471 I believe Leon's Champion outfit is based on a baseball umpire's uniform. Baseball umpires wear a black shirt and white pants. That's basically what Leon wears. He's like the Pokémon equivalent of a baseball umpire. (Or dressed like one, at least.)

[@cherryparadox]

I agree I would wear a cape if I was a Pokémon champion. Damn now I really want the cape to be wearable.

[@fienyx7333]

@@QueenofSilence101 you sure its baseball? I would think he fits better on the soccer/football category.

[@patinthesnow752]

Mattie T Well, Lance did have a cape

[@mooseyluke]

0:41 - 0:53 is just so PERFECT. The way you can hear the crowd quieten down and then blast back up is just something you can absolutely picture in your mind, imagine the crowd just sinking back into their chairs with anticipation and then erupting when the challengers release their first pokemon. This song is so underrated

[@adamtheriault6743]

People who complain about Leon, here you go. -he uses a starter as his best Pokemon, presumably like everyone who plays Pokemon casually -he is a meta depiction of what today's trainers are, they can only win and everyone knows they can win, which is also why he has a Charizard, look at the fan base -he changes his team based on your starter, or more likely, for the starter that wasn't picked -he uses meta Pokemon like aegislash, dragapult, and haxorus -he starts the battle no nonsense -he ends the battle on a high note, uncrowning himself (look at his hats design closely) and congratulating you -immediately moves on to making a tower where people can battle and have a great time rather than wallow in his defeat -he is characterized as being awful with directions, even going so far as his Charizard being his guide, which could be how his original journey went, and shows how well they know each other -typing wise, Leon seems to focus on offense over defense, and in a place where battles are viewed in massive stadium, it makes perfect sense, he wants to get the crowd roaring and excited -not only does he give you your and hops starters, he immediately takes in the third Pokemon, breaking the stereotype of an abandoned unpicked Pokemon, and showing how much he cares -even after being dethroned as champion and the owner of the battle tower, we still see him working through his minor issue of dealing with loss, hiding his face while congratulating the player when he does lose -that smirk when he gmaxes his Charizard, a thousand words in a single expression -while his music is lackluster to say Cynthia's or iris's, in it's own way, it's perfect, it's hype, it's excitement, it is, let's have a champion time, the song -at the end of the day, Leon is serious when he needs to be, but prefers being relaxed, chill, and just seems like a fun guy to hang out with, he doesn't let his popularity get to him like it would an idol, he has pride in it but still likes to help people and generally hang out. He could be anyone's friend, and they'd love to have him as one -he inspires his little brother like no one else and only wishes the best for him, even to surpass him someday -as of the expansion pass, we now have gmaxes of Blastoise and Venusaur, and while the fan base representation is still clear, at least it's not blatant favoritism for those that care -he acted as the first wave of defense against eternatus, giving you enough time to arrive instead of leaving it purely to you -You meet him at the very beginning of your journey, even before getting your first Pokemon, and he's around until you finally beat him and become the champion. He's there the whole time, having an actual presence in the game instead of somebody who just stands in a room, waiting for you to show up Get over yourselves, Leon's not just awesome, but one of the greatest champions we've ever had the honor of meeting -the biggest reason...he's us. Remember our first journeys? Most of the time, we had no idea where to go, overleveled our starters, and went after the cool looking Pokemon. Look at Leon, look at his partner, his team, his personality. He's us, all grown up, defeating him is seen as impossible, like it's impossible for our trainer to lose either, using saving before battles. He's...simply us Edit: wow this didn't just blow up, it became a nuke. in that case, I'll add a bit more, thank you everyone for liking and commenting :) Edit: ok, yes, the stereotype of the third starter was broken, several times, I admit, what I should have added was that he was the champion taking the third starter, yes, kukui did it first, but he wasn't a champion, he was a professor, difference Isle of armor edit: we meet Leon's teacher, who happens to be one of the strongest trainers we've ever come across, giving his own strength even more merit, on top of providing some more character, on account of, Leon COULD HAVE HAD AN URSHIFU, but he got lost...like he always does, giving credence to his entire journey being that way Crown tundra edit: Leon comes up with an entire new form of tournament for everyone to watch in wyndom, using the gym leaders as well as trainers who made it to wyndom. Even when he's not champion, he's coming up with new and fun ways to entertain the people of galar. Say what you want about him, but you can't deny, he just wants everyone to have the best time possible. The most champion time possible.

[@bob171]

Its called opinions, also he didnt need to use Charizard, thats just stupid

[@josuanvillegas6072]

Well@@bob171 your opinion sucks. At least Adam proves why his opinion is valid, but you're just hating for absolutely no reason

[@pokemon3651]

@@bob171 And this is why mother 3 isn't coming, people like you just shit on everything

[@staples515]

I used to not like Leon, because of how much they shoved him in your face through the whole game. Other champions were powerful, but they never had anyone saying how great and powerful they are, the only time I can really remember it was when the team rocket grunts in gold/silver said how powerful lance was, and they did that without saying outright he’s the champion. But he’s grown on me a little. His team has got some powerful Pokemon in it (but he didn’t need 2 dragon types, but hey, better than lance’s 3 dragons of the same species) his losing animation is great, initially being pissed about losing, but that quickly changes to a smile, showing he’s accepted defeat. And his music, well, it’s fantastic. Not my favourite champion, I think I like Cynthia and iris a bit more, but Leon isn’t as bad as I thought. His brother however... well I’ve already had an argument about him, so I’m not starting one here...

[@optimaltt6070]

@@bob171 and opinions can suck and make no sense. Way to demonstrate.

[@AstaDeLaLuna]

I feel like a lot of people who dislike this theme haven't actually gotten to fight Leon. When this theme is played in a stadium full of people and you are up against the unbeatable Champion. It gets you going.

[@colemin2]

It was also a paradigm shift for me.

[@jorge.aguirre]

This.

[@deaththeclover]

Ya no this theme could have been better. I stayed away from any music to have my first experience with it in game, so when I got to his battle I put my controller down and just thought “Um... is this his theme? O-Ok...” But I do understand it’s supposed to get you in the mood for the people chanting and what not, but they could have made a new theme and still incorporate the chanting. I mean look at what they did to Hop’s second theme, Hop’s second theme should have been the champion theme.

[@AwesomeJoshy9090]

That was me tbh. When i first heard this battle theme, i was like....meh. But i heard it ingame and i love it now!😂

I remember the epic vibe of the moment. After losing for the first time. The moment when Lanturn used discharge and beat Charizard. It was satisfying

[@speccyspec]

Humiliating Hop, Marnie & Leon infront of everyone made me feel sad :(

[@mauricioaguilar7227]

Its hurts how the plot forces you to crush every poor soul dreams that crosses your path. I would be cool that you can at least lose to your rivals and let them achieve their dream.

[@femmemachete]

@@mauricioaguilar7227 Yeah, instead of getting sent back to the pokémon center upon defeat.

[@mauricioaguilar7227]

@@femmemachete I mean every rival even the ones that are "supposed" to be better than us or very strong like Blue, Silver, or Marnie are complete pushovers in-gameplay and you always have to beat them so you never get respect them like a worthy opponents or a equal. Is still to see a game where the rival/s are truly challenging (and by extension the game overall) and you don't need to win everytime making the history continue without you being a invencible hero.

[@EliC09]

I felt glad humiliating Hop. Thinking he was hot shit despite always getting swept. One shotted his entire team like the little turd he is

[@elnchou]

@@EliC09 He was actually incredibly concious of his weakness. He just didn't give up and was trying to get better. And he made it to the finals so... chill. Being swept by you doesn't mean he's that weak to everyone. You're the strong one.

[@notfabio9858]

Leon is easily one of the coolest champions and this theme? Man oh man. He’s straight up supposed to represent the player, a guy who’s been undefeated since he was 10 years old, and the hall of fame theme emphasizes that. Not to mention any champion that fights the evil team is cool. Tbh the way SWSH handles the whole Pokémon league challenge was awesome

[@boshwa20]

I didn't listen to this song before fighting Leon. In my opinion, this is one of those songs that works so much better in the middle of gameplay instead just listening to it on a youtube video. For instance, the song, Between Heaven and Earth, in Fire Emblem is good, but having the characters talking and fighting on the battlefield while the song is going on makes it better.

[@DaWoWzer]

then it failed as a final boss theme. every other champion theme can be listened to and enjoyed stand alone, only enchanced by in game effect, this song relies on the in game effects apparently to even be exciting. the trainer battle theme from most other pokemon games are even more exciting than this, this doesn't say final battle, if you told me this was the music inside the pokemart for this game I would have believed you.

[@theswagatron]

haha i could listen to between heaven and earth by itself all day

[@chaosdracos]

@@DaWoWzer that's because the "final battle" of the game is the superbuffed eternadus. The champion fight is just a celebration where the main story wraps up

[@legolas66106]

@@chaosdracos What, Eternadus was easy mode compared to Leons battle, that 'legendary' battle was boring af, well at least those sword/shield legendaries had good looking attacks.

[@chaosdracos]

@@legolas66106 idgaf if you found them easy or boring, I'm just telling the main reasoning for the music, which is not related to difficulty or personal interest whatsoever

[@exchampionleon3854]

Imagine being a professional and being undefeated then losing to a literal 10 year old This post was made by champion gang

[@TheDarkFable]

ExChampion Leon is you read his league card, Leon did the exact same thing we did. Joined the challenge when he was 10 and won first try.

[@droson8712]

@@TheDarkFable god damn I can tell u not staying in the same reputation as an older sibling hurts

[@실크-m4v]

think about the gymleaders they were even sadder. THEY GOT DEFEATED BY HOP!)

[@moyashiishi]

ExChampion Leon || loving the name my dude

[@heinzdoofenshmirtz8643]

Could you not have come up with a more creative ace than Charizard, dude? I mean, Charizard is overrated, overexposed and also a Pokémon used by a previous Champion (two if Bulbasaur was chosen at the beginning in Pallet Town).

[@AquaYEE]

i had a heart attack when i learned his g-max charizard knew a grass move. Damn, thats a lotta comments

[@megax241]

Used my drednaw against this man....big mistake

[@Scriblyn]

NO SAME

[@iamanotroastpotatoyoucantr9959]

@@megax241 Same here Thank God I had my Colossal

[@lordofgeese6437]

But grass types aren’t very effective against other grass types so I made the smart choice and dynamaxed my Rillaboom while fighting him

[@ShadowSkyX]

For those not (well) versed in competitive, solar beam is a fairly common move tacked on Charizard - a powerful coverage move that takes advantage of harsh sunlight, making a two turn move into an immediate use. In fact leon's entire team _is_ a competively viable or at least among the top used. Save for maybe Mr. Rime, despite having some nasty things in its moveset it can potentially do. The typing doesn't help it much; too many of it weaknesses are too common.

[@lillsfang5091]

This theme is criminally underrated.

[@maarleenee7239]

fax

[@pedromonteiro2248]

True!

[@luisdiaz4646]

Big fax

[@Lunarstar57]

I dunno I wouldn't call a theme that got 3 Million views and 27,000 likes at least "criminally underrated" but that's just my opinion _shrugs_

[@terryescajeda7881]

3mill views ya overrated uh huh

[@shadowdeer8455]

This ain't no Cynthia's theme, but hearing the crowd begin to sing the hall of fame music filled me with a weird wash of nostalgia, this was a song of triumph, this was a song of VICTORY!!!

[@shawn3126]

Cynthia's theme isn't all that tbh

[@francisgabrielangcos3198]

@Sima Yi I think you mean Red's theme

[@Leticia-6-20-15]

@@francisgabrielangcos3198 Lance had the theme 1st so, it's Lance's theme.

[@samahissimplistic]

Cynthia's theme gets annoying after a while, but I can jam out to this for a long time

[@marthekirby2596]

ngl bro cynthia's theme is ok but it really gets boring after a while it just feels bland I prefer this and Iris's and Diantha's theme over Cynthia's sorry.

[@Gala21]

i absolutely adore this theme.. it’s so different from all the other champion themes, but for the battle themed Galar and the environment this battle takes place in - the packed stadium, the cheering crowd, the champion you’ve bonded with - the theme screams fun. And that’s what Pokémon is about, having fun. This fits so perfectly.

[@ryansparago]

Leon saved my life by having his PARTNER protect US rather than HIMSELF! That's a true champion right there y'all!

[@burntpizzaroll7520]

@person person I mean he has a good point, most people can’t just tank a explosive

[@golduck7495]

what are you team plasma?

[@shpaghettishpaghetti6219]

I wish all poke bals explode that would be epicc

[@aidmcnade2951]

@@burntpizzaroll7520 But haven't you heard? He's the *unbeatable* champion!

[@AGuyWithOneWing]

@@aidmcnade2951 ... Until the end of the game. Still, he's the greatest Champion I've ever known

[@davemesde326]

Hearing this on the Worlds Finals yesterday was insane bruh. The fights we're top notch! Hopefully everyone had a champion time on this years worlds

[@StealthCoder967]

The crits tho...

[@portfolioworks1182]

Am I the only one who found this theme pretty emotional? I know everyone wants a Champion theme that’s intense as Steven’s or Cynthia’s, I really do. Still though, this theme made me tear up a bit. I think how they had made the champion theme for SwSh a heavily remixed version of the Hall of Fame theme is excellent. After playing Pokemon for almost a decade, hearing that sweet, satisfying Hall of Fame music kick on after beating so many of the games in the franchise is phenomenal. And to hear the hints of Hall of Fame in Leon’s theme, along with the crowd chants and the challenge Leon posed for my team (he almost beat me actually), was just ultimately a “fuck yeah” moment for me. It hit me hard hearing the Hall of Fame theme because it reminded me of those previous adventures I had in different regions. I was overflowed with nostalgia after hearing this, and it kinda made me reflect on how long ago it’s been since I booted up Pearl and beat it. And now here I was, going up against a Gigantamaxed Charizard with a Bolthund. And here I was, chuckling like some idiot. I really came a long way from starting off in Twinleaf with my Chimchar.

[@jamaalfridge]

I don't know why I didn't realize his theme was a remix of the Hall of Fame theme. Thanks for pointing that out.

[@cmking492]

the sun and moon theme song is better this sucks

[@toracora662]

it made me cry too, personally it made me feel like the characters and story are so much more since they brought me so much happiness. made me think how much hop, leon, bede, marnie and so forth got me excited for every battle. the whole theme made the game come together and ended it on an emotional note (literally). dunno what it is about this song that makes me so happy and sad but im not complaining! it all makes me so euphoric in a way.

[@Snakey25]

I came a long way from worshipping mudkip in omega ruby, couldn't wait for it to arrive, finished the game, beat the champion. I started crying. Then, the post game happened. I was like "HELL YEAH GAME'S NOT OVER!" Got every game since. I was even on the verge of tears, which is a borderline tradition for me, but this was the first that I held back the tears and succeeded. I even manage to not cry or not be able to start, when hearing this song. Hell, I can't even bring myself to listen to that credits theme of usum, the bit where the grand trial kicks in gets me, and it's 2 years old now!

[@Olegnas705]

I’m honestly not sure why it doesn’t have a good reputation. It encapsulates the battle perfectly. The crowd roaring, the championship on the line and Leon being this overwhelming challenge. The music just keeps pushing you on and I absolutely adore it.

[@RandyWyvern]

Leon: *gives me a pokemon* Me: so you have chosen unemployment

[@ness7435]

Leon did take over as chairman once rose got arrested and after you crush his hopes and dreams

[@Zichfried]

Even with this game's ton of mistakes and lacks, their characters are top in the saga. This guy is probably the best champion ever. You cannot hate it. He is not just a celebrity, is the guardian of Galar. He loves to battle and train and he even uses the starter Pokémon you and Hop did not pick up. He is the first champion that actually look like a top tier celebrity in an actual sports league with a lot of sponsors but with love for the people and giving a good show. He helped you and his brother almost during all your travel. Also, he knew he was invincible, but he was ready to leave the throne to the next generation as a part of the main message from this game: Leave the future to the young. It is all about succession; Piers with Marnie, Opal with Bede, Magnolia with Sonia, Leon with you, and the ancient heroes of Galar with you and Hop. Also, smiling after defeat only makes Leon even more awesome. PD: This is actually the hardest battle in the game. I thought I was over-leveled and it was going to be an easy win and his Aegislash just started to sweep my team. I was really going to lose. I won literally by luck in a final 1 vs 1 last Pokémon with low health. I have not feelt like this since Cynthia or Iris. And when you realize all the stuff Hop says to you in combat is the same his brother say when you fight against him, and that is because Hop tries to be like his brother, he learned from him and he tries to keep the family expected power level. Details in this game's characters are beautiful.

[@arrowl53]

Damn, so I guess I really am the only one who really had no trouble at all beating Leon?

[@franciscodoumic1071]

He's probably the only one in the main story that was actually a challenge He absolutely obliterated my seismitoad with his max overgrow charizard

[@coryandre348]

Arrowl 53 I beat him first try too the only thing I lost to in the storyline was Zamazenta 😭

[@TStormj90]

The only person I had difficulty beating was, believe it or not, Hop with Zacian. Everyone else was easy, or a slight challenge (Leon being the latter). Zacian destroyed my team.

[@radlup1045]

@Skurk He gave a whole argument, and you have no points

[@SpartanS1ayer195]

I love the clapping and cheering in these battle themes, makes it feel so alive and like the crowd is actually cheering on the trainers that are battling

[@ppmusic1322]

Me: “alright Drednaw. Time to Gigantamax and beat his ass!” Charizard: *M A X O V E R G R O W T H*

[@guavaking3498]

never underestamate solar beam

[@kevinmora5662]

In all my years playing Pokémon, I've learned never to bring a Pokémon weak to Grass, much less double weak to it since I already know every Charizard you face most likely has Solar Beam. I beat his with G-Max Coalossal.

[@TheDarkFable]

Vinícius Souza The AI isn’t perfect, sometimes the smart move gets overridden in place of something else, we have no idea what the parameters are, but sometimes Leon just derps himself to defeat by using the worst move possible. Other times he’s a meta monster and counters every move you make.

[@LeleGameplays71]

@@TheDarkFable That derp time was VERY DERP

[@ultimateecho-echo78]

I managed to beat him using rhydon as his solarbeam was charging

[@LoneWanderer101]

I like this theme for two reasons. 1. It matches Leon perfectly. It's triumphant and energetic which when paired with the cheering crowd fits so well. Leon is the Champion. Galar's hero. He is undefeated. This isn't his battle theme it's his victory theme. 2. As the song goes on it turns into the Hall of Fame theme. By that point you would have beaten several of his pokemon. To the crowd it looks like you have a shot at beating him and they start to root for you.

[@cosmic-cookies]

Me: *defeats two of his Pokémon* Ok what’s he sending out next? Leon: *Sends out Haxorus* Me: HAXORUS?! **flashbacks to Iris’s Dragon Dancing Haxorus**

[@Void_Echoes]

Jade the Doggo At least he didn’t have the Hydreigon (although I would’ve wrecked it with Grimmsnarl) I swear, fighting that Hydreigon was the only time I’ve ever wished fairy types were in the Unova games

[@charizardfan1017]

@@Void_Echoes what about cynthia's spiritomb and garchomp

[@yeetusdefeetus]

See he IS IRIS’S DAD!

[@MrAuthor3DS]

Actually, Pokémon Masters kind of confirms that Iris is Leon's cousin.

[@yeetusdefeetus]

MrAuthor3DS wdym

[@windrogue78]

I get emotional when I hear this theme. I haven't seen my friends or anyone really, in months. I couldn't play online with them due to different consoles. I picked up pokemon sword, thought I might try a pokemon game for the first time. The visuals were amazing, and the music was good. I felt like I was back in society, hanging out and battling hop, moving through the gyms. The story progressed, with "Challenger Wind" becoming more famous. Eventually, I made it to the semi-finals. Beating Hop and Marnie felt bad, genuinely bad. I knew they were just videogame characters, but after months of minimal human contact it felt real. I worked my way to the final battle, and the triumph of the music combined with the people filled with excitement, made me feel something that I hadn't felt in a while. A mixture of accomplishment and friendly rivalry. Leon was a fairly basic character, but his older brother traits felt real. As the Hall of fame theme kicked In (I learned what it was later, at the time I thought it was just a cool melody) i felt a feeling I can't describe. Quarantine has been rough, but Pokemon Sword gave me an escape and an adventure

[@theequalizer694]

Wait for diamond and Pearl remakes and have yourself another one. Seriously we need video games now more than ever.

[@windrogue78]

@@theequalizer694 I am fully planning on it! I've emulated some of the older ones, and I decided I like the newer ones/remakes better

[@daleanmonster3567]

i dont want to be an ass but the visuals are far from amazing dude

[@arinomacaroni6316]

Undarrated comment right here 👏👏👏

[@BLUEH3LLSPAWN]

@@daleanmonster3567 i knew you would come here,mr.joyless ass

[@usnavidelavooga380]

I love how the theme is a loving audience. There's a lot of clapping and raccous cheering its SO FUN

[@heinzdoofenshmirtz8643]

Jamie Vardy's having a party!

[@scoape]

Ngl this battle was a lot harder than I expected

[@majinryoko8845]

He uses op pokemon

[@c1rcuitgus115]

In my opinion Harder than Cynthia

[@gxstly]

@@c1rcuitgus115 Good thing this game gave me so many damn Max Revives

[@notafan5573]

This was the only genuinely challenging battle in the whole game (fittingly so). I actually loss the first time, I was so caught off guard by it.

[@silentkiller1280]

Scoape His haxorus was so dam annoying for me. It would usually 1 shot my team using outrage

[@mejiacantillogustavo]

I was disappointed when I heard this song at first, but after a while, this song really grew on me, and man does the Hall of Fame portion of the song makes me tear up.

[@phantomblizzard7756]

Pokemon fans to Leon after they fought Geeta: "Perhaps I treated you too harshly"

[@thelordoflulz]

After Indigo Disk: "Perhaps not."

[@rockowlgamer631]

@@thelordoflulz First initial impression matter most, Leon was tough but fun. Geeta was a joke, my fire alligator wrecked her whole team. I don't count DLC since it's a fix for the main game issue.

[@kaizoisevil]

@@rockowlgamer631I like to think that Geeta took our feedback to heart and actually put effort into improving for the DLC.

[@MenderMan]

i always liked Leon though, i didn't need Geeta to point that out for me lol

[@hyperrollv]

people disliked leon?????

[@codystork3008]

I have seen a lot of comments talking about how embarrassing it is that Leon gives you a pokemon and then you beat him but I think it's one of the best examples of hubris in a game I've seen. Leon gives you the starter for the sole purpose that you will push hop into being a great trainer because he recognizes that his rivalry with Raihan is what pushed him to be the best. He knows that Hop has what it takes to be champion (or at least challenge for the title) and let's face it Leon is right he does, Hop comes in second and catches a legendary pokemon but he completely underestimates how good the player character will be. It is implied story wise that the only reason you were able to beat Leon is because Hop completely copied Leon's battle style Hop always asks how Lee would do something down to copying how his bro throws a pokeball. If you can regurarly beat Hop you know how to beat Leon. I want to clarify I mean thematically gameplay wise their teams are completely different. Leon essentially gave you his playbook because he thought he was unbeatable. I think that is the reason Leon overvalues Hop's skill is becuse Hop copied his techniques. He even says you have a lot more to learn then Hop does before he recommends that Hop and you get pokedexes. The sad thing is he tried to force a rivalry when he didn't have to. Hop would've been Beads rival they hate each other the second they meet. Hop is disapointed he doesn't get a rematch. I have a sneaky suspicion that if Leon had not told Hop we were his rival Hop would've still treated you like his good friend instead, he only thinks you are a threat because Lee endorsed you. Leon loses because in his pride he over values his brother's ability and undervalues yours. He was hoping to lose to Hop he wants Galur trainers to be better then he is to be the best trainers and he succeeds that's why he doesn't mind losing to you. In the end Leon just bet on the wrong horse.

[@hermitfox3053]

Great analysis, I like it!

[@Gunnisberg]

I am seeing none of that. Especially now with the release of twilight wings last episode. Dude's as straight as it goes when it comes to celebrity fatigue.

[@rosenrot234]

@@Gunnisberg He didn't want to be champion anymore but he didn't want to just give it up or lose on purpose

[@HinataElyonToph]

rosenrot234 I mean yeah. I could kinda tell with how he quickly was like “welp my reign is over!” after you beat him. He’s secretly thinking “OH THANK FUCK I DON’T HAVE TO DO THIS ANYMORE!!”

[@GroundBack]

This comment deserves more likes

[@andrealewis2224]

The sun sets to Red While the sea remains Blue The grass is always Green With blooming flowers of Yellow Shining out of Gold With the elegance of Silver And the incredible speed of Crystal Burning passion that is Ruby Coolness of Sapphire Wisdom from Emerald Sharp edge of Diamond Smooth texture of Pearl Distortion of Platinum Seeing Black And White On the axis is X And other side is Y To the bright Sun Decorating a new Moon Shaping our double edged Sword And the protection from a Shield

[@ultimateking9849]

With the strength of Armour And the authority of a Crown

[@eLite-Tiss91]

Love this

[@BigForAHedgehog]

A loaded Gun

[@gabrielbaez8849]

This is great

[@dnmstarsi]

Our hero is Green So... Let's Go!

[@bengoodridge1697]

Now THIS is what a Pokémon champion theme should sound like. No real stakes, no scary villains, just a fun battle with a lighthearted banger to close and reflect on your adventure.

[@ihavenonameideas3698]

I really agree with you

[@lucasbischoff2268]

Sun/Moon's Championship Battle is a lot like that. But Sword/Shield's is a lot more developed and I think they really improved on both the characters and setting of the Championship Battle as well as the music

[@RIRI-fb5uf]

EXACTLY

[@RIRI-fb5uf]

@@lucasbischoff2268 Agreed. In my opinion Leon’s battle is the best out of all the champion fights

[@tuskoub]

@@lucasbischoff2268 Gen 7 and 8's incredibly light hearted Champion themes are very boring imo. Even Diantha's easy as hell team feels a lot more climactic because of her theme.

[@matthewmccormack1291]

I never understood the hate this theme gets, it's probably my second favorite champion theme. It feels like it embodies the spirit of pokemon. Regardless of how I feel about Leon as a character, I can't deny that this theme just captures the essence of the pokemon world, and for that I adore it.

[@drinkinbuddy8264]

Yes the true spirit of a Pokémon battle! To have fun!

[@matthewmccormack1291]

@@drinkinbuddy8264 exactly

[@burntoast2200]

I agree! My fav part is 1:39 galar theme is just amazing :)

[@dominicguye8058]

This theme doesn't get hate. . .?

[@Kurameno]

This theme truly does feel like the most pokemon theme, and i think it’s half because of the cheers and half because of the beloved, generations old hall of fame theme, which is now associated in many people with nostalgia and a sense of fulfilment

[@DarKiRage.13]

What’s with the hate for this theme? It sounds really good. Not every champion theme has to be menacing. This is more of a ‘this is the final battle and the journey has been fun’ type theme.

[@revolutionarymagic3459]

Its also a football chant and makes it sound like youre in a big stadium lol

[@momchi98]

It's more that it's completely unimaginative. It sounds so generic. Easily the most forgettable champion theme imo.

[@momchi98]

@@DarKiRage.13 I am glad you like it. I was just talking for myself. Otherwise yes, it does make sense for something like this to be a champion theme. It's just that symbolism and themes (as in art term) don't make a good sounding song, just a good song to analyze. There are plenty of songs without any depth to them which sound absolutely fantastic.

[@DonPiccolo]

Jotaro. This trip truly was fun, wasn't it? I swear... These 20-some hours really were fun.

[@madebymelz7702]

the hall of fame theme used here is like a signifier of "hey you've already made it as a popular trainer now show em what you can do" and I love it

[@ekh.123]

I can interpret this theme in two ways: 1: “Come on, we’ve made it this far and we haven’t given up. Let’s go the distance and show the world that we were destined to be champions!” 2: “Leon will win this. He has been undefeated for so long, but that’s just like him. Come on, Leon! Show us the true power of the Champion!” Having this battle take place in a giant stadium makes it so much better. There’s tension from every eye watching you. Two sides rooting for their favorite to win: the upcoming underdog or the tried and true champion. A battle for the ages. “Thank you for the greatest battle of my life!” -Leon

[@anderfiori7003]

Would be great.. If he wasnt weak af and you probabily will oneshot every poke of his team

[@tahirp4394]

@@anderfiori7003 actually If you Don't have eternatus or a Pokemon strong against his Aegislash he can wipe your whole team with one poke.on

[@pecros]

@@anderfiori7003 well me and multiple others who didnt dope every Pokemon with Raid Candy actually had a Challenge in the fight lol

[@TheInsider15]

@@anderfiori7003 I usually have a well balanced team and a few items on hand and Leon literally wiped out some of my team...then I had to revive some of them but hey what better way to finish the battle than a pyro ball shot into his Charizard's face?

[@cureholly.]

@@anderfiori7003 Leon's team completely wiped mine the first time around... I did end up beating him by a hair the second time around, though.

[@iquityt8914]

Let’s be real... This man was the one actual challenge the game threw at me

[@iamjohnporter67]

Yeah I felt it and its giving me flashbacks to the Cynthia Battle from Diamond and Pearl. I love it!

[@NickTGM13]

iamjohnporter67 Im not the only one who thought that wooooool

[@fluffyplayery3017]

Leon handed my ass to me on a silver fucking platter

[@koolaidman5661]

Cynthia, Ultra Necrozma, Blue (from Pokemon Red, Red, Ghetsis were all difficult in some way

[@stardustamvs]

@@koolaidman5661 His Charizard almost mopped my team!

[@towelclipz]

This game's probably gonna have quite the special place in my heart a few years from now, since it's the first Pokemon game I ever beat

[@DarianTrinity]

Go back and play the other ones, you may have a better time. Not to bash SwSh, but they're definitely lacking in some areas that other games make up for

[@ImJustMomo]

honestly, same for me dude. it was my first main series game so i’m incredibly biased/attached to it

[@CraftedStarz]

Me too it was my first pokemon game and it made me fall in love with pokemon just because of the music

[@thefullbull]

@@CraftedStarz damn sorry you had to hop in on the worst new entry to the series since DPPL

[@STiiiZ-O]

First game of the series for you will always be special! Dont pay attention to the haters, Sw/Sh were great games!

[@toshio1334]

Like how the song tells a story. We've all heard the Hall of Fame music so it's pretty fitting for Leon's personality. He's the undefeated champion. He's been in the Hall of Fame countless times to the point he can literally hear the theme during the battle. He's cocky and feels like he's already won. The idea of losing hasn't crossed his mind. He thinks you're just another victory and another entry to the Hall of Fame. The music starts to turn into another theme. Your victory starts to become obvious and the Hall of Fame song sounds more victorious as you're about to win. The crowd goes wild as they're on the edge of their seat.

[@ElMoss64]

This theme is great and fits the mood perfectly imo, I feel like the majority of people complaining about it may have listened to the soundtrack abstract before playing the game or been looking for an excuse to rag on SwSh. The final boss of the game is Eternatus and not Leon, at this point in the game, the tournament having been ended abruptly by Rose and your accomplishments recognised, the battle against Leon is more a celebration hence the cheerfulness and post-game motifs of Hall of Fame. The business and playfulness of the theme fit Leon's character and his interactions with the player character to a T, and suit him far better than any intense Lance/Cynthia-esque theme would. And despite all of that, the atmosphere of the stadium and the crowd, the theme in context, Leon's animations and mannerisms and his powerful team, along with the fact that he has been built up as a powerful trainer for literally the entire game made him an incredible champion and a very satisfying fight. I loved Leon and his theme, as different as is, and would rate him as one of the best champions yet.

[@brandoncherry6264]

Couldn't have said it better. When this played, I honestly got chills and I was hyped. I haven't felt like that for a champion battle in a long time. Definitely one of my favorite battles in the series.

[@Lishkabro]

this is ridiculous no way can you justify it

[@anonmeee]

I honestly agree! I'm just trying to appreciate the good from this game, instead of *just* looking at the bad.

[@Cynastri]

@@Lishkabro tHiS iS rIdIcUlOuS nO wAy yOu cAn jUsTiFy iT

[@Lishkabro]

@@Cynastri bUt ItS TrUe , My 12 YO NiEceS dOnT CaRE ThO

[@Beefdog456]

I really like this theme. There's just so much energy I cant help but smile

[@eternalgaming9705]

Players: **meme about champions letting 10 years olds save the world instead of doing their job** GameFreak: **gives them a champion that actually does his job** Players: **hates it** Absolute bruh moment

[@kekbin1697]

Is that a good thing?

[@Kat-xy7fm]

I wanted to see someone do the job, is the thing. They did it offscreen :(

[@stealthhunter21]

The thing was, that leon was literally doing the things that we as the players wanted to do, we were literally treated as if we couldn't fight gigantamax pokemon despite dealing with them in gym fights

[@eternalgaming9705]

@@stealthhunter21 Because in gym fights the Pokémon gygantimaxed are ordered to do so, the ones that Leon fought were wild ones that shouldn't have been like that, it was unnatural. If you're talking about the post game, we were champions there, so we were doing the same job that Leon did previously

[@jokamh1377]

@@eternalgaming9705 I can understand that he takes care of the Gigantamax Pokémon by himself when we are just at the beginning of the journey, but there are points where the player should already be good enough to take care of these problems. Like, correct me if I'm wrong (since I didn't actually play the game, but I watched many playthroughs), but there's a point in the game where you defeated almost all of the gym leaders, and Leon STILL says that he and Sonia should take care of the problem, even though the player is good enough to be a potential "threat" to his career, and was able to reach that point in less than a week.

[@our_illumination949]

Leon is literally every Pokemon fan that got into Pokemon when it was still brand new. That's most likely why his character uses Charizard, to resemble the most popular Pokemon from GEN1 aside from Mewtwo and Pikachu.

[@cyberbitterdragon]

Say what you want, but everything about this champion for me is perfection, even his Ace (which is my least favourite starter). I always considered Cynthia the best, strong and respectable Champion before Leon/Dande. But this guy single handedly climbed up my Champions ranking going first spot in no time. Leon is great in many ways: -If we cut off Zard, his team is super cool, no wonder he never lost a match, freaking Aegislash -He is a really good big bro, we see him heavily worried about Hop when he is defeated by Bede, and only wishes the best for him. Even when Hop decides to stop battling and become a Professor, he still supports him the best he can do. -He is loved in all Galar, which makes it very exciting and satisfying to defeat at the end. -The fact that he isn't always serious is perfect: he is a total idiot that can't even follow a straight path (When Mustard said he couldn't reach the towers my guts jumped off my body...) and that thing makes him adorable. -He is meant to represent the older hero. Leon was the hero, the protagonist. He beat Galar league at 10 years, mantaining the record for ages. He is us, he is the former main protagonist. That's why he has a starter Pokémon, gifted by Mustard during training. And Charizard is the best Ace they could have given to him, the most popular Pokémon to the most popular and canonically strongest champion. -The music is perfect. This is the Hall of Fame remix. And you know why? Because everyone, during the fight, even Leon himself, thinks he is gonna win as usual. That's why the Hall of Fame is already playing, because everyone took for granted the player's defeat. -His loss animation is breathtaking, he is initially shown very frustrated, because of all the stress and expectations he carried for 10 whole years he stayed champion, but in the end, he is relieved that the best friend of his big bro became champion and genuinally happy. Tho, he still wants his crown back, and he is waiting to put his crown hat back on his head when he will defeat you again at the Battle Tower/Tournament. He is shown ashamed when losing, but he still congratulates the player because he knows his abilities.

[@itzfrluas]

This comment is underrated.

[@francisgabrielangcos3198]

Tbh, Charizard is good in Gen 8. But his G-max Charizard is just fricking OP

[@alicialin4751]

Thank you so much for this bruh Leon is such a respectable character and definitely fit for a champion

[@hoitem6500]

I've never really liked Leon, but this comment makes me question myself...

[@MrXxsnipesXx]

nah leon sucks

[@GoldNight_]

Battle theme: *plays* Crowd: so anyway, we started screaming

[@afedupdialga168]

Huzzah, i have found the greatest (plan) comment

[@brycewatts9705]

God I fell in love with this theme immediately just hit me so hard with the crowd chanting which I love they included in the themes plus it's just nostalgic as hell

[@NebulaMXC]

Leon: My Gigantamax Charizard and I are unbeatable! Me: *Laughs in Stealth Rock*

[@stupogo0]

it was so satisfying watching its HP drop to near yellow on entry , and then taking out the last of it in one fell swoop

[@Edu.Salgado]

I know, I was thinking "well, it's never bad to take a little chunk out of their health on entrance" but Charizard was straight up fucked the moment he stepped on the field, took me by surprise just how much damage that did

[@maxp3934]

Every pokémon of him was oneshot. I was so fucking disappointed..

[@Flapsman]

*Laughs in max rockfall*

[@The_Pikaboi]

@@Malo-8824 How did zard not slap you to the shadow realm with Max Overgrowth

[@acetrainerjax3312]

I have come to the conclusion that my favourite champ is Leon, he just has such an enjoyable demeanor and arc. I couldn't help but smile each time he was on screen and i love how eager he is to pass on the torch of champion, realising that he had to lose at some point but embracing that fact. People can say what they want about sword and shield but the characters were by far the highlight as being similarly well written to the characters of gen 5, having arcs and sub plots of their own and seeing the end result of each of their respective arcs is just so satisfying.

[@drascin]

Honestly, I would say my main complaint with Sword is that they seemed to realize that the League and the Gyms were the real meat of the thing, but were too scared to just *run* with it. Like, everything about SnS circles around the League - it's a bit of a throwback to Red and Blue, that way. You're here to Be The Best and win the world cup, not fight weirdos with world domination plans or whatever. And when SnS is doing the Gym stuff, it *works*. The gym leaders are cool, the gym battles are badass, the rivals have character, the trash talk is perfectly modulated. When you're doing the LEague stuff, SnS is at its best. But it feels like they got scared that people would say the game "has no plot" if there wasn't a thing with legendaries, and so added the whole thing with Rose and Eternatus that just kind of... didn't do anything, or that they'd say it "is too linear" if they just focused on it so they made the whole silly thing with the open areas that ended up just kind of there.

[@leonardofarias8843]

@@drascin They foreshadowed a conflict with a legendary pokemon all the way back in Mototoske

[@yu-nee4642]

Why can I not wear this man's cape, gamefreak?!

[@randomyoutubeuser261]

@@infiraya i thought i was the only one who talked to that NPC

[@christopher32074]

And you have nowhere to wear your backpack.

[@afarensis9720]

You don't have enough Charizards

[@radarred4529]

I want to wear Bede's jacket, as well as the "bodysuit" he wears under it.

[@thetabbyguy921]

@@radarred4529 i want lance's outfit from basicly any of the games the man has a sick taste in fashion (and capes)

[@teapillarVA]

I love the look on his face once Leon is defeated. It goes from momentary anger "you beat me? You beat me?!" to happiness. "Wow, you're amazing!" And when he throws his hat up in the air, its like he's relieved that the pressure of being the Champion is now off of his shoulders. He's free.

[@SalokinQuagsire]

The single best thing pokemon has done with Sword and Shied is incorporating the audience's cheers into the song. I cannot understate how HYPE it is to hear a roaring audience supporting you and Leon in this single most important battle in Galar's recent history. I really hope they build upon this in future titles and I honestly don't want to see it go away. For example, imagine seeing a band rocking out on the side while this theme plays? And seeing the screens behind you display something to help the crowd coordinate cheers and claps while the spotlights swirl around you catching the excitement of the battle around you. Its the biggest event of the year, make it *special*.

[@KingLucarioxx]

The fact he goes from Champion to Pokémon Trainer supports this quote: “I’m about to end this man’s whole career”

[@BairTheBeagle2047]

2:00 that part never fails to give me some intense chills.

[@theequalizer694]

Godspeed Golsiopod you magnificent bastard

[@DeeDolp]

This is the first generation where you know who the champion is from the very beginning and every step of the way is building up to the final fight and it’s so badass

[@Kalanin399]

Said it in another video but I'll say it here too. This theme really fits Leon and the journey in general to get to him. It's not an extremely intense battle between just two trainers like it is with Cynthia and the other champions. No, this battle is far more personal to both the player character and to Leon in general. To the player, Leon is the goal. He's been the focus since the start, the idol of Galar, the undefeated champion who could handle anything and everything thrown at him. In Galar, he defines what it means to be strong, and he has the pokemon to back it up. He's been encouraging you every step of the way to try to find another rival that could challenge him and give him a true fight. But in this version, unlike other champions, Leon doesn't just see you as a trainer who's come to claim the title. He's not looking at you as just the person who earned the right to challenge him. No he sees you as a true rival. You're everything he wanted you to be. You beat his rival not once but twice, you caught a pokemon that bested him, and you've proven yourself more than capable of handling things. To him, you've earned being his rival more than anyone else, being the "Hero" of Galar. As a result the theme embodies everything it needs to be: The upbeat, triumphant track and chanting showing not only that this is truly an event that is loved by its people, and reflecting the nature that this is not just two trainers, but two rivals battling with everything they have to win. Celebrating all of this is that it's the Hall of Fame theme, as both you and Leon are already famous. This game really nailed down how to immerse a player, and I can say that while Cynthia gave me a sense that the fight would truly be difficult, Leon's battle was quite literally an experience. I've never felt as immersed into a pokemon game as I did during that battle, and I admit I couldn't help but think of the anime's first episodes showcasing the stadium spectacle that this game pulls off. In terms of fighting him, Leon's no joke. His team is almost 10 levels higher than anything else in the game at this point, and his Charizard and Haxorus have full type coverage for their weaknesses, making them two of the most difficult pokemon to take down in his entire team as they'll likely outspeed your pokemon or live long enough to use it.

[@Scriblyn]

I literally almost cried when I realised his Charizard had a grass move. My poor Gastrodon didn't know what hit him.

[@Kalanin399]

@@Scriblyn He hit my Cinderace with Max Rockfall when I fought him and wiped him. My Drednaw got hit by his Max Overgrowth right after. Both of them were higher level than his charizard and he wiped the floor with both of them, and that caught me completely by surprise.

[@Scriblyn]

@@Kalanin399 Yeah, the fact that he had some of those moves really surprised me, especially because the game was mostly a breeze before that.

[@tony76935]

Bravo 👏

[@yourboyyamchu9624]

Best champion theme ever. The other champion themes were just showing off how powerful the Champions were. This one HYPES up the Champion and actually feels like a champion's theme.

[@littlemines6648]

That was the point of Champions in the first 5 gens. Immensly powerful trainers, it is supposed to instill fear in you, like Reds theme or Lances theme. This Game was different though, the Champion is like your best friend. His theme does not scream “I AM THE MOST POWERFUL TRAINER, BOW DOWN TO ME SLAVE!” Like Red’s theme, it screams “We gave gone a long way! Time to finish this!” And unlike other games, where the goal is to capture the legendary pokemon, or be the “very best” in this Game, Leon is the goal. Leon is the legendary pokèmon of Galar, and he is whom you must overcome to truly make your mark. That is why no one gave 2 shits about eternatus, all they cared about was the Championship Match. And after the Championship Match, when the Zacian episode comes up, the Gym Leaders act like its armaggedon because random pokemon are dynamaxing and all is Chaos. Because you have defeated Leon, now they can see other dangerous things. Pretty cool is you ask me, but it was constantly annoying hearing “he is unbeatable!” Every 5 seconds

[@belo9083]

Other than Iris, you’d be right.

[@RawkLobstah88]

I love this theme. Not only does it heavily emphasize the Hall of Fame theme so well, but the song is a celebration. For all intents and purposes, in the story, you've already shown you have surpassed Leon. This battle is a victory lap, hence another reason why the Hall of Fame theme is so ingrained into the melody.

[@luisfillipebeserra2108]

in this case the hall of fame is integrated with leon for being 11 years champion, the theme doesn't reflect on anything us

[@maxeon0937]

This theme is so fitting. Its litteraly the hall of fame. Makes sense, hes the most confident champion and thinks hes unbeatable. Also the part where the croud sings the hall fame theme is heartbreaking.

[@dodoliy4678]

this theme is made to be played in a stadium. Feels weird listening it here without the game situation but the battle itself was pretty hype with the crowd cheers.

[@gabrielryan-leon832]

Is it just me or do I want a prequel with a 10 year old Leon, Sonia, and Raihan where you battle and defeat Mustard as the champion? Edit: this comment was made before the crown tundra dlc so at the time I didn’t know Peony would have existed in the Pokémon universe so thanks for the confusion, time travelers. But even then the more I think about it, this would be better for an animated spin-off rather than a game on Leon’s rise to power.

[@antoinepowell3197]

You're not the only one.

[@amxterxsu138]

If 20-something year old Raihan is that hot imagine how cute 10 year old Raihan would be

[@mlgman6957]

That would probably be a event

[@leslie-wx5rp]

Like, Leon could be the male protagonist and Sonia could be the female one while Raihan would be the rival. Although idk how the starters would work since we don’t have any team members for Sonia and the other two don’t get any galar starters. I mean Leon does but only does once you start your journey which would be years later

[@amxterxsu138]

@@leslie-wx5rp I mean Raihan probably stored his in a box somewhere bc it wasn't a dragon type

[@Potterholic1]

Congratulations Ash Ketchum on your victory over Leon, and truly becoming the very best, like no one ever was! You've come a long way since you first set out from Pallet Town twenty-five years ago as a rookie, and now you are the best there ever was. Savor this moment, it only happens once a lifetime.

[@heinzdoofenshmirtz8643]

I would like to congratulate Satoshi and Pikachu on defeating Dande and Lizardon to win the Masters Eight and become champions of the world.

[@Potterholic1]

@@heinzdoofenshmirtz8643 Oh for goodness sake. You do realize not all of us live in Japan right. Even though most of us agree that the Japanese original is better, we feel more comfortable using the character names that are dubbed, because that's what grew up, and in many cases, those are the names Nintendo chose to give them when sending the games to America.

[@heinzdoofenshmirtz8643]

@@Potterholic1 Bud, the episode hasn't even aired in the West yet, that's why I'm using the Japanese names (that, and the fact that it's the original).

[@wikiuser92]

@@heinzdoofenshmirtz8643 Doesn't change the fact that the characters have known English names already. Also, this whole debate is really pointless.

[@DauntlessBlade___]

@@Potterholic1 Are you five years old like wtf?

[@chilln0648]

Fun Fact: Leon is the undefeated champion of the Galar region and has a Charizard

[@Ben-Jamin673]

Did I mention that he is undefeated?

[@charizardfan1017]

And that he's hopeless with directions?

[@unlimitedduckgamer]

I think you forgot to mention he has a Charizard, just gotta make that clear.

[@supertrainerj2875]

You also forgot to mention that the fact was fun.

[@sukumykaja]

oh and dont forget he has *never* lost a single battle with his incredibly powerful Charizard and that he's always having a champion time.

[@paolomagracia9929]

I love how during the fight he's giving you advice, as if he already knows he's passing on the mantle of champion to you. Between the atmosphere of the fight (and by extension gym challenge), Leon's general mannerisms, and this music, everything really came together in such a beautiful way to make this fight really memorable and generally spectacular.

[@esteban8471]

Leon is perfectly willing to pass you the mantle, but he is not handing it over without a fight.

[@Umneriko]

I was surprised to learn people hated leon. I think he’s a great champion.

[@EA-bv8zk]

Same. He's a fantastic champion

[@DiamondRadar]

He's fine, I think he didn't really fit the role for champion, but it worked out. He was an absolute dork when it came to anything that wasn't involving pokemon but when he was serious, he was badass.

[@Laihoard1995]

Something somebody said about Leon in a KZbin comment really resonated with me: "Leon is the definition of a good sport, to the point that he's actually kind of boring." I don't know how anybody can hate the guy, but somehow I was expecting a bit more out of his character. Still a cool guy and indeed a great Champion. His battle theme has grown on me big time, though.

[@mxtoastytoad]

Surprised?! His out fit and hair style suck, he won´t shut up about how ¨unbeatable he is, and he´s related to hop. I rest my case

[@Laihoard1995]

@@mxtoastytoad His outfit is weird but kind of cool. Hop is dope. Only thing I'll concede is that he indeed is very full of himself.

[@wanderingandwhistling]

The fact that this theme is a Hall of Fame remix makes me really want to cry, because it makes me look back on how far Pokémon has a franchise. Despite the things that GAME FREAK has admittedly done wrong, you’ve got to admit that Pokémon is a franchise that’s had a lot of good parts as well. When I hear this songs, I think about many moments from past Pokémon games that I enjoyed, and how much I’ve loved pretty much every part of it. From winning Gym battles, to beating evil teams, to becoming Champion...this song really makes me realize how much I really love Pokémon. This is the best battle theme I’ve ever heard in any video game.

[@cone6790]

This game is basically about ruining everyone's career.

[@platinum3497]

*every pokemon game ever

[@eeveeofalltrades4780]

Well, Leon technically got another career. He accepted defeat and moved on to do something else.

[@donovanjoseph737]

We still don’t know where in the world Rose went. Usually the Pokémon villains show up somewhere post game, but Rose disappeared off the fact of the earth. Would’ve made sense for him to come back in the crown tundra

[@WDeesaster]

@@donovanjoseph737 *Hes in prison*

[@harshittikka5705]

@@WDeesaster how it was never shown? Or was it?

[@Greenjolty]

So I beat him with: - a depressed amphibian that evolved into a sniper boi - a giant crow with armor - a punk guitarist - a flying apple - a gangster or delinquent - and a strange ju jitsu octopus And I started my travel less than a week ago

[@acegamez2564]

Inteleon, Corviknight, Toxtrixity, Flapple, Grimmsnarl, and Grapplock

[@animejerk05]

In game canon the journey of the games is a year

[@fraydizs7302]

Bought the game less than 48 hours ago and already beat him :/ loved his theme though

[@bromicorn]

The sniper part come until you gigantamax

[@TheName983]

@@animejerk05 I thought the canon for this game was a week

[@PhantomCitadel]

Unlike Cynthia, Leon put me at ease. Whilst I respect and fear Cynthia, I feel a deeper connection with Leon’s character. What a chill guy.

[@sagoruzemo9557]

Easily the best champion theme gamefreak has ever produced. When the crowd starts chanting alongside the music i actually have a mental breakdown from how incomprehensibly cool it all is. Having the gym challenge and the pokemon league be massive sport eventa with massive audiences cheering alongside them was the single best part of the entire game, they nailed the athmosphere of these battles perfectly.

[@gasterthemaster6490]

Sadly, SV didn't beat it. Geeta's theme is great, don't get me wrong, but it doesn't feel... *final* enough. Which makes sense, and Nemona's theme fits way better as a champion theme.