Yahoo News Pokémon's Ash Ketchum finally becomes a Pokémon Master after 22 years
Since Pokémon first began airing on television in 1997, Ash Ketchum has been trying to catch 'em all and finally become "the very best... like no one ever was".
Despite his determination, the young trainer has never had much luck, being beaten in every Pokémon League tournament he's ever taken part in.
Now though, it seems as if those 22 years of training have finally paid off as he's finally become a Pokémon Master for the first time in the show's history.
Related: Hardcore Pokémon fan beats the original game using just one Ditto
In a recent episode of Pokèmon: Sun and Moon — Ultra Legends, which aired in Japan on Sunday (September 15), Ash finally earned the coveted trophy after facing rival trainer Gladion in the championship match of the Alola region's tournament.
It only took 1080 episodes and over two whole decades in the end, but Ash's perseverance finally led to his success.
"Anything's possible when you believe in yourself, Trainers," the show's official Twitter account wrote alongside a wink emoji and a trophy emoji after the episodes aired in Japan.
And Ash's fans were quick to congratulate him too, including his original English-language voice artist Veronica Taylor, who wrote: "Congratulations to Ash Ketchum on winning the Pokémon League from Ash's 'younger' self, circa 1998.
"Yup, hard work, determination, good friends, and a bit of luck pay off!"
Congratulations to Ash Ketchum on winning the Pokémon League from Ash’s ‘younger’ self, circa 1998...yup, hard work, determination, good friends, and a bit of luck pay off! #pokemon #ashketchum #winning pic.twitter.com/JhgRcGJBEy
— Veronica Taylor (@TheVeronicaT) September 15, 2019
congratulations to ash ketchum for winning the @Pokemon alola league! pic.twitter.com/8yr993k23F
— WholesomeMemes (@WholesomeMeme) September 16, 2019
shoutout my guy ash ketchum for finally winning a pokémon league after 22 years. i been rocking w u since the indigo league
— 8illy (@8illyyy) September 16, 2019
More than 20 years of traveling far and wide.
More than 20 years of Pokémon training+battling.
In more than 20 years and 1000+ eps, his courage pulled through, his destiny was fulfilled, and finally became the very best.
Congratulations, Pokémon League Champion Ash Ketchum. pic.twitter.com/n0WmRXhDep— TSF EV (@Alpha_Eevee) September 15, 2019
Well damn...
The kid finally did it.
Ash Ketchum became a Pokemon Champion after 20+ years! pic.twitter.com/LncVCvvnVy— Mike Mamon (@xPmnms) September 15, 2019
Turns out after 22 years of trying and failing, Ash Ketchum finally actually achieved his life-long dream of becoming the champion of a Pokémon League, so maybe there is hope for the rest of us. pic.twitter.com/uO8gjnD4vO
— Alanah Pearce (@Charalanahzard) September 15, 2019
Meanwhile, Pokémon fans can continue to follow in Ash's footsteps when Generation VIII of the Pokémon series finally arrives later this year, with Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield coming to Nintendo Switch.
Set in the new Galar region, there will be plenty of new Pokémon for you to collect in the latest RPGs, as well as opportunities to battle rival trainers at one of the area's super-sized Gyms.
"We're challenging ourselves to try new things while still treasuring what makes Pokémon special," said director Shigeru Ohmori during the announcement in late February 2019.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield will be released on Friday, November 15, 2019.
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