In Pokémon Journeys: The Series, Ash reaches the top eight before entering the Masters Eight Tournament.
The World Coronation Series ranks trainers through battles held across the Pokémon world. Ash climbs through several classes, beginning in the Normal Class and advancing through the Great, Ultra, and Master Class. His position in the Master Class ultimately places him among the world’s eight highest-ranked trainers.
The top eight competitors form the Masters Eight Tournament, which determines the World Champion. The lineup includes champions and elite trainers such as Leon, Cynthia, Steven Stone, Diantha, Lance, Iris, and Alain, alongside Ash.
The phrase “top eight” refers to the tournament field, not Ash’s final placement. Ash defeats several opponents during the tournament and ultimately wins the championship by defeating Leon. The ranking is also distinct from a regional Pokémon League: the World Coronation Series is a global competition spanning multiple regions and includes trainers who hold different kinds of champion status.