Which Pokémon anime protagonist became World Champion in 2022?

Ash Ketchum became the Pokémon anime’s World Champion in 2022.

Ash achieved the milestone in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series after defeating Leon in the Masters Eight Tournament of the World Coronation Series. The result made Ash the tournament’s Monarch and marked the culmination of his long-running goal to become the strongest Pokémon Trainer.

Before that victory, Ash had already won the Alola League, becoming its first champion. His World Coronation Series title was different from winning a regional Pokémon League because it ranked Trainers from across the anime’s major regions.

Ash had been the anime’s central protagonist since the first episode in 1997. After his championship story concluded, the television series moved to a new leading cast centered on Liko and Roy in Pokémon Horizons: The Series. Pikachu remained Ash’s constant partner throughout his journey.