Who is the Pokémon professor in Pokémon Red and Blue?

The Pokémon professor in Pokémon Red and Blue is Professor Oak. Known formally as Professor Samuel Oak, he studies Pokémon and gives the player a first Pokémon at the beginning of the games.

Oak lives and works in Pallet Town, the player character’s hometown. In the original games, the player chooses between Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle after the rival has already selected one. Oak then asks the player to help complete the Pokédex.

The character also appears in the Pokémon animated series, where he is Ash Ketchum’s mentor and the scientist who provides Ash with Pikachu. His anime portrayal includes a fondness for poetry, a detail that is not central to the games.

Professor Oak is the first in a long line of regional Pokémon professors. Professor Elm serves Johto, Professor Birch serves Hoenn, and Professor Rowan serves Sinnoh. Their names and specialties vary, but they commonly introduce the player to Pokémon research and the Pokédex.