It’s hard to find people these days who don’t know aboutPokemon. ThePokemonfranchise has so many branches now from games to TV shows to movies. Only truePokemonfans can keep up with it all. Since there are so many branches ofPokemon, the franchise gets broken up into generations. These generations contain specific games, shows, movies, Pokémon, and abilities that release during a certain generation.
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So far, there are eight generations in total that fans can immerse themselves in. Within these generations, there are different gym leaders. These leaders help new trainers with their Pokéemon so they feel confident in the Pokemon world. Many fans have their favorites when it comes to Pokemon, including the gym leaders. Since the Alola region did not actually have gym leaders they will not be on this list. Below are the best gym leaders from each generation ofPokemon.
Updated July 19, 2025, by Tom Bowen:Though catching Pokemon in order to fill out the Pokedex may be enjoyable to some, for many, this is simply a necessary step towards the real goal: becoming the very best. Ultimately, there’s no better way to test one’s skills as a Pokemon trainer than by taking on one of the franchise’s many skilled gym leaders. With the ninth generation of Pokemon games fast approaching, now seems like a great time to take a look back at some of the best gym leaders from Pokemon’s past. There have been plenty of great ones, but only a select few who have been able to leave a lasting impression on players.
Level 21
Water / Psychic-Type
It’s almost impossible tonot knowMisty for those who consider themselvesPokemonfans. This confident and smart young girl knows how to train anyone. Her specialty is water-type Pokemon and she’smainly in theRed, Blue, Yellow, andGreengames.
Fans likely remember her traveling with the famous Ash Ketchum. Ash would not be the trainer he is today without her help. Since Pikachu destroys her bike and she takes Ash’s hat. The two of them end up having a silly battle in the Cerulean Gym to sort this situation out. Fans usually laugh about their complicated relationship.
Level 9
Normal / Flying-Type
Falkner would probably be the popular guy in school if that was possible for him. Fans likely know this talented young man as the good-looking leader in theGold, Silver,andCrystalPokemon games. His specialty is flying-type Pokemon and learns almost everything he knows from his father.
Fans don’t see Falkner’s father very often since he’s always away somewhere. Therefore, Falkner gets to teach at the Violet Gym that his father provides him with. Falkner has a strong drive for a young man and mainly strives to be just like his father. Specifically,he wants peopleto see him as the most talented bird leader.
Level 23
Electric / Steel-Type
Fans can think of Wattson as a normal guy who’s really good at teaching trainers how to use their Pokemon. His appearance and personality might seem average, but he is very talented indeed. He specializes in electric-type Pokemon. Maybe that’s why his name is Wattson, right?
Wattsonmainly appears in the gamesSapphire, Ruby,andEmerald. Trainers usually feel quite comfortable with Wattson because he is very easy to work with. He is always very positive and motivating, and not to mention, hilarious! Consequently, he cares deeply about his trainees and is harsh with them when necessary. Overall, this iconic gym leader is someone fans likely wish was a real person.
Level 36
Ghost-Type
Trainees should not let the bougie French Fantina fool them because she packs a punch. Her unique model-like appearance is quite intriguing to fans as well as her skills as a gym leader. Her specialty is ghost-type Pokemon andfans likely know her bestfrom theDiamon,Pearl,andPlatinumgames.
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Fantina is quite humble about her lifestyle and likes to have fun with her trainees. Specifically, she loves using little games and asking questions before she begins teaching. Trainees usually have to figure out quizzes behind three doors that she sets up. Then, they must answer correctly to continue. However, if they answer incorrectly they have to battle. Fun fact: she only owns girl Pokemon.
Level 31
Ground / Steel-Type
The stern but brilliant leader Clay gives trainees a run for their money. He specializes in ground-type Pokemon and appears in theBlackandWhitegames. These games also have second versions which areBlack 2andWhite 2, and Clay appears in those as well. Clay is a very serious and rather strict leader. He has no intention of wasting time, but sometimes trainees need that.
Clay makes himself known from the moment fans encounter him. Fans likely remember him arresting Team Plasma and them eventually getting away. Trainers then battle Clay after this, but what a way to introduce a gym leader.
Level 12
Bug / Flying-Type
Too bad social media isn’t as popular in thePokemonworld, because Viola would thrive off of it. She is both a talented gym leader and photographer in one. Viola specializes in bug-type Pokemon and mainly appears in theXandYPokemongames. Fans know her for her bubbly personality and her love of taking pictures.
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She and Ash meet each other for the first time in Santalune where they battle each other. Viola beats Ash in their first battle but loses in the second battle. This is only because she trains him so well though. Viola is the first-ever girl bug-type Pokemon gym leader.
Level 34
Grass / Poison-Type
There is a lot that trainees can learn from Erika. Her sweet and sensitive dispositionmakes it easy for traineesto connect with her. Erika is in a lot ofPokemongames starting from Generation 1. However, fans likely know her from theLet’s Go, Pikachu!andLet’s Go, Eevee!games.
Erika’s specialty is grass-type Pokemon and she is always very proper when she teaches. Erika is innocent and admires everything that’s beautiful. For example, she only catches Pokemon that she finds beautiful in some way. Trainees might even consider her head to be in the clouds sometimes, but Erika is always a joy to learn from.
Level 46
Dark / Normal-Type
No gym leader is more perfect for training Dark-type Pokemon than Piers. He’s not the most confident leader in this generation, but he does his job well. His calm disposition helps trainees relax and focus on why they are in Spikemuth. He is mainly in the gamesSwordandShieldand others misunderstand him at times.
This is because people usually think that the Dark-type leaders often have bad intentions. However, Piers mainly has good in his heart. His main weakness is that he often feels like his Pokemon do not have as much strength as others. Some confidence would serve Piers well because he has a lot to give.
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