Summary
Ludlow, Brassius, and Katy are some of the strongest trainers in Pokémon Horizons. Each trainer has their own fighting style and strength, making them formidable opponents. The series features diverse characters with different backgrounds and skills, adding depth to the Pokémon world.
Pokémon Horizon marked a new era for the Pokémon anime, starting over with an entirely new cast for the first time. And of course, with a new cast of characters comes debates about who is the better trainer. With over 50 episodes having aired in Japan, there's finally enough data to start drawing conclusions about who the best trainers are in Pokémon Horizons.
There are many factors that can help determine how strong a trainer is. For example, how many Pokémon do they have and how do those Pokémon evolve? And, of course, there's always combat performance to consider – how do these characters actually perform when the chip runs out of battery? The ability to use special transformations like Terastallization also comes into play, as that's often considered a more advanced technique that novice trainers won't understand how to use. With all this to think about, here are the 10 strongest trainers introduced in Horizons so far.
10 Ludlow is the mighty G for a reason
First Appearance: Episode 1, “The Pendant That Started It All (Part 1)”
Ludlow is an old fisherman who lives on the Brave Olivine, often spouting wise things that no one in particular hears. He owned the original fishing boat that became the basis for Brave Olivine, making him one of the original members of the Rising Volt Tacklers. Ludlow is known to possess two Pokémon: Quagsire and Sharpedo. While Ludlow doesn't fight much in his normal personality, he also has a secret alter ego called Mighty G, an ocean-themed superhero who impressed in his battle against Wild Klawf..
Although Ludlow mostly keeps to himself and rarely participates in battle, it is clear that he possesses quite a bit of skill when it comes to Pokémon battles and should not be underestimated.
9 Brassius brings artistic flair to combat
First appearance: Episode 10, “Nemona and Brassius and…”
Brassius is an artist and the Grass-type Gym Leader in Artazon. While Brassius struggled with artist's block, he overall did quite well in the battle, defeating Roy in his first gymnastics match. Brassius' training in the art can make him an unpredictable opponent, as evidenced by his Sudowoodo, which has a Grass Type Tera, allowing it to change type mid-battle. Brassius also possesses a Dolliv that appears to be designed more for double combat, suggesting that Brassius is prepared for any type of battle he may face.
As Gym Leader, Brassius is expected to possess a certain level of skill, and his advice to Roy certainly has the merits of an experienced warrior.
8 Katy took on a challenge
First appearance: Episode 47, “Liko and Floragato, put your heart into it!”
Katy is a baker and happens to be Cortondo's Bug Gym Leader. Katy appears as Riko's opponent in the Terastal Basics course, leading to a one-on-one battle, pitting Floragato against Katy's Teddiursa, a battle Katy wins easily after Terastallizing. Katy is also known to possess Lokix, a fully evolved Bug-type Pokémon, although she has never used it in battle. As a kind lady, Katy has no patience with people who do not respect the art of baking.
Because Katy's gym workout is often her first challenge, she intentionally uses a team of weaker Pokémon to give the challengers a chance of victorybut her skills are far beyond the level of her Pokémon.
7 Iono makes opponents submit
First Appearance: Episode 15, “Someone We Can't See! Who Saw What?”
Iono is the Electric Gym Leader of the Levincia City gym, and is a popular streamer and influencer. She first appears as a friend of streamer Dot, AKA Nidothing, but is eventually assigned as Dot's rival when she enrolls in the Terastal Basics course. Iono and Dot had a great battle, but Iono's Bellibolt won. Iono continues to prove his skills as he battles the Elite Four's Poppy.where she and Dot, working together, managed to defeat one of Poppy's Pokémon, helping them win the match.
Iono is also a surprisingly good source of combat advice, as she offers advice to Dot throughout their battles, both as an ally and as an opponent, proving her skill comes from experience. .
6 Diana didn't let old age slow her down
First Appearance: Episode 24, “Reunion at the Old Castle!”
Diana is Riko's grandmother and a seasoned adventurer, having traveled most of her life with Pokémon by her side. Diana's main partner is Arcanine, who is extremely agile and loyal to her., but is known to possess at least one other Pokémon, Squawkabilly. Wild Pokémon seem to have an intrinsic faith in Diana, many of them living with her at her ancient castle in the Galar region. Diana helped train Riko and Roy, using some of her decades of experience to guide them as they began their own journeys.
Despite remaining with the Rising Volt Tacklers for a time, Diana eventually returned to a life of solo adventuring, knowing that she had powerful Pokémon to rely on in case of any trouble.
5 Spinel knows how to use his Pokémon
First appearance: Episode 12, “The Future I Choose”
Spinel is a member of the villainous organization known as the Explorers, and a particularly devious one. He uses his Pokémon in extremely clever ways, such as using Magneton to jam communications on Brave Olivine and hypnotizing Riko to steal her pendant. Spinel is also someone who knows when to retreat, not afraid to give up if things don't go well for him. His Pokémon include Umbreon, Magneton, and Beheeyem, meaning all of his Pokémon are fully evolved.
Spinel is certainly one of the strongest members of the Explorers to date, and his intelligent nature makes him a very dangerous opponent to deal with.
The 4 best Amethio to Rayquaza trains
First Appearance: Episode 1, “The Pendant That Started It All (Part 1)”
Amethio was the first member of the Explorers introduced and remains the most difficult member of the Brave Olivine crew to deal with. Amethio has fought Friede to a draw multiple times and easily defeated Riko and Roy in almost every round.. Amethio's Ceruledge is a particularly tough opponent, able to disappear and reappear behind his opponent, allowing him to land some easy attacks. Amethio also owns a Corviknight which he mainly uses to fly around.
Amethio actually took a break from pursuing the Rising Volt Tacklers to train, learn how to use Terastallization, and became a greater threat as a result.
3 Friede is the powerful leader of the Rising Volt Tacklers
First Appearance: Episode 1, “The Pendant That Started It All (Part 1)”
Leader of the Rising Volt Tacklers and protector of Riko and Roy, Friede is a Pokémon Professor who really knows how to fight. Friede often uses his Charizard to fight but also fights alongside Captain Pikachu on several occasions and both are powerful Pokémon. Friede's Charizard has a Dark Tera Type, allowing it to change types during battle and often catch opponents like Spinel off guard. Friede is Amethio's top rival, and although their battles are often interrupted, he usually has the upper hand.
Friede is a very skilled Pokémon trainer, and his expertise can give him an advantage in battle that others don't have.
2 Nemona is Paldea's Student Champion
First appearance: Episode 10, “Nemona and Brassius and…”
The first time Nemona was seen, she was victorious in battle and has been winning consistently since then.. The best trainer at Naranja Academy, Nemona immediately took an interest in Roy and encouraged him to train so that one day they could fight together. Nemona ended up fighting Roy and unsurprisingly won with relative ease, even though the weather was on her side. Nemona's only known Pokémon in the anime is Pawmo, which she evolved into Pawmot at some point.
Nemona is obsessed with battle and extremely skilled, always looking for the next challenge. To date, there are very few battle-tested trainers who can hope to keep up with Nemona.
1 Lucius is the Ancient Hero and Greatest Trainer of Pokémon
First appearance: Episode 6, “Ancient Poké Ball”
Lucius was an ancient explorer who traveled the world with Terapagos over a century ago. Lucius was the original owner of Black Rayquaza, a fact that would prove just how talented a trainer he was. Lucius also possesses many other notable Pokémon, such as the Titan Arboliva, Galarian Moltres, and Entei.. Lucius' exploits were so legendary that even Roy, who lived on a small island in the Kanto region, had heard of the ancient explorer.
Lucius' fate remains unclear and it is entirely possible that Lucius is still alive somewhere out there. Regardless of whether Lucius is alive or not, he is definitely the most powerful trainer ever seen in the series. Pokémon Horizon hitherto.