As we continue our Year of the Dragon celebration of Dragon-type Pokémon, we thought we’d take a moment to honor the Pokémon world’s most iconic Dragon-type Trainers. These are the people who have committed their lives to working with Dragon-type Pokémon and to becoming the most powerful, knowledgeable Pokémon Trainers that they can be. They’re Gym Leaders, members of the Elite Four, and several of them rose to the rank of Master Class in the World Coronation Series. Is your favorite Pokémon Trainer on this list?
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Lance |
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Region: Kanto |
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Greatest Achievement(s): Champion of the Johto League, member of the Indigo Elite Four, member of the Kanto Elite Four, Indigo League Champion, World Coronation Series Master Class |
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Lance is about as OG as it gets. With his dramatic cape and complete faith in his Pokémon, this Champion is one of the most prominent figures in the Pokémon world.
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Clair |
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Region: Johto |
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Greatest Achievement(s): Blackthorn City Gym Leader |
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Clair and her iconic Kingdra have trained together with dedication. They are now so in sync that they even look alike!
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Drake |
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Region: Hoenn |
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Greatest Achievement(s): Hoenn Elite Four |
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This sailor’s battle savvy and commitment to remaining shirtless at all times are certainly notable.
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Cynthia |
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Region: Sinnoh |
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Greatest Achievement(s): Champion of the Sinnoh region, World Coronation Series Master Class |
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Cynthia is an enduring icon in the Pokémon world. Her style, her strength, her composure in the heat of battle, and her kindness to young Trainers who seek out her advice all make her an unforgettable character.
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Iris |
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Region: Unova |
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Greatest Achievement(s): Opelucid City Gym Leader, Champion of the Pokémon League of Unova, World Coronation Series Master Class |
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It makes perfect sense that Iris hails from the Village of Dragons given her seemingly innate connection to Dragon-type Pokémon. Iris’s connection to her human friends can’t be beat, either—her adventures with Ash and Cilan saw all three evolving as Trainers!
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Drayden |
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Region: Unova |
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Greatest Achievement(s): Opelucid City Gym Leader |
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First Animation Appearance: Pokémon: Black & White, “Iris and Excadrill Against the Dragon Buster!” |
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Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance: N/A |
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Other Appearances: N/A |
He’s not just on this list because we like the beard and the armored suspenders: the fact that Drayden is both a Gym Leader and Opelucid City’s mayor shows a dedication to both Pokémon and people!
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Drasna |
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Region: Kalos |
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Greatest Achievement(s): Kalos Elite Four |
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First Animation Appearance: Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, “The Future is Now, Thanks to Strategy!” |
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Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance: N/A |
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Is Drasna the strongest Dragon-type Trainer on this list? No. But does she have wicked cool—if not entirely practical jewelry—and a peaceful temperament that sets her apart from the fiery personalities of the other Trainers on this list? Absolutely.
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Raihan |
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Region: Galar |
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Greatest Achievement(s): Hammerlocke Gym Leader, World Coronation Series Master Class |
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It can’t be easy living in Leon’s shadow, but Raihan does everything—from battling to taking selfies with his fans—with such flamboyance that he’s impossible to overlook or forget.
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Hassel |
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Region: Paldea |
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Greatest Achievement(s): Paldea Elite Four |
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Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance: N/A |
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He’s an art teacher who’s deeply in touch with his emotions AND is the strongest member of the Paldea Elite Four. What’s not to love?
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Drayton |
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Region: Unova |
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Greatest Achievement(s): BB League Elite Four |
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First Animation Appearance: N/A |
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Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance: N/A |
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He’s got a wicked cool jacket and he’s Drayden’s grandson, which makes him a Pokémon icon in the making.
Looking for more content celebrating the Year of the Dragon and Dragon-type content? Check out this Dragon-type Pokémon quiz. And keep an eye out for more Dragon-type features throughout the year. Want to watch the seasons or episodes of the Pokémon anime mentioned in this article? Here’s where to watch.
