Does the Orange League not count as an official Pokemon League, making the Alolan League Ash's first-ever win?
Ash Ketchum just won the Alolan League and the Internet is on fire. From Twitter moments to all those articles claiming it to be Ash's first win ever:
But my point is, what about the Orange League? I know it's an anime-only thing, but as per my knowledge, even the anime doesn't acknowledge it later.
Is the Orange League not considered an official Pokemon League even inside the anime canon?
Best Answer
In the anime, the main regions' Pokémon Leagues (Kanto, Johto, etc.) all have the same structure:
- Acquire the eight regional Gym Badges
- Travel to a stadium to compete in the regional League Conference
- Win the Conference, and earn the right to challenge the Elite Four and Champion
- Defeat the Elite Four and Champion, and become the new Champion.
The exception is Alola, which has never held a Pokémon League before and thus had no Elite Four/Champion. By winning its Conference, Ash therefore became the new Champion automatically.
The Orange League was a "filler arc", to stall for time until Pokémon Gold and Silver were released and they could begin adapting it. As such, it was much shorter:
- Acquire the four regional Gym Badges (most of which are acquired through challenges other than Pokémon battles)
- Beat the Supreme Gym Leader
- Become a Champion, but not the Champion (so you don't become the new Supreme Gym Leader and have to face challengers like the other leagues; it's purely an honorary title).
The Orange Islands arc is canon, as far as I can tell. But because the Orange League is
a) so much shorter, including omitting the Conference that was Ash's main stumbling block, and
b) not in a region from the games, it's generally considered to not count.
Pictures about "Does the Orange League not count as an official Pokemon League, making the Alolan League Ash's first-ever win?"
Does Ash wins the Orange League?
Has Ash won any Pok\xe9mon Leagues? Yes, he won the Alola league, Orange Island league and conquered the Battle Frontier!!!Does the Orange League count?
b) not in a region from the games, it's generally considered to not count.Does Ash win the Alola Pokémon League?
Ash and Gladion's battle ends in Ash's victory, making him the winner of the Manalo Conference and the first Champion of Alola.Is Orange League a Pokémon League?
The Orange League is the regional Pok\xe9mon League of the Orange Archipelago. It consists of four regular Gym Leaders and one Supreme Gym Leader of the Orange Crew. It has been established for over 300 years.Should Ash Ketchum Have Won A Different Pokemon League? This Feels WRONG!
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Answer 2
According to Sinnoh league rules in the anime you must win a minimum of one league to challenge so yes the orange islands are an official league
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