Nothing compares to the intensity of taking on a Pokémon gym leader for the first time, especially after training profusely and exploring a new area to properly prepare yourself. After storming the tall grass for hours and amassing a team of valiant fighters, you are as ready as ever to march into battle and take them down. Serving essentially as the various Pokémon games' equivalent to boss fights, gym leaders specialise in one main type of Pokémon and exist as the primary obstacle in the towns and cities youll encounter across your journey. Over the last 20 years they've served as a great exercise in ensuring that your team are highly skilled in defeating a range of different Pokémon. Beat eight of these guys and youll be presented with the opportunity to fulfil your childhood dream of becoming Pokémon League Champion. After two decades years and six generations, the series has thrown over 50 gym leaders our way, making for many nail-bitingly intense moments. To celebrate the series' twentieth anniversary and the announcement of upcoming instalments Sun and Moon, heres 10 Most Intense Pokémon Gym Leader Battles...
10. Brock (Generation 1)
Okay, so Brock may not be the toughest on the list, but for many of us the spiky haired casanova was all that stood in the way of gaining our very first gym badge. Players who opted for Charmander may be quick to regret their choice, as its primarily normal and fire type moves prove to be ineffective against Brocks team of rock-solid Pokémon. First to face you is Geodude, a floating bolder with a sullen expression and pair of chiseled muscular arms. Fortunately, Geodude doesnt pose much of a threat, but its defense curl move works to make the rock-type even more impenetrable. Onix is next to follow, using bide to suck up any damage you are able to inflict and then vent it out in one punishing blow. After defeating Brock and wiping away your tears of joy, the Boulder Badge is yours for the keeping.