8 Times Ash Ketchum Proved Himself A Pokemon Master

Let's face it, Ash Ketchum wouldn't be half the man (boy?) he is without the support and love of his long-time friends. Over his adventures across several regions of the Pokemon world, he's been surrounded by a coterie of pals whom helped him on to even greater heights.

The most fondly remembered of course are former Gym Leaders Brock and Misty, who tagged along with him in the early days of his career and are still periodically by his side all these years later (they reunited during Ash's journeys through Alola, half a decade and fifteen years respectively after they left).

But there's been a whole slew of teammates, from coordinator duo May and Dawn through wild child Iris and fellow Gym Leaders Cilan and Clemont, to aspiring artist Tracey, to old childhood friend Serena and most recently, fellow roving trainer Goh. He's even befriended or come to an understanding with former rivals such as Gary and Paul - and they've all helped shape him into the Master he is.