The perpetually 10-years-old Ash Ketchum (Satoshi) has faced challenge after challenge to become the very best Pokemon Master, like no one ever was. His journey has taken him to countries far and wide to achieve his destiny, a trip that started over 22 years ago. His slow climb to the top was unique for a children's cartoon protagonist where the main character was always expected to win with hard work and perseverance. In a way, Ash taught generations of viewers that failing at something isn't the end of the road.

After Ash's loss in the Indigo League, he continued to improve his skills as a Pokemon trainer, taking on regional championships in Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos. September 15, 2019 marks a monumental day in the character's story as Ash became, for the very first time, the league champion in Alola. The victory was celebrated across the internet, with news articles on CNN and even ESPN congratulating the anime character.

Ash and Pikachu: an underdog story 20 years in the making



(via @SportsNation) pic.twitter.com/oE57tJy1za — ESPN (@espn) September 16, 2019 In the latest episode of "Pokémon the Series: Sun and Moon," Ash Ketchum finally wins the championship competition of the Alola League, marking the first time the protagonist has won an official Pokémon League tournament https://t.co/9LKPYlPF5M — CNN (@CNN) September 15, 2019 After 20 years, 10-year-old Ash Ketchum finally captured his first Pokémon League Championship.



That got us thinking ... pic.twitter.com/9ghGuHNJAw — 30 for 30 (@30for30) September 16, 2019

Fans, including hockey team Golden Knights, were ecstatic too to finally see their boy take home the big prize. Ash's former voice actress Veronica Taylor also returned to the role to wish the protagonist well.

Ash Ketchum has been a part of millions of lives & while many stop watching the Pokémon anime Ash continued to be a role model trainer for new generations. He's lost every Pokémon League to teach children it's ok to lose & today he finally won. What a day to be a Pokémon fan :) pic.twitter.com/Gzbf9j08N9 — Aero (@ActualAero) September 15, 2019 We'd like to use this intermission to formally congratulate Ash Ketchum on winning his first Pokemon League championship after 22 years pic.twitter.com/lBLQc7wAwI — Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) September 15, 2019 Ash is the anime equivalent of Leonardo DiCaprio. #Pokemon pic.twitter.com/0V16WGpIJ0 — NintendoTLDR (@NintendoTLDR) September 16, 2019 OG Ash voice actress, Veronica Taylor, gets into character to congratulate the current Ash's Pokémon League victory



(via @TheVeronicaT)pic.twitter.com/obhrT4mo93 — Fandom (@getFANDOM) September 16, 2019

Ash's victory was shown in the 139th episode of the Pokemon Sun & Moon ( Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon—Ultra Legends ) series, "Tanjō! Alola no Hasha!!" (Birth! The Champion of Alola!!) that aired on Sunday. The English-language version is currently at episode 121 with new episodes airing weekly on Disney XD.

Ash's victory seems to tie in nicely with the upcoming Pocket Monster anime series. The title is the same title as the original 1997 Pokémon television anime series and will feature all of the regions covered in the franchise so far, from the Kanto to the Galar region. The episode of Pokémon Sun & Moon that will air on September 29 will reveal more information about the new show.

Source: Oricon News