Ten Memorable Dragon-type Pokémon Trainers

April 18, 2024

Ten Memorable Dragon-type Pokémon Trainers

Who’s your favorite Dragon-type Trainer?

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?


Lance

Region:

Kanto

Signature Pokémon:

Dragonite

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

First Video Game Appearance:

Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version

First Animation Appearance:

Pokémon Master Quest, “Talkin’ ‘Bout an Evolution”

Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance:

Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Silver Tempest, 192/195

Other Appearances:

Pokémon Masters EX

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.




Clair

Region:

Johto

Signature Pokémon:

Kingdra

Greatest Achievement(s):

Blackthorn City Gym Leader

First Video Game Appearance:

Pokémon Gold Version and Pokémon Silver Version

First Animation Appearance:

Pokémon: Master Quest, “Beauty is Skin Deep”

Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance:

Pokémon TCG: Sword & Shield—Astral Radiance, TG03/TG30

Other Appearances:

Pokémon Masters EX

Clair and her iconic Kingdra have trained together with dedication. They are now so in sync that they even look alike!




Drake

Region:

Hoenn

Signature Pokémon:

Salamence

Greatest Achievement(s):

Hoenn Elite Four

First Video Game Appearance:

Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version

First Animation Appearance:

Pokémon the Series: Ruby and Sapphire, “Vanity Affair”

Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance:

Pokémon TCG: EX Power Keepers, 72/108

Other Appearances:

Pokémon Masters EX

This sailor’s battle savvy and commitment to remaining shirtless at all times are certainly notable.




Cynthia

Region:

Sinnoh

Signature Pokémon:

Garchomp

Greatest Achievement(s):

Champion of the Sinnoh region, World Coronation Series Master Class

First Video Game Appearance:

Pokémon Diamond Version and Pokémon Pearl Version

First Animation Appearance:

Pokémon the Series: Diamond and Pearl, “Top-Down Training!”

Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance:

Pokémon TCG: Crown Zenith, GG60

Other Appearances:

Pokémon Masters EX, Pokémon UNITE

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.




Iris

Region:

Unova

Signature Pokémon:

Haxorus

Greatest Achievement(s):

Opelucid City Gym Leader, Champion of the Pokémon League of Unova, World Coronation Series Master Class

First Video Game Appearance:

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version

First Animation Appearance:

Pokémon: Black & White, “In the Shadow of Zekrom!”

Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance:

Pokémon TCG: Black & White—Plasma Blast, 101/101

Other Appearances:

Pokémon Masters EX

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!




Drayden

Region:

Unova

Signature Pokémon:

Haxorus

Greatest Achievement(s):

Opelucid City Gym Leader

First Video Game Appearance:

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version

First Animation Appearance:

Pokémon: Black & White, “Iris and Excadrill Against the Dragon Buster!”

Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance:

N/A

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!




Drasna

Region:

Kalos

Signature Pokémon:

Noivern

Greatest Achievement(s):

Kalos Elite Four

First Video Game Appearance:

Pokémon X and Pokémon Y

First Animation Appearance:

Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, “The Future is Now, Thanks to Strategy!”

Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance:

N/A

Other Appearances:

Pokémon Masters EX

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.




Raihan

Region:

Galar

Signature Pokémon:

Duraludon

Greatest Achievement(s):

Hammerlocke Gym Leader, World Coronation Series Master Class

First Video Game Appearance:

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield

First Animation Appearance:

Pokémon Journeys: The Series, “Toughing It Out!”

Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance:

Pokémon TCG: Crown Zenith, GG65

Other Appearances:

Pokémon Masters EX, Pokémon UNITE

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.




Hassel

Region:

Paldea

Signature Pokémon:

Baxcalibur

Greatest Achievement(s):

Paldea Elite Four

First Video Game Appearance:

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet

First Animation Appearance:

Pokémon: Paldean Winds, “Breathe Out”

Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance:

N/A

Other Appearances:

N/A

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?




Drayton

Region:

Unova

Signature Pokémon:

Duraludon

Greatest Achievement(s):

BB League Elite Four

First Video Game Appearance:

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet

First Animation Appearance:

N/A

Most Recent Pokémon TCG Appearance:

N/A

Other Appearances:

N/A

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.

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