Pokémon’s New Champion Emerges as a Strong Contender After Ash Ketchum’s Departure

Warning: Spoilers for Pokémon Horizons, episode #79

The latest episode of Pokémon Horizons has reached a pivotal moment in Liko and Roy’s adventure as they confront Geeta, the top champion of the Paldea region. This intense showdown is crucial if they hope to gain entry to the mysterious Area Zero. As new protagonists in the Pokémon universe, Liko and Roy will need to push their limits to overcome the formidable Geeta, who serves as the ultimate judge of their skills.

Previously, audiences witnessed champions from all prior regions participate in the Masters’ Eight Tournament; however, Geeta, as the local champion for Gen 9, was absent from this global competition. While she has made appearances in the series before, this episode showcased her combat skills for the first time. Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary, proving that she is a formidable opponent, even when competing in the unconventional triple battle format. The stakes were high as Geeta tested the resolve of Liko, Roy, and Dot, with access to Area Zero on the line.

Geeta Asserts Her Champion Status

Geeta’s Strategic Approach

In this remarkable battle, Geeta faced her challengers simultaneously, utilizing her Glimmora alongside two Glimmet Pokémon. Her approach was meticulously designed to counter the combined strengths of Liko, Roy, and Dot, as she began by enhancing her Glimmet’s speed, making them difficult targets. Geeta quickly employed Dazzling Gleam to blind her opponents, disrupting their focus and creating openings for her Glimmet to strike. Even when Liko managed to connect with an attack, it activated Glimmora’s ability, Toxic Debris, scattering poisonous shards across the battlefield and ensuring her adversaries would suffer from poison.

Rather than adopting a defensive posture and waiting for the poison to take effect, Geeta opted for a more proactive plan, allowing her opponents a chance to devise a counter strategy. In a decisive moment, Liko launched an attack on Roy’s Crocalor, provoking it to retaliate and ramping up the power of Stomping Tantrum. After eliminating the Glimmet, Geeta Terastallized Glimmora into a pure Rock-type, presenting Liko and Dot with an opportunity to strike back effectively. Despite Quaxwell and Crocalor succumbing to Glimmora’s formidable attacks, Liko’s Floragato held firm and ultimately delivered a final blow, securing a spectacular victory over the champion.

Liko, Dot, and Roy Make Pokémon Anime History

A Historic Victory for the Trio

Geeta and her Glimmora challenge Liko, Roy, and Dot.

Geeta exhibited a strategic depth that made her a daunting opponent, yet Liko’s triumph showcased the trio’s dedication and seriousness in their quest to enter Area Zero. This significant victory not only granted them permission to proceed alongside Friede and Ms. Briar, but it also marked a milestone in Pokémon history: Roy became the first male main character other than Ash to defeat a champion, while Liko’s Floragato achieved the feat of being the only non-fully-evolved Pokémon to defeat a champion’s Pokémon on-screen, aside from Ash’s Pikachu.

While the heroes emerged victorious, Geeta’s exceptional display of skill underscored her rightful position as Paldea’s Top Champion. With this formidable challenge behind them, Pokémon Horizons now turns its sights on the much-anticipated exploration of Area Zero.

Source & Images