Ash Ketchum, the protagonist of the world-famous Pokémon anime series, impressed the world with his skills as a trainer for over 25 years. While his talent is undeniable, all fans recognize that he would not have achieved his success without the of his partners. As the series progressed, viewers were introduced to a plethora of Pokémon that helped the hero achieve his dreams.

While Ash has no shortage of strong and capable friends to help during battle, his initial Pikachu was consistently recognized as the strongest. Despite its refusal to evolve, Ash’s most trusted friend held a power that rivaled that of the most powerful legendaries. Many of its biggest feats showed that Pikachu’s strength was several times higher than any other member of its species.

10 Defeating a Flock of Spearow

A Single Attack Brings Down an Entire Team

Although a majority of Pikachu’s best moments came from later seasons, its first-ever appearance already hinted at the massive power he held. After Ash risked his life to save his friend from a flock of Spearow, he could not run any longer, so he decided to put himself between his Pokémon and their opponents. As the group of creatures prepared to attack the boy, Pikachu jumped into the air and used its Thunderbolt to defeat them.

With a single attack, Ash’s best friend managed to defeat a large flock of Spearow, demonstrating abilities far beyond other Electric-Types. Flying-Types are indeed inherently weak to Pikachu’s abilities, and the Pokémon were wet by the rain, but Ash’s partner was heavily injured at the time, and an attack such as this would seldom affect more than one target.

9 Overpowering Raichu

Evolution Is Not Necessary for Pikachu’s Victory

In the world of Pokémon, evolution is one of the quickest and most popular methods to make a creature stronger in a short amount of time. It is rare for a non-evolved monster to be able to fight at full power, as they have yet to unlock their potential. Ash’s Pikachu is one of the special cases that can achieve a level beyond its evolved form without transforming.

This was proven during the fight against Lt. Surge, where he defeated a fully evolved Raichu that had even fought in a war, one of the series’ bloodiest plot holes. Pikachu had to train harder than ever, and it was fueled by a previous defeat, but the fact that it achieved something considered impossible by many is beyond impressive.

8 Winning the Orange Islands’ League

Granting Ash His First Trophy

The Orange Island’s Pokémon League was one of the greatest performances Ash ever had during a tournament in the anime. His entire team was ready to help him win the coveted trophy, but it was Pikachu who ultimately gave him the victory. After the rest of his team was defeated by the local champion, Drake, the protagonist had to send his first Pokémon to win the battle.

The champion had a powerful Dragonite that demolished the rest of Ash’s partners, which greatly worried the hero. Nonetheless, by combining his strategic mind and Pikachu’s might, Ketchum defeated the Dragon-Type, becoming the new champion of the archipelago. The franchise’s mascot proved how much it deserved its title during this fierce and iconic match.

7 Conquering Mega Evolutions

Pikachu’s Strength Knows No Limits

Introduced during the sixth generation and set to return during the Pokémon Legends Z-A game, Mega Evolutions are a level beyond a creature’s final form. By using this technique, a trainer can unleash the true power of their partner, making them several times stronger. Pikachu, as a non-evolved Pokémon, did not gain access to this skill, but it has been proven several times that he does not need another form.

Ash’s first partner defeated several Megas during their journey, with Misty’s Gyarados being one of the most impressive. This imposing dragon is a terrifying beast with enough power to destroy cities. Another major victory was Pikachu taking down Korina’s Mega Lucario in one of the best and most memorable battles in the series. The power of the franchise’s mascot sured even that of Pokémon that have evolved past their limits.

6 Suring Regice

Legendaries Fear Pikachu’s Might

Legendary Pokémon are known for being among the strongest and rarest creatures in the world of the series. Their power vastly sures that of regular monsters, making them the ultimate weapon for a trainer. Ash’s Pikachu has never allowed these legends to intimidate it, as it has overcome their challenges on several occasions. The battle against Brandon’s Regice during the Battle Frontier is an amazing example.

The Ice-Type member of the Legendary Giants is one of the most defensive Pokémon ever introduced in the anime. Its powers also make it easy for it to transform the field into an icescape, affecting the mobility of other creatures. Despite these complications, Pikachu took this deity down with just a couple of attacks, even after being frozen in ice for several seconds.

5 Defeating Silvally

A Creative and Decisive Victory

During the finals of the Alolan Pokémon League, Ash had to fight against one of his best-ever rivals, Gladion, who owned the powerful Legendary Silvally. After the beast took down the protagonist’s Melmetal, he had to send his most trusted partner to fight. The combat was hard, with Silvally avoiding almost all of Pikachu’s attacks thanks to its impressive speed.

At one point, Ash and his friend had an idea: use an Electroweb attack to trick the legendary into evading it. With this elastic material in place, Pikachu was able to bounce back into Silvally, landing a decisive Iron Tail, which knocked down its opponent. Not only was this an ingenious strategy, but the fact that Pikachu defeated a legendary with a single attack is quite an accomplishment.

4 Matching Latios’ Power

Pikachu Has the Power of a Legend

Tobias has always been a controversial trainer among Pokémon fans, as his teams allegedly consist of nothing but legendary creatures. He was one of Ash’s most challenging opponents during the Sinnoh League championship, being the one to ultimately defeat the hero. He accomplished this by utilizing the power of Darkrai and Latios. Nonetheless, Ash’s team did not go down without a fight, and Pikachu was the most impressive of all.

Despite the agility and power behind Latio’s attacks, the most iconic Pokémon in the franchise managed to keep up in both respects. Pikachu received hit after hit, but it still held on and managed to defeat Latios before fainting due to its injuries. The legendary had received almost no damage before their encounter, meaning Pikachu managed to equal its power all on its own.

3 Overcoming Tapu Koko’s Z Move

A Feat That Impressed Everyone in Alola

Once he was named the champion of the Alola Region, Ash was challenged by Professor Kukui to a match to demonstrate how much he had grown. The hero was surprised when, instead of using his final Pokémon, the researcher was interrupted by one of the archipelago’s guardians, Tapu Koko. The battle against this legend was fierce, with most of the protagonist’s Pokémon losing.

Pikachu was Ash’s last hope for victory, and it did not disappoint its trainer with its performance. During the climax of the fight, Tapu Koko used his signature Z move, which summoned a rock giant for it to control. Pikachu followed suit by activating its 10,000,000 Volt attack, which slowly but surely destroyed the titan and ended up defeating Tapu Koko as well.

2 One-Shooting an Ultra Beast

Pikachu’s Power Transcends Dimensions

When the Ultra Beast Nihilego took over Lusamine, a woman who had spent her life researching these powerful creatures, her friends and family tried to help her combat the monster's mental control. Lamentably, not even the words of her daughter, Lillie, could break the spell, as the beast was not willing to give up its host. With no options left, Ash and Pikachu were tasked with defeating Nihilego as soon as possible.

The duo were shocked when their Z Crystal evolved into a Pikashunium Z, granting them access to the iconic 10,000,000 Volt attack. By utilizing this powerful ability, Pikachu defeated Nihelego, one of the strongest Ultra Beasts, in a single attack. No other creature in the Sun and Moon anime would have been able to achieve such a feat.

1 Winning the World Championship

The Most Memorable Battle in the Franchise

Ash’s 25 years of training culminated in him being invited to Pokémon's prestigious Masters 8 Tournament. The hero was able to reach the finals, during which he would fight against one of the world’s strongest trainers, Leon. His Charizard was legendary for its power, said to rival the most powerful legendaries.

Despite this, Pikachu fought without fear, putting his full power behind every attack and refusing to go down even after receiving several direct attacks. When both combatants were about to out, they decided to go all out, crashing into each other with every ounce of strength they had left. When the smoke cleared, it was Pikachu who stood triumphant, granting his best friend the victory and the title of World Champion.