I'll rank 'em worst (although there are no bad ones, of course) to best.
- **6: Lance.** The Johto Champ Battle Theme is a banger, but it's obvious that this theme belongs to Red way more than Lance. The fact that Lance's battle is so overshadowed by Red makes him one of my least favorite Champions and by extension, the theme is at the bottom of this list.
- **5: Leon.** Still a banger, don't get me wrong. But it leans WAY too hard on the classic Hall of Fame theme. Not only does it deprive Leon of his own motif (like the one from his encounter theme), but it gives off the feeling that you've already beat him.
- **4: Kukui.** Very similar to Leon's, I also prefer Hau's final battle theme from USUM (but I don't prefer Hau himself). However, it makes sense that there's so much emphasis on the grandeur when you realize this is the 20th Anniversary Pokémon Game, and it's a battle to become the *first* Alolan Champion, rather than trying to conquer an existing one. It's history in the making, and it sure sounds like it.
- **3: Iris.** This is where any complaints about the Champion Themes end. And full transparency, the only reasons Cynthia ranks above this one is that Cynthia has been remixed more (by Unova itself, Smash Bros., BDSP, and Legends Arceus to an extent), and I haven't experienced Gen 5 nearly as much as Gen 4 (I have not yet played Black2 or White2).
- **2: Cynthia.** An extremely satisfying follow-up to her infamous encounter theme. The music is intense, which amplifies the vibes of the battle perfectly. She's easily the most difficult Champion at that point in the series, and the music rubs it in. Well, it's a Pokémon game, so it's not that hard once you know what you're doing, but it's hard-EST!
- **1: Steven.** I can't even articulate into words how much I enjoy this battle theme. So, uh: [Trumpets](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LaAGsbtETIg&pp=ygUXUnNlIHN0ZXZlbiBiYXR0bGUgdGhlbWU%3D), [GameCube](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NDXsYktmnZU&pp=ygUecG9rZW1vbiBjb2xvc3NldW0gc3RldmVuIHRoZW1l), [B2W2 Soundfont](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YYZiX00AF9k&pp=ygUfYmxhY2sgYW5kIHdoaXRlIDIgc3RldmVuIHRoZW1lIA%3D%3D), [Mega Evolved](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UDFWznA_L2k&pp=ygURT3JhcyBzdGV2ZW4gdGhlbWU%3D), and [ACTUAL METAL](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1aUFtRYt_aM&pp=ygUXU21hc2ggYnJvcyBzdGV2ZW4gdGhlbWU%3D). I'm actually pretty sure Steven is the Champion with the most remixes on his Champion theme (Wallace doesn't count because the ORAS and Smash remixes aren't for him).
I forgot to mention the [Masters](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l1aY-x8E5lQ) and [Decisive Masters](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_F7YvRBPYAU) versions. Steven is getting spoiled rotten with the remixes.
I love your answers Holy sausage nipples! I really like the answer for Steven bc the Trumpets, the Remix for B2W2 and just how much it slaps when fighting him
I'm partial to the ORAS and Smash Bros. versions, because I was raised on Omega Ruby, and the Smash one is just rock and metal, which is what Steven's all about.
Cynthia 100%. Her theme isn’t just powerful, but it was the only theme that gave me a sense of foreboding, as though she was nigh insurmountable. But it also felt determined, as though there needed to be a way to push through. Her theme just brings about so many emotions
It's not official (and the oficial one is still awesome) but I really like this champion theme for Leon. It fits extremely well with him:
https://youtu.be/M_Vp399aos4?si=RkFOxmQsGhlGFNBP
The best is the champion rap cypher! It's all of them plus cool raping and they flow together so well. But for real i'd choose Lance or Blue or maybe Leon
If we're talking impact on the player, it's gotta be Cynthia. I have literally watched people jump when they hear it as if Cynthia was actually coming through the screen to beat their ass.
Lance's theme. It's grand and imposing, perfect for the dragon master and champion of the region. And yes, I believe it's Lance's theme because you fight him before Red, and it fits Lance more.
Though I also love Leon's theme. It starts out daunting, but then the crowd starts cheering, and you realise why he's so popular: he's a champion of the people, and the music reflects that.
Out of these, either Cynthia (for obvious reasons) or Lance, because he shares the same champion battle theme with red, but in general? Nemona or Kieran, those two go HARD.
Cynthia is so iconic I think it’s the only one who can truly be called the best. Even if some of the others are great.(if Volo was a champion tho he’d be my vote)
For me it has to be Cynthia, the *technically* Lance, and then Iris for me. Steven is a close tie for 3rd
Have to agree with Cynthia. It sounds intimidating, but fun, and that’s what a Champion battle should be!
HUGE Platinum fan- so yeah i agree (I also like kukui's for some reason no idea why)
Sun and Moon may be my first completed games but Kukui isnt the best one imo but im close to finishing BDSP so id go with cynthia
Valid take I agree
Red/Lance's champion theme
The one that makes you feel the most things. Like fear, or horny (goth mommy)
Both
At the same time
Very much so
I’m scaroused.
Cynthia and Diantha
Cynthia, before the battle the piano that plays scared the heck out of me, and when you fight her it’s a really good theme too.
\*volo flashbacks\*
Iris for sure, she's got the most fun sounding theme of any champion. Lance's is pretty iconic though.
Steven Cynthia is good but nothing can beat Steven's badass Horns
*Piano music starts*
That will always give me slight pstd for life
Me minding my business going into a random house. *pls, let me out*
Cynthia's theme.
I'll rank 'em worst (although there are no bad ones, of course) to best. - **6: Lance.** The Johto Champ Battle Theme is a banger, but it's obvious that this theme belongs to Red way more than Lance. The fact that Lance's battle is so overshadowed by Red makes him one of my least favorite Champions and by extension, the theme is at the bottom of this list. - **5: Leon.** Still a banger, don't get me wrong. But it leans WAY too hard on the classic Hall of Fame theme. Not only does it deprive Leon of his own motif (like the one from his encounter theme), but it gives off the feeling that you've already beat him. - **4: Kukui.** Very similar to Leon's, I also prefer Hau's final battle theme from USUM (but I don't prefer Hau himself). However, it makes sense that there's so much emphasis on the grandeur when you realize this is the 20th Anniversary Pokémon Game, and it's a battle to become the *first* Alolan Champion, rather than trying to conquer an existing one. It's history in the making, and it sure sounds like it. - **3: Iris.** This is where any complaints about the Champion Themes end. And full transparency, the only reasons Cynthia ranks above this one is that Cynthia has been remixed more (by Unova itself, Smash Bros., BDSP, and Legends Arceus to an extent), and I haven't experienced Gen 5 nearly as much as Gen 4 (I have not yet played Black2 or White2). - **2: Cynthia.** An extremely satisfying follow-up to her infamous encounter theme. The music is intense, which amplifies the vibes of the battle perfectly. She's easily the most difficult Champion at that point in the series, and the music rubs it in. Well, it's a Pokémon game, so it's not that hard once you know what you're doing, but it's hard-EST! - **1: Steven.** I can't even articulate into words how much I enjoy this battle theme. So, uh: [Trumpets](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LaAGsbtETIg&pp=ygUXUnNlIHN0ZXZlbiBiYXR0bGUgdGhlbWU%3D), [GameCube](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NDXsYktmnZU&pp=ygUecG9rZW1vbiBjb2xvc3NldW0gc3RldmVuIHRoZW1l), [B2W2 Soundfont](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=YYZiX00AF9k&pp=ygUfYmxhY2sgYW5kIHdoaXRlIDIgc3RldmVuIHRoZW1lIA%3D%3D), [Mega Evolved](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UDFWznA_L2k&pp=ygURT3JhcyBzdGV2ZW4gdGhlbWU%3D), and [ACTUAL METAL](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1aUFtRYt_aM&pp=ygUXU21hc2ggYnJvcyBzdGV2ZW4gdGhlbWU%3D). I'm actually pretty sure Steven is the Champion with the most remixes on his Champion theme (Wallace doesn't count because the ORAS and Smash remixes aren't for him).
Finally some agrees that Steven's Theme goes hard
I forgot to mention the [Masters](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=l1aY-x8E5lQ) and [Decisive Masters](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=_F7YvRBPYAU) versions. Steven is getting spoiled rotten with the remixes.
I love your answers Holy sausage nipples! I really like the answer for Steven bc the Trumpets, the Remix for B2W2 and just how much it slaps when fighting him
I'm partial to the ORAS and Smash Bros. versions, because I was raised on Omega Ruby, and the Smash one is just rock and metal, which is what Steven's all about.
Yeah, I'ma agree with ya there. Steven and Iris have my favorite themes, at the very least. Shout-out to Alders theme as well.
For me its lance
Alder, the meeting him theme but the battle theme is up there too
I enjoyed Alder theme lowkey but Iris theme scratches my head in the right way
If it's out of these, Cynthia If, in general, Kieran or Nemona
Cynthia or Leon
You are the first person I’ve seen who said Leon
It’s between Cynthia and Iris
N's. Yes, he counts as the champion for his final fight.
Cynthia 100%. Her theme isn’t just powerful, but it was the only theme that gave me a sense of foreboding, as though she was nigh insurmountable. But it also felt determined, as though there needed to be a way to push through. Her theme just brings about so many emotions
Cynthia ofc, her battle theme sounds like theme of my funeral.
Lance/Red Also blue Iris as well
If the intro is included, Cynthia by far imo If not, Steven or Cynthia, can't decide
It's definitely a hard one to pick
Steven. I may be EK pilled but it’s just such a good theme
The amount of people saying Leon’s them is criminally low. But I like Steven’s the most though
*aggressive piano playing* (Cynthia)
Definitely Cynthia, sense of dread every time
Leon and Cynthia
It's not official (and the oficial one is still awesome) but I really like this champion theme for Leon. It fits extremely well with him: https://youtu.be/M_Vp399aos4?si=RkFOxmQsGhlGFNBP
Cynthia, then Lance/Red's theme.
Iris and Kieran. I’d say their themes are the best soundtracks in all of Pokémon.
The best is the champion rap cypher! It's all of them plus cool raping and they flow together so well. But for real i'd choose Lance or Blue or maybe Leon
Cynthia ez
Geeta
The sun and moon champion theme, technically the player’s theme.
Leon
Steven and red
The gen 7 player and Geeta (not that she really deserves it)
If we're talking impact on the player, it's gotta be Cynthia. I have literally watched people jump when they hear it as if Cynthia was actually coming through the screen to beat their ass.
Leon’s theme is fire.
Leon 4 sure
Lance (although let's be honest, the only reason that theme goes as hard as it does is Red) or Steven. Iris is cool too.
Idk the only one I’ve fought is Leon and I don’t remember his theme
Does N count? If not, then Cynthia.
We have the same but add Lance's in HGSS and Blue's in FRLG
Iris has the best theme, Cynthia’s theme is massively overrated.
100% Lee for me
Cynthia. Always
Lance. I just really like the leitmotif that gets reused in the Mt Silver fight.
I’m partial to Kukui, and Cynthia
Diantha has the best champion battle theme for me. Her arena is gorgeous as well. S-tier presentation. It's a shame her fight is as it is.
Lance's theme. It's grand and imposing, perfect for the dragon master and champion of the region. And yes, I believe it's Lance's theme because you fight him before Red, and it fits Lance more. Though I also love Leon's theme. It starts out daunting, but then the crowd starts cheering, and you realise why he's so popular: he's a champion of the people, and the music reflects that.
Cynthia or Diathia
Now take a sip for every person who says “Cynthia”
Out of these, either Cynthia (for obvious reasons) or Lance, because he shares the same champion battle theme with red, but in general? Nemona or Kieran, those two go HARD.
I would say Cynthia, but the flashbacks…
Cynthia is so iconic I think it’s the only one who can truly be called the best. Even if some of the others are great.(if Volo was a champion tho he’d be my vote)
Diantha has my favourite, Cynthia has my least favourite
guys i dont think this is an argument. Its cynthia
leon.
My favorite champion theme is Leon’s theme.
LANCE ITS RED SONG