This article references episode 109 of Pokemon Journeys, and includes the current ranks as they stand.
As always, Ash is set on his goal of becoming the greatest Pokemon Master, and it appears as if his quest is nearly complete. Ash has a new friend in Goh, and together they travel across the regions with the goal of self-improvement (and growing their Pokemon collections of course!) Ash enters the World Coronation Series to test his skills as he battles his way up the ladder, intending to join the Masters' Eight in Pokemon Journeys.
The World Coronation Series relies on a ranking system whereby the trainers are categorized into four different groups, namely Normal Class, Great Class, Ultra Class, and Master Class, with the ultimate tier only having eight members. Those in the lower-ranking groups can simply travel around searching for worthy opponents for a 2v2 challenge, but Ultra and Master Class participants must honor a pre-arranged tournament set-up, where the match is usually televised. The mission? To knock Leon off his thrown at the Wyndon Stadium to become the next Monarch of the Masters' Eight.
#1 - Leon (World Champion)
At the head of the pack is Leon, who originates from the Galar Region. His Pokemon team features Charizard (Gigantimax) and Dragapult, and he has also been known to call on Alcremie and Corviknight when needed.
So far in the World Coronation Series, Leon has battled against the likes of Raihan, Lance, and Flint, having walked out victorious after each match and with a firm grip on his title. Ash was given the opportunity to fight the Monarch in an unofficial capacity, whereby the youngster was defeated but was gifted his first Dynamax Band and the inspiration to join the Tournament himself.
#2 - Cynthia (Sinnoh Champion)
As a recurring character, Cynthia made her debut in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl and returned in Black and White before joining the Pokemon Journeys lineup. She cheers Ash on during his televised match-up against Volkner, showing constant support for her friend.
Cynthia's Pokemon of choice usually involve (but are not specific to) the Dragon-type variety, and her team is made up of Roserade, Kommo-o, Glaceon, Gastrodon, and her favorite girl, Garchomp. When she's not training Pokemon, Cynthia enjoys brushing up on her mythology knowledge, with particular interest paid to the Sinnoh time-space legends.
#3 - Steven Stone (Hoenn Champion)
His surname may be Stone, but this trainer specializes in Steel-type Pokemon, although he does have a rock collecting passion on the side! His favorite Pokemon to call upon are Aron, Aggron, and Metagross (Mega), who easily deal with the Mega Charizard during a battle against Alain.
Having received substantial screen time in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire and XY, Steven has not made much of an appearance in Pokemon Journeys, apart from when his name and rank are mentioned. This will undoubtedly change as the World Champion Series starts to draw to a close, and his #3 spot is contested.
#4- Lance (Kanto and Johto Champion)
As the most virtuous member of the Masters Eight, Lance also forms part of the G-Men, who defend defenseless Pokemon from the influences of criminal avtivities. Being a true Pokemon Detective, Lance is regularly involved in investigating Team Rocket, which is precisely how this Dragon-type Pokemon Trainer met Ash and the gang.
With his Dragonite and Red Gyarados (Dynamax) in toe, he manages to earn the Champion title in two Regions, however, could not defeat Leon to claim the Monarch honors.
#5 - Diantha (Kalos Champion)
Due to her noble bloodline, Diantha is the only member of the Masters Eight to also belong to the Grand Duchess Trainer class. These royal trainers participate in their own elite tournament with a separate ranking system at the Battle Chateau. To add to her list of accomplishments is her successful career as a famous actress, known best for her film "My Sweet, Sweet Lady."
Diantha and Gardevoir (Mega) make a dynamic duo, as their relationship has grown stronger with Ralts' every evolvement. Hawlucha, Tyrantrum, and Aurorus are also part of the team of Kalos Region Champions.
#6 - Alain
The only member of the Masters Eight to not be a regional champion is Alain, who stems from Lumiose City. He has the very specific goal of becoming the master of all Mega Evolved Pokemon, with his trusty Mega Charizard X never far from his side. He also bulks up his team with the help of Metagross, Tyranitar, Weavile, Bisharp, and Unfezant.
Having built a strong foundation of Pokemon knowledge while working as Professor Sycamore's assistant, Alain developed a deep interest in learning everything possible about Mega Stones, making him the unofficial Master of Mega Evolution.
#7- Iris (Unova Champion)
Another fan-favorite to make it to the Masters Eight is Ash's longtime companion, Iris, the Dragon Master. Iris had a unique upbringing surrounded by the wild Pokemon who roamed the forests of the Village of Dragons, granting her a special affinity for communicating with Pokemon.
For the second time in his life, Ash attempts to capture his old friend in Pokemon Journeys, mistaking Iris for a wild critter, before the two battle it out in a World Coronation Series match. Iris put up a good fight with her Haxorus, but Ash proved himself to be a worthy opponent and emerged victoriously.
#8- Ash Ketchum (Alola Champion)
Ash's journey to becoming a member of the Masters Eight has not been an easy one, however, the moment to bask in the glory of success is slowly approaching. In an epic battle against Raihan, Ash took ownership of the #8 spot, finally putting his name on the board.
Ash's team of Dragonite, Gigantamax Gengar, and Lucario fight head-to-head against Raihan's Flygon, Goodra, and Gigantamax Duraludon in the nail-biting showdown of episode 109 of Pokemon Journeys. Now for the next step - moving up the ladder to claim the title of Monarch, and officially becoming the Ultimate Pokemon Master.
Since the introduction of Goh as a lead protagonist, many fans have wondered if the intention is to phase Ash out of the series. If that is the case, then the perfect opportunity is slowly approaching with Ash's involvement in the World Coronation Series, as he works his way up the Masters Eight rankings. Theoretically, if Ash becomes the Monarch then he will have completed his goal, and could then carry on defending his title. Like Misty and Brock and so many others before him, Ash could end his travels by settling down near the Wyndon Stadium, conveniently ready and available to take on any competitors.