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Trip is a character appearing in Pokémon the Series: Black & White, who is one of Ash's rivals along his journey.


Trip has neck-length dirty blonde hair and icy blue eyes. He wears a violet undershirt, an orange jacket over a dark-gray hooded sweater, a black waist-belt, white pants with black and white trainers and Trip is often seen with his camera, taking pictures of his journey.


While traveling to take on the Unova League, Trip takes photographs of Pokémon that he encounters and is also known as a Pokémon Photographer. Unlike Paul (Ash Ketchum's previous arch-rival), Trip cares for his Pokémon who does not consider them tools, but he prioritizes becoming a strong trainer, similar to Cheren from the games and he is quite obnoxious, much like Gary Oak. The main reason he took a dislike to Ash is because of his training style and more outgoing personality, whereas Trip tended to mostly keep to himself.

He is not as cocky as Gary or as harsh as Paul, but he had a strong dislike towards Ash. However, before running into Alder, they were shown to have at least something resembling mutual respect.

Unlike Gary, who enjoyed picking on Ash, and Paul, who outright hated his guts, Trip saw Ash as an annoyance but was occasionally willing to help him out, such as when he showed him how Oshawott could not land Aqua Jet because its eyes were closed.

Trip is bound to learn that becoming the champion does not depend on just becoming strong. His goal was to become the next Pokémon Champion of the Unova region, but was defeated by Ash in the first round of the Unova League.

Trip is somewhat xenophobic (having or showing a dislike of or prejudice against people from other countries) as he does not think very highly of the Kanto region — or anyone from there. He thinks of anyone from Kanto as a redneck from "the boonies" who should go back to the basics of Pokémon.

Trip mellowed out considerably after his battle with Alder. Realizing that he was not a high-level trainer as he thought he was, he (mostly) ceased belittling people he saw as beneath him. When he left the Junior Cup, he expressed a genuine interest in battling Ash at the forthcoming Unova League.

After losing to Ash at the league, he dropped any disdain he still had for Ash and they now consider each other friends.



Black and White

Trip appears in the Japan-only downloadable Pokémon World Tournament, Unova League event for Pokémon Black 2 & White 2 along with Virgil, Cameron, and Stephan in the Wi-Fi event You Challenge the Unova League Too!, as a minor character. Trip uses the Ace Trainer sprite, but is labeled as a Pokémon Trainer. He has the following Pokémon:

Serperior B2W2.gif
 Type Grass.gif 
Jellicent BW.gif
 Type Water.gif Type Ghost.gif 
Conkeldurr BW.gif
 Type Fighting.gif 
 Type .gif 
 Type .gif 
 Type .gif 
Item: Occa Berry Item: Sitrus Berry Item: Lum Berry Item: ? Item: ? Item: ?
Dragon Tail Hex Bulk Up - - -
Energy Ball Scald Strength - - -
Wrap Will-O-Wisp Rock Tomb - - -
Frenzy Plant Recover Stone Edge - - -


Trip promising to battle Alder.

While Trip was a kid, he watched the battle of Alder against a trainer. After Alder won the battle, he advised Trip to grow stronger and take on the League if he wanted to challenge Alder one day.[1]

Pokémon the Series: Black & White

Trip receives his Pokédex, starting his journey.

Trip was a beginning trainer who went to Nuvema Town to choose his first Pokémon. Ash Ketchum was friendly to him at first, but Trip rejected Ash's attempt to become acquainted as he refuses to be friends with someone from the "boonies". After some thinking, Trip chose Snivy as his starter Pokémon and was given five Poké Balls and a Pokédex as well. Later on, Trip came out and started taking pictures of his journey, including Pikachu, because it was a rare thing to see in Unova. Trip wondered if it was strong and challenged Ash to a battle. Because of Zekrom, Pikachu's power was weakened and it was unable to use Electric-type moves. Pikachu tried to attack with Iron Tail and Quick Attack, but it was defeated by Snivy's Leaf Tornado. Trip taunted Ash, telling him to go back to the basics as he left for Accumula Town.[2]


Trip annoying Ash

As Ash came to the Battle Club, he was startled to see Trip enlisted in. Cilan remembered Trip actually battled Chili in the Striaton City's Gym and won the Trio Badge. Per request, Don George contacted Trip. Trip was displeased at Ash, since he reminded Ash Snivy won against Pikachu. However, Trip was slightly curious and came to the Battle Club, agreeing on a 6-on-6 battle. Ash admitted he only had 5 Pokémon, making Trip annoyed and refused the battle. Iris managed to taunt Trip, claiming he was a little kid, so Trip accepted a 5-on-5 battle. Trip sent Tranquill against Ash's Oshawott, who was immediately defeated by Tranquill's Aerial Ace (due to Tranquill's Super Luck ability). Ash sent Tepig to battle, who was also defeated, by a combination of Work Up and Aerial Ace. Tranquill attempted to defeat Pikachu with the same combo, but Pikachu grabbed Tranquill's leg, threw it away and defeated it with Volt Tackle. Trip sent Servine, who evolved from Snivy. Servine managed to hit Pikachu with Leaf Tornado and defeated him with Cut. Trip chided Ash, doubting he would win, but Ash sent Snivy, who got hit by Servine's attacks. Using Attract, Snivy infatuated Servine and managed to defeat it. For his next Pokémon, Trip sent Frillish, while Ash swapped Snivy for Pidove. Pidove tried to attack, but Frillish defended itself and defeated Pidove with Water Pulse. Ash sent Snivy back, who used Vine Whip, but due to Cursed Body, Snivy couldn't execute the move any more. Frillish dodged Attract and defeated Snivy with a combination of Water Pulse and Hex. Trip then stated that Pikachu and Snivy were improving well, but the rest of his team members were a worthless, pathetic joke, and so was their Trainer. Ash promised to become stronger and battle Trip again.[4]

Trip came to Castelia City and was using his Lampent to get rid of a swarm of Venipede, teaming up with other Fire-Type trainers. After destroying a large amount of the Venipede, Ash tried to stop him. Trip ignored Ash and told Lampent to hit the leader of the Venipede with Shadow Ball. Ash jumped in the way and got injured, then said they should move them out of the way. Trip first refused. He finally agreed, and they cleared out the Venipede with their Tranquill. Trip jokingly said he'd battle Ash again once he was worthy, marking a minor sprout in their friendship. Trip left off, since he couldn't wait too much for the Castelia City's Gym to be opened.[5]

Trip takes a photo of Iris' Axew.

Trip was in the area and attempted to catch a Palpitoad, but Ash interfered and caused Trip, by accident, to hit Ash with the Ball. Trip was furious, but noticing Iris and Axew, he took a picture of Axew, who was from the Village of Dragons. Trip, however, claimed Iris was disrespectful for her fear of Ice-type Pokémon. Ash tried to challenge Trip to a battle, but Trip ignored him, wanting to challenge Iris. Iris, however, claimed she was not in a top-mood, since Trip would only challenge Axew as her only Dragon-type Pokémon. Trip almost left, but was taunted by Iris (who called him a kid again) to battle Ash. Trip decided a 3-on-3 battle and sent Servine against Ash's Snivy. This surprised Trip, claiming Servine was stronger than Snivy. This time, Servine managed to hit Snivy with Leaf Tornado, dodge her Attract attack and defeat her with Cut. As they sent their Pokémon, Trip admitted he wants to become strong enough to defeat the Champion, Alder. Ash sent Oshawott against Trip's Timburr. Oshawott was intimidated, but Ash encouraged Oshawott to battle. Oshawott repeatedly used Aqua Jet, but continuously missed. Trip took some photos and showed to Ash Oshawott's eyes are closed when he uses Aqua Jet. Timburr managed to hit Oshawott with Low Kick, but Oshawott retaliated with Water Gun and defeated Timburr with Razor Shell. To copy Ash's battling style, Trip sent Vanillite, a Pokémon with type disadvantage against Tepig. Tepig managed to hit Vanillite with Flame Charge, but got hit by Ice Beam. Vanillite used Blizzard against Tepig's Flame Charge, causing a double knockout and ending the match in a tie. Trip left, while Ash promised he will defeat Trip one day.[1] Remembering Trip's photos of Oshawott, who closed its eyes while using Aqua Jet, Ash decided to train Oshawott.[6]

Trip decides to leave the Tournament, after his loss.

Trip came to the local Battle Club Tournament in Nimbasa Town and registered for participation, then left off. He later learned he would have to fight Cilan, the Gym Leader. After watching the battle of Georgia vs. Ash, he commented Ash was lucky enough to win the battle. He came to the battlefield and faced Cilan.[7] Cilan sent Dwebble against Trip's Gurdurr. During the clash, Gurdurr managed to hit Dwebble with Rock Smash, leaving a crack in Dwebble's rock. Cilan's Dwebble avoided Dynamic Punch attack, then used Shell Smash and imprisoned Gurdurr with Rock Slide, causing it to be separated from the rail it carried. With X-Scissor, Dwebble defeated Gurdurr. Trip took a picture of Cilan, saying it was to remember his anger and frustration. After healing his Gurdurr, Trip decided to leave. Ash tried to persuade Trip to stay, who believed he wouldn't get stronger by just watching how others battle and went off.[8]

Trip expresses his desire to battle the Champion, Alder.

Trip came to a small town, where he met the heroes (to his displeasure). Ash showed he got four badges, while Trip obtained five. Regardless, Trip admitted he came to find Alder, the Champion, and request for a battle. Trip told Alder was seen nearby; the group encountered Alder on Officer Jenny's motorcycle, since he flirted with her. Alder fell down, since Jenny refused his charms. Trip came to Alder, who recognized Trip as "Tristan". Trip and Ash challenged Alder to a battle, but Alder claimed he could only battle one at a time. Trip allowed Ash to go first, since Trip could study Alder's battle strategies. Trip watched the battle, surprised Alder did not do anything to counter Pikachu's moves against his Bouffalant. Trip was annoyed to see Alder was actually sleeping and yelled at Alder, who woke up. Alder confessed his loss and claimed he was too hungry to have a battle with Trip. Trip reminded Alder about telling Trip the importance of strength. Alder could not remember he told this to "Tristan", causing Trip even more annoyance and he left.[9]

Trip about to defeat a frustrated Bianca with her Emboar.

Trip came to the Clubsplosion and registered in the event with his Conkeldurr, who evolved from Gurrdurr. Ash was amazed and was reminded many fighting-type Pokémon would participate. Trip chided Ash, who was angered and tried to backtalk to Trip, but was stopped by Trip's Conkeldurr. Trip saw he would face Bianca in the first round, thinking it would be a very easy fight he'd win.[10] Trip managed to take photos of Iris' battle with Burgundy. Trip also told Ash he won his battle against Angus and Simisage by pure luck, considering him "low class", for Scraggy didn't even manage to master his newly learned Focus Blast attack. Regardless, Trip faced Bianca in the battle and sent Conkeldurr against Bianca's Emboar. Conkeldurr managed to block Emboar's attacks and trapped him inside Rock Tomb, then proceeded to defeat Emboar with Stone Edge.[11] Fortunately for Bianca, Emboar managed to collect the stones and use Fling to throw the stones back at Conkeldurr. Conkeldurr deflected the attacks, but Emboar took its concrete pillars and threw them in its face, defeating Conkeldurr and Trip. Trip saw he had much to learn and still planned on defeating Alder. With his Conkeldurr healed, Trip declined Ash's battle challenge and left off.[12]

Trip came to Lacunosa Town to participate in the Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup. Trip encountered Alder and was still annoyed by his goofy personality. Regardless, his aim was to battle his way to the top and defeat Alder. In the first round, Trip faced Burgundy and her Darmanitan, where his Servine was revealed to have evolved into Serperior. It frightened Darmanitan with Leer and then finished it off with Solar Beam. This made Burgundy sad and Ash shocked Trip won the battle so easily and quickly.[13] Trip managed to defeat Manning and Heatmor with Serperior and advance to the Semi-Finals. Trip met up with Cynthia, who asked him why wasn't he watching the battles. Trip claimed he already had planned his strategies, but his desire was to defeat Alder and face Cynthia next. His next opponent was Cilan and sent Serperior against his Crustle. Using the same tactics, Serperior used Leer and Solar Beam, but Crustle managed to withstand the attacks. After dodging Rock Slide and X-Scissor, Serperior defeated Crustle with Frenzy Plant. Alder was impressed, thinking Trip will go far - a point Trip wanted to prove by defeating Alder, after winning the final match.[14]

Alder presents Trip with the Junior Cup trophy.

Trip watched the battle against Ash and Iris, and was even worried at Iris' Dragonite's power. With Iris defeated, Trip faced Ash in the finals, sending Serperior against Ash's Pignite. Pignite and Serperior launched their attacks at each other, but both had missed their targets continuously. In the end, Serperior tried to leer Pignite, who jumped up, but was hit by Solar Beam. Pignite retaliated with Fire Pledge, but missed and was defeated by Serperior's Frenzy Plant. Trip was the winner of the Cup and received the trophy from Alder. As promised, Alder battled Trip by sending Bouffalant against Trip's Serperior. Serperior charged itself with Solar Beam, as the battle started.[15] Bouffalant withstood Solar Beam and Dragon Tail, surprising Trip at Bouffalant's guts. Alder reminded Trip he was battling a Champion and had Bouffalant attack with Head Charge, defeating Serperior with one attack. Alder pointed out it did not matter if one won or lost, for one should always be with their Pokémon through the battles, claiming that is the true strength that comes from the battles. Trip admitted he did like Serperior and promised to have a rematch with Alder one day to prove what he had learned. Later on, Trip bid farewell with the heroes on somewhat less hostile terms, glad to have battled Alder - and have grown stronger. Iris, meanwhile, noticed that Trip had greatly subdued his nasty attitude.[16]

Trip manages to throw Ash off-balance, as his strategy is working.

Trip came to Vertress City to enter the Unova League. He met up with the heroes and asked of Ash not to lose before their battle. This surprised Ash, Iris and Cilan, seeing Trip had changed. Trip saw he was to battle Ash in the first round - a battle Trip was actually looking forward to. Trip used Serperior and Ash used Pikachu, so Cilan commented Trip wanted to take advantage of speed to win the round. Serperior dodged Pikachu's attacks and retaliated with Dragon Tail, hitting Pikachu. Trip smiled, for his strategy was working.[17] Trip's Serperior continued attacking Pikachu and managed to bind it by using Wrap. Pikachu retaliated with Thunderbolt, though Serperior binded his tail to the ground, negating the damage. Pikachu managed to free itself by using Iron Tail on the ground and clashed with Serperior. For a final clash, Pikachu used Iron Tail and Electro Ball at the same time. Serperior withstood the attack, but took too much damage and fainted. After his defeat, Trip bumped into Ash at the Pokémon Center. Trip did not bear any grudge, for he decided to grow stronger and challenge Alder one day. Ash and Trip shook hands, as Trip went off to continue his journey.[18]

Looking at the battlefield of the Unova League one last time, Ash remembered his adventures that led him to this place, including his own rival, Trip.[19]

Trip was seen in Best Wishes! ending theme. Trip continued his journey with Serperior and took some photos.


On hand

Frillish was the final Pokémon that was used during Trip's battle with Ash at the Battle Club. Using its Cursed Body ability, it managed to disable Snivy's attacks after it got hit by a Vine Whip. It also has many powerful attacks which are used in order to defeat Ash's Pidove and Snivy. It protected itself from many attacks in their match with its Protect.



Trip's first 5 badges

  3. Two unidentified Badges (Prior to "Ash and Trip's Third Battle!")
  5. Three unknown Badges (Prior to "Curtain Up, Unova League!")


  • Don George Club Battle Tournament - Defeated by Cilan: Top 16
  • Donamite Tournament - Defeated by Bianca: Top 16
  • Unova League - Defeated by Ash: Top 128
  • Pokémon World Tournament Junior Cup - Winner (but loses to Alder the Champion).

Voice actors

  • Dutch: Thijs van Aken
  • Spanish: Carlos Bautista
  • Iberian Spanish: Jaime Alberto Carrillo


  • Along with Bianca and Cameron, Trip has a final evolved Pokémon of one of the three Unova starters.
  • Out of Ash Ketchum's three rivals (Gary, Paul and Trip himself), Trip is the only one to not battle Ash in a full battle in their league match. Instead, they used their main Pokémon - Serperior and Pikachu respectively - in a single battle. Furthermore, he is the only one to not battle Ash late into the tournament, instead facing him in the qualifier round.
  • Despite defeating Ash usually, Trip always gets knocked out in the first round in tournaments while Ash makes it to at least the top 8 or even higher.
    • The only exception is the Junior Cup, which Trip won, beating Ash in the finals.