In the Pokémon world, the most watched fighting sport is Pokémon battles. Major mainland tournaments, world championship tournaments or even local competitions, the audience to watch is also a lot. However, for some reason, the showdown at the local arena rarely had an audience.
For some reason, the badge challenge matches didn’t involve the public at all. The stadiums almost all have stands or at least a place for spectators to watch. However, most of Ash’s fights with the chiefs are watched by only… his friends. Except for the Galar region, which actually considers the badge challenge a public event, the other continents have yet to conduct this. This is clearly a big question mark that makes every viewer curious: Why haven’t the badge challenges open to the general viewer yet?
Why are there no spectators in the arena battles?
One of the most basic reasons for no spectators is the fact that the challenger can give 100% full attention to the battle. Whether the audience supports, opposes or even speaks up will distract the main character. Many Pokémon trainers need to observe and hear their opponent’s every move, encountering noisy things will prevent them from giving the correct commands.
Ash experienced this while playing at Virbank Gymnasium. He had to be very focused in front of Roxie’s boiling audience and burning music. Although the reaction of the audience is a very popular thing in the Galar region, for those who need to pay attention when competing will certainly be annoyed because it is not sure to bring them any advantage.
Not to mention that the crowd disliked challengers and preferred to support their arena leaders. With the home field advantage and the support of loved ones, these coaches will have an added mental advantage. Typically, the battle with Brock, the leader in Pewter City, Ash has lost a lot of advantage because viewers are Brock’s brothers.
Challenging for a badge is clearly not the same as a home-away football match, but simply someone coming from afar to challenge the host, so keeping things in balance will help. challengers get a partial advantage back. In addition, the audience can also be hooligans like the Yell team in the Galar region, who only wreak havoc and create trouble instead of cheering for either side.
Ultimately, it is up to them whether or not the stadium leader allows viewers to enter the field to watch. Some leaders like Elesa or the chiefs of the Galar region are sure to enjoy the audience and stir the audience when they are challenged. Still, some older trainers like Blaine or Brawly would probably prefer unwatched battles. Obviously, it’s up to the leaders to choose whether or not to have an audience, so everything needs to follow them.
What benefits will having an audience follow?
There are a ton of disadvantages to having viewers come to compete in Pokémon, but the benefits are just as great. Pokémon battles, like other sports competitions, are undoubtedly the most engaging for all to watch. Sure enough, every time someone came to challenge the arena, dozens of people came to watch. Just like sports, ticket sales bring a lot of profit to the stadium.
Besides, having followers do the right thing does distract the real challenger, but that’s not the point. Coaches who compete in major tournaments will also have to face many viewers, right? There’s real pressure, but getting more people to watch the games will definitely pay off in the long run.
If the Galar continent can turn gym fights into a sport, then obviously other continents can too. This not only benefits the gym in particular, but also the Pokémon competition in general. Obviously, the gymnasiums should be open to the public to see what things will look like in the future.