Pokémon fans vote for most popular monster, but you'll never guess who took top spot

In the world of Pokémon, there’s always the age-old question of who the most popular ‘mon is. And what do fans do when they long to know who comes out on top? They vote, of course. The thing is, we doubt many fans expected this monster to claim the top position.

Personally, I anticipated seeing a lot of classic ‘mons dominate the top 20. Yet, to my surprise, only a few made it. Arguably, this is due to the fact that the vote was predominately asking who fans’ favourite Scarlet & Violet pokémon is rather than including every single game. Still, it stings to not see my boy Bulbasaur on top where he belongs.

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What may shock fans even more is the fact that Quaxly didn’t make the cut at all. Over 152,000 fans voted, yet the adorable duck starter (which gives off serious Duck Tales vibes) didn’t get a single vote. It’s fair to say the other starters presented stiff competition, but to get nothing seems incredibly harsh.

Also surprisingly low down, in our humble opinion, is Gengar, who placed ninth. As everyone’s favourite spooky boy, both in the games and TV show, it seems criminal that this cheeky chappy should nearly be knocked out of the top 10. Despite Pokémon Scarlet & Violet delivering a diverse mix of new ‘mon for us to fall in love with, few offer the cuteness, power, and charm of Gengar.

More surprises were in store, though, as it was Meowscarada who glitched the deal, coming in top of the votes. “Congrats to Meowscarda for making it so high! It’s my second favourite of the starters for SV,” one comment read. “RIP to actual Pikachu and Quaxly, lol.”

Here’s the top 20 Pokémon:

1. Meowscarada
2. Fuecoco
3. Chandelure
4. Sylveon
5. Tinkaton
6. Lucario
7. Mimikyu
8. Clodsire
9. Gengar
10. Gardevoir
11. Teal Mask Ogerpon
12. Umbreon
13. Ceruledge
14. Pawmi
15. Glaceon
16. Garchomp
17. Sprigatito
18. Flygon
19. Alcremie
20. Slither Wing

“Meows is my favourite Gen 9 ‘mon, and I'm not surprised to see it on top given how many Japanese streamers love it (and Fuecoco),” said another fan, before adding that “a lot” of their favourites were in the top 100.

As someone who picked Sprigatito as their starter, I understand the appeal of the adorable green furball, especially after it evolves into a badass Dark/Grass Type. So maybe, just maybe, it isn’t that surprising. That being said, we still believe some monsters have been unjustly forgotten.