Elite 4 Challenge VS League Tournament (like in the anime)

[Greninjaman]

Some stories have the protagonist (assuming they make it that far before the fanfic dies) challenge the Elite 4 like in the games, while others do tournaments, like in the anime. Which one is better to work with in fanfiction in your opinion, guys?

 

[Psycho Monkey]

My headcanon is both apply. In any given year in a decently populated region there are probably hundreds, if not thousands, of Trainers collecting all eight badges and vying for the Champion's throne. Thus there is an annual tournament for Trainers to compete against one another with the winner of the tournament being allowed to take on the Elite Four and regional Champion. Since these are the five strongest Trainers in the region, most tournament winners find they aren't up to the task, but every now and then you get exceptional talent that can brave the gauntlet of back-to-back matches with the Elite Four and Champion resulting in the crowning of a new regional Champion.

 

[FelipePR]

Gyms --> Regional Championship -> Region's Elite Four -> World Championship -> Challenge the World Champion.