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Yeah.... let me introduce you to this idea
Ash is competing against the main champions of the anime, in an EXCLUSIVE league for them. This means that Ash did not formally compete against said champions in their respective leagues going through elimination stages like all competitors. It was just a direct match against each of the champions from various regions.
In other words, they needed to create an entire league for him in order to be champion, since he couldn't make it in the other regions, (the important ones).
In my humble opinion, even if Ash is champion in journeys, it is only for a fantasy league. It is not a region champion title.
sorry
