So! I must say, I am impressed you got here. Team Rocket captures Pokémon from around the world. They're important tools for keeping our criminal enterprise going. I am the leader, Giovanni! For your insolence, you will feel a world of pain!
Giovanni in FireRed and LeafGreen
Giovanni is a character who is the Gym Leader for Viridian City's Gym, and the Boss of the criminal organization, Team Rocket. As the eighth Gym Leader in Kanto, Giovanni holds the Earth Badge for the trainers that defeat him, and specializes in Ground-type Pokémon.
In the Generation II games, Giovanni has disappeared inexplicably after his third and final loss to Red, leaving Team Rocket disorganized and confused.
Later, an alternate version of Giovanni has successfully taken over the world and reconstructed the entire organization into Team Rainbow Rocket in Alola and gathers all the other leaders from the past five regions.
Quick Answers
What type of Pokémon does Giovanni specialize in as a Gym Leader?
What badge does Giovanni award to trainers who defeat him?
What happened to Giovanni after his final loss to Red in Generation II games?
Who took over the world in the alternate version of Giovanni's story?
What role does Giovanni play in the criminal organization Team Rocket?
Appearance[]
Giovanni is a tall, medium built, middle aged man. He has very short, flat, dark hair and small dark eyes. He wears a long sleeved black shirt with a large V neck that shows off a white undershirt, black slightly baggy trousers and black shoes.
Personality[]
As the manipulative leader of Team Rocket, Giovanni has a knack for being underhanded. His general attitude is untrustworthy to say the least, giving off a conniving or serious expression at times. It is revealed during his relationship with the notorious Legendary Pokémon Mewtwo that he sees all Pokémon as a source of power for his own will to abuse.
However, he is not unable to see when he has been defeated, even if he is rather salty about it. Despite his dislike for Red, he gives him the Earth Badge if he defeats him in Viridian City, even giving him a TM (Earthquake). It is unknown if this was simply because it is mandatory for Gym Leaders to give these items to the victors, or for some other reason (after all, Giovanni doesn’t seem like the type to care all that much about mandatory rules).
He also seems to have at least a bit of humanity in him; after the player defeats him at his Gym in the Generation I games, he will state that “having lost in this fashion, I cannot face my followers.” This hints that he feels rather ashamed that he was bested so many times by Red. He also laments on the fact that he “betrayed them all.” This gives us a clue that he does perhaps care for people, or at the very least, he cares for his followers.
However, his feelings towards his son, Silver (who is the player's Rival in Generation II), are unclear. He abandoned Silver along with all of Team Rocket after being defeated by Red. It is possible that this was for much the same reason he abandoned Team Rocket (feeling as though he cannot face him, etc.). Nonetheless, this was an incredibly selfish act on Giovanni’s part, as he considered his own feelings before his child.
Etymology[]
The name Giovanni may originate from geo-, a prefix meaning "earth", as he is a Ground-type Trainer. His localized name's Italian etymology likely alludes to the Sicilian Mafia, a crime syndicate based out of Italy, which Team Rocket's localized appearances (in Japanese, they're based on a Yakuza faction, a type of Japanese crime syndicate) are based on.
His Japanese name, Sakaki, is literally 榊 (sakaki, a sacred tree that the Earth Badge resembles). It may also include 坂 (saka, slope).
Biography[]
Games[]
Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version[]
Giovanni first appeared in Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version as the leader of Team Rocket. After he and his soldiers, the Team Rocket Grunts, were defeated at both the Rocket Hideout and Silph Co., Giovanni himself escapes to an unknown hideout. Eventually, it is revealed that he is the Gym Leader of the Viridian Gym, and the final Gym Leader the player character faces. Upon defeating him for good, Giovanni states that he's giving up on Team Rocket, subsequently disbands the organization, and disappears, and is not seen again for the rest of the game.
Pokémon Gold Version and Pokémon Silver Version[]
Later on, in Pokémon Gold Version and Pokémon Silver Version, Team Rocket has returned, led by Executives, now functioning without Giovanni, and believes that he himself will return. The lost Team Rocket attempts several acts in order to call their former Leader, though he never makes an appearance.
Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version[]
In Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version, Giovanni retains his first role as the main villain and Viridian Gym Leader as in Red and Blue with the exception of passing the protagonist the TM (Earthquake) instead of the TM (Fissure). At the Sevii Islands, a group of renegade Team Rocket Grunts and Admins attempt to continue their schemes but are defeated by the protagonist.
Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version[]
In Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version, like in the originals, the return of Team Rocket led by Executive Archer attempt to regaining their evil glory by committing several acts such as at the Slowpoke Well and the Lake of Rage. After being foiled by the protagonist, Team Rocket took over the Goldenrod Radio Tower to contact their missing leader but are once again defeated. Archer then disbands Team Rocket forever, much like his leader three years ago.
It was later revealed during the Celebi Event that Giovanni heard the broadcast from his radio in his hideout in Tohjo Falls. After being defeated, he disappears. During the event, it was also revealed that Silver was Giovanni's son who was abandoned by his father when he met his defeat at the hands of Red. This act reflects on Giovanni's selfishness.
Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2[]
In Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2, he appears at the Pokémon World Tournament mode wearing his Celebi event outfit.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon[]
In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon, an alternate version of himself appears in the Alola region, where he has formed Team Rainbow Rocket. This new, powerful villainous team, in addition to Giovanni (who is the leader), consists of Archie from Team Aqua, Maxie from Team Magma, Cyrus from Team Galactic, Ghetsis from Team Plasma, Lysandre from Team Flare, and Faba from Aether Paradise, and numerous Team Rainbow Rocket grunts.
He and other individuals all hail from an alternate universe where they actually achieved their prior villainous goals and were brought to Alola through an Ultra Wormhole.
At some point late in the game, the player character enters the Team Rainbow Rocket hideout to put an end to their (currently unknown) plans, battling all of the villainous team leaders and Giovanni himself in the process.
Other appearances[]
Sprites[]
Pokémon[]
Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version[]
![]() Onix ![]() ![]() |
![]() Rhyhorn ![]() ![]() |
![]() Kangaskhan ![]()
| |||
Lv. 25 | - | Lv. 24 | - | Lv. 29 | ♀
|
Rock Throw | Horn Attack | Comet Punch | |||
Bind | Rage | ||||
Rage | Bite | ||||
Screech |
Pokémon Yellow Special Pikachu Edition[]
![]() Onix ![]() ![]() |
![]() Rhyhorn ![]() ![]() |
![]() Persian ![]()
| |||
Lv. 25 | - | Lv. 24 | - | Lv. 29 | -
|
Rock Throw | Horn Attack | Pay Day | |||
Bind | Scratch | ||||
Rage | Bite | ||||
Screech | Growl |
[]
![]() Onix ![]() ![]() |
![]() Rhyhorn ![]() ![]() |
![]() Kangaskhan ![]()
| |||||
Lv. 25 | ♂ | Lv. 24 | ♂ | Lv. 29 | ♀
| ||
Ability: Rock Head | Ability: Rock Head | Ability: Early Bird
| |||||
Item: None | Item: None | Item: None
| |||||
Rock Throw | Stomp | Fake Out | |||||
Bind | Fury Attack | Bite | |||||
Rage | Scary Face | Mega Punch | |||||
Harden | Tail Whip | Tail Whip |
![]() Nidorino ![]() |
![]() Rhyhorn ![]() ![]() |
![]() Kangaskhan ![]() |
![]() Nidoqueen ![]() ![]()
| ||||
Lv. 37 | ♂ | Lv. 37 | ♂ | Lv. 35 | ♀ | Lv. 41 | ♀
|
Ability: Poison Point | Ability: Rock Head | Ability: Early Bird | Ability: Poison Point
| ||||
Item: None | Item: None | Item: None | Item: None
| ||||
Horn Attack | Fury Attack | Mega Punch | Double Kick | ||||
Poison Sting | Rock Blast | Rage | Tail Whip | ||||
Helping Hand | Tail Whip | Fake Out | Body Slam | ||||
Fury Attack | Scary Face | Tail Whip | Poison Sting |
![]() Rhyhorn ![]() ![]() |
![]() Dugtrio ![]() |
![]() Nidoqueen ![]() ![]() |
![]() Nidoking ![]() ![]() |
![]() Rhyhorn ![]() ![]() | |||||
Lv. 45 | ♂ | Lv. 42 | ♂ | Lv. 44 | ♀ | Lv. 45 | ♂ | Lv. 50 | ♂ |
Ability: Lightningrod | Ability: Sand Veil | Ability: Poison Point | Ability: Poison Point | Ability: Lightningrod | |||||
Item: None | Item: None | Item: None | Item: None | Item: None | |||||
Earthquake | Mud-Slap | Double Kick | Thrash | Take Down | |||||
Scary Face | Sand Tomb | Poison Sting | Earthquake | Rock Blast | |||||
Rock Blast | Slash | Earthquake | Poison Sting | Scary Face | |||||
Take Down | Earthquake | Body Slam | Double Kick | Earthquake |
Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version (Special Event)[]
![]() Nidoking ![]() ![]() |
![]() Honchkrow ![]() ![]() |
![]() Nidoqueen ![]() ![]() |
![]() Kangaskhan ![]()
| ||||
Lv. 42 | ♂ | Lv. 43 | ♂ | Lv. 46 | ♀ | Lv. 40 | ♀
|
Ability: Poison Point | Ability: Super Luck | Ability: Poison Point | Ability: Scrappy
| ||||
Item: None | Item: None | Item: None | Item: None
| ||||
Shadow Claw | Nasty Plot | Crunch | Outrage | ||||
Double Kick | Swagger | Roar | Leer | ||||
Focus Energy | Dark Pulse | Earth Power | Sucker Punch | ||||
Fury Attack | Shadow Ball | Superpower | Dizzy Punch |
Pokémon Black Version 2 and Pokémon White Version 2[]
(Pokémon picked randomly from the list. Rhyperior is certain to be the first.)
![]() Rhyperior ![]() ![]() |
![]() Hippowdon ![]() |
![]() Garchomp ![]() ![]() |
![]() Krookodile ![]() ![]() |
![]() Nidoking ![]() ![]() |
![]() Gliscor ![]() ![]() | ||||||
Lv. 50 | [[Gender|]] | Lv. 50 | [[Gender|]] | Lv. 50 | [[Gender|]] | Lv. 50 | [[Gender|]] | Lv. 50 | ♂ | Lv. 50 | [[Gender|]] |
Ability: Lightning Rod / Solid Rock | Ability: Sand Stream | Ability: Sand Veil | Ability: Intimidate / Moxie | Ability: Poison Point / Rivalry | Ability: Hyper Cutter / Sand Veil | ||||||
Item: Life Orb | Item: Quick Claw | Item: Choice Scarf | Item: Expert Belt | Item: Choice Specs | Item: Flying Gem | ||||||
Earthquake | Earthquake | Outrage | Earthquake | Earth Power | Acrobatics | ||||||
Rock Blast | Crunch | Earthquake | Superpower | Ice Beam | Earthquake | ||||||
Ice Punch | Ice Fang | Rock Slide | Fire Fang | Flamethrower | Fire Fang | ||||||
Hammer Arm | Stone Edge | Brick Break | Grass Knot | Thunderbolt | Tailwind |
![]() Rhyperior ![]() ![]() |
![]() Golem ![]() ![]() |
![]() Marowak ![]() |
![]() Sandslash ![]() |
![]() Nidoking ![]() ![]() |
![]() Nidoqueen ![]() ![]() | ||||||
Lv. 50 | [[Gender|]] | Lv. 50 | [[Gender|]] | Lv. 50 | [[Gender|]] | Lv. 50 | [[Gender|]] | Lv. 50 | ♂ | Lv. 50 | ♀ |
Ability: Lightning Rod / Solid Rock | Ability: Rock Head / Sturdy | Ability: Rock Head / Lightning Rod | Ability: Sand Veil | Ability: Poison Point / Rivalry | Ability: Poison Point / Rivalry | ||||||
Item: Liechi Berry | Item: Rindo Berry | Item: Yache Berry | Item: Salac Berry | Item: Shuca Berry | Item: Passho Berry | ||||||
Drill Run | Earthquake | Bonemerang | Earthquake | Earth Power | Earth Power | ||||||
Stone Edge | Stealth Rock | Stone Edge | Rock Slide | Sludge Wave | Poison Jab | ||||||
Megahorn | Rock Blast | Outrage | Brick Break | Megahorn | Superpower | ||||||
Hammer Arm | Roar | Thunderpunch | Sandstorm | Blizzard | Thunder |
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon[]
![]() Dugtrio ![]() |
![]() Nidoking ![]() ![]() |
![]() Nidoqueen ![]() ![]() |
![]() Rhyperior ![]() ![]() |
![]() Mewtwo ![]() | |||||
Lv. 68 | ♂ | Lv. 68 | ♂ | Lv. 68 | ♀ | Lv. 68 | ♂ | Lv. 70 | ? |
Ability: Pressure | |||||||||
Item: Smooth Rock | Item: None | Item: None | Item: None | Item: Mewtwonite X | |||||
Sandstorm | Earthquake | Surf | Megahorn | Zen Headbutt | |||||
Earthquake | Poison Jab | Sludge Wave | Earthquake | Earthquake | |||||
Sucker Punch | Throat Chop | Earth Power | Stone Edge | Stone Edge | |||||
Stealth Rock | Aqua Tail | Flamethrower | Thunder Punch | Drain Punch |
![]() Dugtrio ![]() |
![]() Nidoking ![]() ![]() |
![]() Nidoqueen ![]() ![]() |
![]() Rhyperior ![]() ![]() |
![]() Mewtwo ![]() | |||||
Lv. 68 | ♂ | Lv. 68 | ♂ | Lv. 68 | ♀ | Lv. 68 | ♂ | Lv. 70 | ? |
Ability: Pressure | |||||||||
Item: Smooth Rock | Item: None | Item: None | Item: None | Item: Mewtwonite Y | |||||
Sandstorm | Earthquake | Surf | Megahorn | Psystrike | |||||
Earthquake | Poison Jab | Sludge Wave | Earthquake | Aura Sphere | |||||
Sucker Punch | Throat Chop | Earth Power | Stone Edge | Psychic | |||||
Stealth Rock | Aqua Tail | Flamethrower | Thunder Punch | Ice Beam |
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee![]
![]() Persian ![]() |
![]() Rhyhorn ![]() ![]() |
![]() Nidoqueen ![]() ![]()
| |||
Lv. 39 | ♂ | Lv. 39 | - | Lv. 39 | ♀
|
Slash | Drill Run | Crunch | |||
Feint | Take Down | Body Slam | |||
Fake Out | Megahorn | ||||
Play Rough | Rock Throw |
![]() Dugtrio ![]() |
![]() Nidoqueen ![]() ![]() |
![]() Nidoking ![]() ![]() |
![]() Rhydon ![]() ![]()
| ||||
Lv. 49 | - | Lv. 49 | - | Lv. 49 | - | Lv. 50 | -
|
Item: None | Item: None | Item: None | Item: None
| ||||
Earthquake | Earthquake | Earthquake | Earthquake | ||||
Sucker Punch | Super Fang | Horn Drill | Rock Slide | ||||
Slash | Crunch | Megahorn | Megahorn | ||||
— | — | Poison Jab | — |
Pokémon Stadium[]
Trivia[]
- Giovanni is widely considered to be the main antagonist of the Pokémon franchise.
- This is supported by his forming of Team Rainbow Rocket, which consists of team bosses from other regions, as well being the creator of Mewtwo (in the anime) and his role in Pokémon Masters EX.
- He is the only villainous team leader in the franchise who is also a Gym Leader.
- In the Generation I games, as he is the leader of Team Rocket, Giovanni is referred to by the Team Rocket Grunts as well as Jessie and James in Pokémon Yellow Special Pikachu Edition, and Pokémon the Series, as "Boss". Blue also calls him "Boss Rocket". This is also a reference to as villainous teams leaders are boss opponents in the mainline games.
- Giovanni's outfit in Generation IV and V as well as his Sygna Suit in Pokémon Masters EX seems to be based on a general's miltary uniform.
- In Pokémon Yellow, Giovanni replaced Kangaskhan with Persian since this game was based on the anime series.
- He may be inspired by one of the villains of the James Bond series, Ernst Stavro Blofeld. In the James Bond novels and films, Blofeld leads his own criminal organization, the S.P.E.C.T.R.E., to become rich and reign the world. As a companion, Blofeld has a cat.
- In the Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version Celebi event, the Rival of the Generation II games is found out to be the son of Giovanni.
Gallery[]
Locations · Pokédex | |
Gym Leaders | |
Others | |
See also | |
Characters |
![]() Team Rocket | Giovanni (Adventures · anime)
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![]() Team Magma |
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![]() Team Aqua |
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![]() Team Galactic |
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![]() Team Plasma |
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![]() Team Flare |
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![]() Team Skull |
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![]() Aether Foundation |
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![]() Team Rainbow RocketUSUM | Giovanni
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![]() Team Yell | |||||||||||
![]() Macro Cosmos |
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![]() Team Star |
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Others |
Leaders |
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Executives | |||
Officers |
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Spies | |||
Top Agents | |||
Trios | |||
Sergeants | |||
Commanders | |||
Scientists | |||
Others |
Kanto | |||||||
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Johto | |||||||
Hoenn | |||||||
Sinnoh | |||||||
Unova |
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Kalos | |||||||
Galar | |||||||
Paldea | |||||||
Orange Islands | |||||||
See also |