Perhaps! ...Although, it's almost a shame that the Pokemon Coordinator that specialized in contests isn't here anymore, he would have certainly known how to best put on a show.

[...Except contests are a lot more tame than the tournaments and league challenge.] Nonetheless, contests and sports do usually require an amount of teamwork with one's Pokemon in order to win as well. As far as being called a "conquering hero", though...well, I don't know about that, though I suppose the title of "Pokemon League Champion" could be considered to have a similar flavor for many aspiring trainers.