Ross resides in Alto Mare within the Johto region, serving as a local gondolier. He previously held the title of reigning champion in the Tour de Alto Mare, an annual water canal chariot race. During the competition, Ross employs his Wailmer as the steering Pokémon for his water chariot, maintaining a leading position alongside Ash Ketchum and Misty for most of the event. The race concludes with a photo finish, revealing Misty’s Corsola crossed the line marginally ahead; Ross places second, relinquishing his championship.

Despite this narrow loss, Ross displays sportsmanship by congratulating Misty on her victory and acknowledging her racing skill. He then offers Ash, Misty, and Brock a guided gondola tour of Alto Mare, sharing insights into the city’s culture and history. He specifically explains the symbolism of Misty’s glass medallion prize, depicting the legendary guardians Latias and Latios, referencing their role as protectors of Alto Mare while noting their current rarity in sightings due to the city’s peaceful state.

Ross exhibits a carefree, amiable personality and demonstrates pride in his hometown and its heritage. His familiarity with local legends and landmarks positions him as a knowledgeable community figure. Following the gondola tour, he departs and later appears in the ending credits continuing his gondolier duties by guiding other tourists through the canals.

His Wailmer remains his only known Pokémon, utilized consistently for both racing and gondola navigation. This Pokémon reappears fleetingly in archival footage during the opening sequences of the subsequent films *Destiny Deoxys* and *The Rise of Darkrai*, though Ross himself receives no further development or new narrative significance.