One Piece: 10 Strongest Characters

Who holds the title of the strongest pirate on the Grand Line? However, the top spots may not be filled by pirates, as we’ll be evaluating the most powerful characters in One Piece.

One Piece’s characters never fail to captivate and amuse the audience, but it’s easy to overlook their immense strength, especially when we shift our focus from the Straw Hat Pirates to the marines and antagonists of the series.

In One Piece, the definition of strength varies. Therefore, we will take into account the most remarkable displays of strength seen in the series, as well as the potential power of lesser-known characters and their significance to the plot.

As the final saga begins, there is a greater opportunity for well-known characters to take the spotlight. Please note: this article includes spoilers from both the One Piece anime and manga!

Ranking the Strongest Characters in One Piece

Determining the strongest individual in the vast world of One Piece is a challenging task, especially since we have encountered formidable characters who possess great power but have not fully demonstrated their combat skills. However, one must possess more than just sheer strength to dominate the high seas.

10. Dracule Mihawk

An image of Mihawk from One Piece East Blue Saga — Crunchyroll

From his initial clash with Zoro to the intense battles of the Marineford War, Mihawk has consistently demonstrated the exceptional strength and technique required to earn the title of the world’s greatest swordsman. His unparalleled swordsmanship has served as a formidable challenge for our three swords-wielding comrade in his pursuit to achieve his ultimate dream.

Despite being one of the few characters who doesn’t name his attacks, Mihawk exudes a coolness that sets him apart. Although he has lost his title as a warlord and is now a part of Buggy’s crew, Mihawk remains unfazed and far from retreating. He possesses a calm demeanor and avoids conflict, but if a fight arises, he is more than capable of ending it with his massive black sword, Yoru.

9. Akainu

One Piece Ace Death in Summit War Saga — Crunchyroll

Ever since his debut, Akainu has been a formidable threat, engaging in a fierce battle against Whitebeard and ultimately leading to a significant loss in One Piece. He is also responsible for inflicting Luffy’s distinctive X-shaped scar on his chest. As a firm believer in “Absolute Justice,”the former Admiral adheres to a strict code where the law reigns supreme, even if it may be unjust.

Despite now occupying the position of Fleet Admiral, he remains one of the most formidable and formidable villains in One Piece. Aokiji, who was defeated by him after a grueling seven-day battle, can attest to this. It is highly likely that Akainu will cross paths with the Straw Hats once more, perhaps leading to Luffy seeking retribution for his brother’s death.

Big Mom Saga

An image of Big Mom in One Piece spoilers episode 1065 — Crunchyroll

From the moment the Straw Hats embarked on their journey to the New World in the Fish-man Island Arc, Big Mom, also known as Charlotte Linlin, has left a lasting impression with her menacing warning. The crew then comes face to face with her fury in the Whole Cake Island Arc, as she attempts to kidnap Sanji from their ranks.

As the ruler of a kingdom, she has the power to drain years off of your life in order for you to continue serving her. With her Devil Fruit ability, she can also steal souls and harness them as she pleases as long as she induces fear in others. The presence of Big Mom is something to be feared.

Kaido

Despite his ultimate defeat at the hands of Luffy’s Gear 5, Kaido remained an unstoppable force of nature. His mastery of dragon abilities and incredible physical prowess earned him the prestigious title of one of the Four Emperors, but it was his tyrannical rule over his crew and Wano that truly showcased the terrifying power of this beast.

As soon as he arrives in Wano, Kaido immediately establishes his dominance by ruling with an iron fist. He swiftly defeats Luffy with a single attack and throws him into prison.

6. Monkey D. Dragon

An image of Monkey D Dragon in One Piece — Crunchyroll

Despite being the leader of the Revolutionary Army, Dragon prefers to operate in secrecy and does not openly display his abilities. As a result, we have limited knowledge of his true strength, but we catch a glimpse of it when he assists Luffy in escaping from Smoker in Loguetown.

Dragon sets himself apart with his ultimate objective of toppling the World Government. As a former marine, he became disillusioned with the system after witnessing the aftermath of the Ohara incident involving Dr. Vegapunk. One must possess great strength to even contemplate such a bold declaration.

Monkey D. Luffy

Despite the tough competition, it is impossible to overlook One Piece’s leading protagonist as one of the strongest characters. Luffy’s unpredictable rubber powers consistently surprise his opponents before he delivers a powerful blow, but it is not solely his Devil Fruit abilities that place him high on the list.

Despite his knack for making allies wherever he travels, Luffy’s ultimate goal is to ensure that the tide and forces of good are always in his favor. He is fiercely opposed to any form of injustice that limits people’s freedom. With the unlocking of Gear 5, Luffy now possesses the ability to freely and enjoyably do whatever he desires during a fight.

Shanks

Despite losing his arm to a sea beast, Shanks has proven his strength through numerous victories. He successfully prevented Kaido from joining the Summit War, and his mere presence at Marineford was enough to end the conflict.

Despite this, a single threat was enough to make Admiral Ryokugyu retreat from Wano, and he even managed to defeat Kid with just one attack when the latter sought a rematch.

Despite Shanks having a history of questionable actions, such as meeting with the Gorosei, he remains steadfast in his belief in the potential of the next generation of pirates.

Blackbeard

Although known for delivering Ace to the Marines and being a major antagonist in One Piece, Blackbeard also shares similar beliefs as Luffy when it comes to dreams and the concept of piracy. However, while Luffy embraces the freedom and excitement of being a pirate, Blackbeard represents the darker and more sinister aspects of the lifestyle.

Shanks’ iconic scar was given to him by Blackbeard, although the exact details of their fight and the reasons behind it remain a mystery. The fact that Shanks was marked by Blackbeard before he even acquired his Devil Fruit is a testament to the formidable threat that he poses.

Blackbeard’s power lies in his ability to not only steal and transfer devil fruit abilities to others, but also to wield more than one at a time. By taking Whitebeard’s ability to create earthquakes, Blackbeard has solidified his position as one of the most formidable figures in the world.

Gorosei

After remaining a mystery for a considerable length of time, the Gorosei were finally brought into the spotlight during the Egghead Arc. Consisting of five members, they hold the highest public authority in the world. However, their true allegiance lies with the enigmatic Imu, and they are willing to go to great lengths to conceal the secrets of the Void Century.

From their status, it has always been clear that they possess immense power. However, it was not until the Egghead Arc that we truly grasped the extent of their formidable abilities. Each member of the Gorosei is a formidable Mythical Zoan user, so formidable that Luffy required assistance from Dorry and Brogy just to withstand the fury of a single member.

1. The nose

An image of Imu standing near a giant straw hat and holding Luffy's bounty poster — Crunchyroll

Despite our limited knowledge of Imu, the main antagonist of the final saga, their actions have made a significant impact. They effortlessly destroyed the Lulusia kingdom with a weapon of mass destruction and easily defeated Sabo, who was trying to save Vivi’s father from Imu’s wrath.

After being in the works for 800 years, this plot hints at the possibility of immortality and centers around taking the empty throne and ruling the world from secrecy. Those with the most influential positions in the World Government are expected to unquestioningly follow your every command. Additionally, Imu has a mysterious desire to see Vivi, an old friend of the Straw Hats, dead. As the Egghead Island arc progresses, we can only hope to uncover the truth behind this complex situation.

Our selections for the most powerful characters in One Piece remain unchanged. Additionally, you can discover the character with the largest bounty in the series.