Dragon Ball is a series that always strives to push boundaries and surprise its audience, but it also loves to introduce entertaining traditions that fans can routinely get excited about. Martial arts tournaments have been present as early as the original Dragon Ball’s second story arc and they’re an action-packed device that the series still loves to explore. In fact, nearly a quarter of Dragon Ball Super is devoted to an epic martial arts tournament that trumps everything that’s come before it.
Tournaments are an easy way to facilitate constant combat and introduce new characters without getting bogged down by exposition and extraneous storytelling. It’s easy to see why martial arts tournaments have become such a popular staple in not just Dragon Ball, but the shonen genre as a whole. These competitions are rich in compelling combat and fierce feats of strength. However, each martial arts tournament has one battle that just hits a little harder and surpasses the rest.
10 Goku & Master Roshi’s Teacher-Student Showdown Is A Dragon Ball Classic
21st World Martial Arts Tournament
Dragon Ball’s first major martial arts competition, the 21st World Tournament, is a rewarding experience for everyone involved that helps expose Goku, Krillin, and Yamcha to the real world of martial arts. Dragon Ball indulges in its gag comedy roots and there are plenty of comic relief combatants that don’t pose much of an actual challenge – such as Bacterian and Ranfan – but these proceedings culminate in a genuine showstopper of a battle. Jackie Chun, who is actually Master Roshi in disguise, takes on his prize pupil, Goku. There’s a silly nature to the start of this fight, but it grows progressively more serious once the duo resorts to energy attacks and Roshi paralyzes Goku with his debilitating Thunder Shock Surprise.
Goku evades this technique when he catches a glimpse of the full moon and begins to transform into a Great Ape. Roshi’s solution to this problem is truly out of this world and he uses a seismic Kamehameha to blow up the moon, rather than injure his opponent. Goku and Roshi are both drained from this experience and the final act of this fight has them resort to grounded martial arts instead of exaggerated energy attacks. Master Roshi wins the battle – but barely – and Goku is left motivated to grow stronger and do better at the subsequent tournament.
9 Goku’s Brutal Battle Against The Masked Man Becomes A Warm Reunion
Fortuneteller Baba Tournament
The Fortuneteller Baba Tournament often doesn’t get enough attention and it’s a sublime stepping stone between the 21st and 22nd World Tournaments. A quest for Dragon Ball intel subjects Goku, Krillin, Yamcha, and Upa to Fortuneteller Baba’s unconventional collection of combatants that includes a vampire, an invisible man, a mummy, a devil and a ghost.The fights that come out of this tournament are especially creative and one’s enjoyment of thee encounters ultimately comes down to what they’re looking for from a Dragon Ball fight. The battles against Fangs, Bandages, and See-Through embrace comedy over conflict and it’s perhaps not surprising that Goku is left to do a lot of the heavy lifting here. Goku’s fight against Spike the Devil Man – a two-time World Tournament winner – is certainly suspenseful.
However, the match’s big finish undercuts itself when Goku’s purity neutralizes Spike’s Devilmite Beam. This twist may work for some, but there’s a lot more going on in Goku’s subsequent fight against Baba’s Masked Man, who is revealed to be Grandpa Gohan’s ghost. Dragon Ball has established that Grandpa Gohan was an accomplished martial artist who didn’t just train under Master Roshi, but that he also mastered the Kamehameha. These abilities are fully on display as he matches Goku, blow-for-blow, and even removes his tail through a vicious thrashing. Grandpa Gohan forfeits this fight after he fears that he’s gone too far and his fisticuffs with Goku instead become a heartwarming homecoming for the estranged duo. This battle connects with both its emotion and action. It’s deeper and more complex than anything else in the Fortuneteller Baba Tournament.
8 Goku & Tien Are Evenly Matched Martial Artists Who Bring Out The Best In Each Other
22nd World Martial Arts Tournament
Many Dragon Ball fans believe that the 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament is the most successful installment of these competitions and much of this has to do with the Crane School of Martial Arts’ introduction. Tien and Krillin are treated like dark counterparts to Goku and Krillin, plus there are still other rogue fighters in the mix like Yamcha and Master Roshi. Krillin and Chiaotzu’s fight is a lot of fun, while Yamcha’s clash with Tien is rather alarming. There are considerable stakes in place when Goku and Tien face each other in the finals.
Tien’s Dodon Ray is a worthy counter-attack to Goku’s Kamehameha, but Tien turns up the heat with other techniques like his deadly Tri-Beam and strategic Four Witches Technique. There are heightened attacks during this fight, but it’s a battle that still resonates with fans because it really just boils down to two accomplished martial artists who give their all. There’s excellent battle choreography and pacing in Goku and Tien’s fight, not to mention a thoroughly suspenseful finish that comes down to luck, albeit not in a way that ever feels cheap or manipulative.
7 Goku Celebrates His First World Tournament Win During His Deadly Duel Against Piccolo
23rd World Martial Arts Tournament
The original Dragon Ball’s 23rd World Tournament is an enlightening opportunity for most of the series’ cast to prove how much they’ve grown over the past three years and go out on a high note as the series comes to an end. It’s not easy to top the heights of the 22nd World Tournament, but the subsequent installment does an excellent job at recapturing its magic and delivering non-stop action and surprises. There are some delightful duels here between Tien’s cathartic battle against Cyborg Tao, Goku’s reunion with Chi-Chi, Piccolo and Krillin’s showdown, and Tien and Goku’s rematch. All of Tien’s battles stand out, as does Piccolo’s battle against Kami/Hero, who nearly conquers this threat with the use of the Evil Containment Wave.
However, the 23rd World Tournament’s apex is the final battle between Goku and Piccolo, which is just immaculately paced and executed. There’s a captivating progression to this battle and Piccolo is sure to not succumb to the same follies that led to Demon King Piccolo’s demise. Piccolo’s Super Giant-Form transformation, while short-lived, is still an exciting complication that makes this fight literally feel larger than life. Goku narrowly wins this battle by demonstrating that he’s mastered how to fly, which is such a great way to usher in Dragon Ball‘s end and head into Dragon Ball Z‘s more heightened theatrics.
6 Gohan Realizes His Destiny When He Rises To The Occasion Against Super Perfect Cell
Cell Games
Dragon Ball typically presents its martial arts tournaments as independent conflicts to the series’ central villains. However, Perfect Cell exhibits a flair for pageantry and decides to turn to the World Martial Arts Tournament for inspiration after he grows stronger than the Z-Fighters. Perfect Cell gives Goku and company ten days to prepare for the Cell Games, a televised martial arts competition where he’ll take on the Earth’s strongest fighters to prove to the world who is in control. The Cell Games technically have rules and a sense of order, but it’s really just an organized excuse for Cell to throw his weight around. It’s quite obvious that Cell would never just give up and retire if he was knocked out of bounds or eliminated by some perfunctory rule.
There’s a lot to appreciate between Perfect Cell’s fights against Goku, Vegeta, and Android 16, not to mention the simultaneous carnage that’s delivered against everyone else by the Cell Juniors. Goku and Cell’s fight is iconic and concludes with a clever Instant Transmission and Kamehameha combo. However, this pales in comparison to the fight that follows by Super Saiyan 2 Gohan and Perfect Cell – who soon becomes Super Perfect Cell after his self-destruct maneuver. Gohan never loses composure during this battle and it’s extremely satisfying to see him surpass Goku and become Earth’s strongest fighter. It remains one of Gohan’s greatest moments and a high benchmark that Dragon Ball has struggled to top.
5 Goku & Pikkon Bring Honor To Their Galaxies In An Explosive Final Fight
Other World Tournament
The Other World Tournament is the afterlife’s version of the World Martial Arts Tournament that becomes a satisfying excuse to put deceased fighters in competitive combat. The Other World Tournament is technically filler, but it’s a particularly exciting stretch of episodes. Goku faces off against the strongest fighters from the East, West, and South Galaxies. This puts him up against some unusual opponents, such as Caterpy, Arqua, and Maraikoh. These fights are all quite entertaining, but they’re relatively short and frequently played for laughs. The Other World Tournament’s final fight between Goku and the West Galaxy’s Pikkon breaks free from this formula and introduces the Saiyan to a truly challenging competitor.
It’s easy to see why Pikkon has repeatedly returned in Dragon Ball Z movies and Dragon Ball GT as a celebrated Other World fixture. Pikkon and Goku’s fight is so memorable because Pikkon utilizes a wide range of elemental-based attacks that are visually impressive. The two defy gravity as their battle reaches its apex and it’s exciting to see Pikkon match Goku’s strength, even after he ascends to Super Saiyan status. Pikkon’s battle style shares a lot in common with Piccolo, including his use of weighted clothing. Goku attempts to conclude this clash through the use of his Super Kaio-Ken Attack — a new development for this filler saga — and even then the battle is declared a draw.
4 Videl’s Vicious Beating From Spopovich Highlights The Horrors Of Majin Manipulation
25th World Martial Arts Tournament
The 25th World Martial Arts Tournament is the first official version of this running tradition in Dragon Ball Z and there are some exciting developments, like the introduction of a Junior Division. There’s a strong case to be made that Goten and Trunks’ Junior Division battle is the 25th World Tournament’s best fight, but it’s a little too predictable. It’s entertaining to see these two young Saiyans come to blows, especially as Super Saiyans, but this fight lacks the sheer intensity of Videl’s battle against Spopovich. Spopovich has fallen under Babidi’s dark Majin magic and his goal is to push Gohan over the edge so that he and Yamu can steal his incredible energy to help awaken Buu.
This results in an absolutely brutal battle between Spopovich and Videl where he doesn’t hold back and pummels Videl within an inch of her life. Spopovich is already double Videl’s size and this wouldn’t be a fair fight, even without Babidi’s manipulation pulling the strings. Videl is completely overwhelmed here and it’s one of Dragon Ball Z’s most uncomfortable clashes. It’s an effective way to highlight the true depths of Babidi and his Majin minions’ depravity. This fight is an aggressive wake-up call that helps set the tone for what’s to come in the Buu Saga.
28th World Martial Arts Tournament
Dragon Ball Z could have easily ended with Kid Buu’s defeat, but it instead decides to give fans an entertaining epilogue in the form of its Peaceful World Saga. Dragon Ball Z‘s concluding Peaceful World Saga episodes turn the clock forward a full decade and have Goku and the rest of the series’ characters reunite at the 28th World Tournament. This martial arts competition is really just the conduit for Goku to meet Uub — Kid Buu’s pure-hearted reincarnation — and not many of the tournament’s battles are highlighted. Pan’s quick clashes against Wild Tiger and Goten are lots of fun and proof of Pan’s promising future. However, neither of these battles can compare to Goku’s battle against Uub.
Uub is just a ten-year-old boy, but Goku immediately recognizes his power and potential. There’s a light-hearted quality to their battle as the two bounce around the arena and Uub’s dormant strength progressively reveals itself. It’s shocking for both Goku and the audience to see Uub’s attacks actually phase Goku and cause him pain. There’s some excellent choreography on display during this fight, and it keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. However, Goku and Uub cut the fight short when he pledges to train Uub and help him grow as a fighter. This fight still leaves a major impression, even if it’s incomplete.
2 Goku Combines Two Of His Top Skills To Keep Up With Universe 6’s Hit
Tournament Of Destroyers
Dragon Ball Super gets a lot of mileage out of its multiverse premise and the Tournament of Destroyers between Universes 7 and 6 offers the first real taste of multiversal mayhem. Universe 6 is the sister realm to Universe 7, which means that they share many similarities and fascinating differences. Champa’s Universe 6 warriors include Cabba, Botamo, Auta Magetta, Frost, and Hit. All these fighters make for interesting opponents, while Vegeta and Goku do most of the heavy lifting against these determined fighters. Under different circumstances, Vegeta’s battle against Auta Magetta or Piccolo’s fight against Frost would easily rank as the most entertaining battle in a martial arts tournament. However, the Tournament of Destroyers creates a genuinely intimidating enemy with Universe 6’s Hit, a legendary assassin who defeats Vegeta before he even understands what’s happened to him.
Hit is strong, but his signature skill – the Time-Skip Technique – is a deadly tactic that overwhelms everyone who he encounters. Hit’s Time-Skip strategically skips over several microseconds so that the target is left disoriented and vulnerable to retaliation. Goku, in a desperate effort to survive, introduces his Kaio-Ken and Super Saiyan Blue combo attack so that he can keep up with his opponent. It’s thrilling to see the Kaio-Ken Attack return and Goku pushes his body past its breaking point. Goku is finally able to land attacks on Hit, but his body is put under so much stress that he realizes that this strategy isn’t sustainable. Goku willingly steps out of bounds and disqualifies himself due to a growing fear that his fight against Hit will escalate to a fatality.
1 Goku, Frieza, & Android 17 Perilously Defend Universe 7 Against Super Full Power Jiren
Tournament Of Power
Dragon Ball Super’s Tournament of Power is the biggest martial arts competition that’s ever been on display. It’s not just a battle royale free-for-all from the strongest fighters across the multiverse, but it features dire stakes where the cost of failure is the erasure of each team’s respective universe. The Tournament of Power plays out over three-dozen episodes, and it’s a delirious display of action due to how multiple fights happen concurrently and overlap with one another. Some of Dragon Ball Super’s most creative battles take place in this martial arts tournament, such as Gohan and Piccolo’s battle with the Namekians, Saonel and Pirina, Vegeta and Frieza’s clashes with Top in his Destroyer form, or Goku’s strenuous strike against Super Saiyan 2 Kefla. There’s a lot to love in this martial arts competition, and each fight has a distinct energy, even the ones that are shorter and more incidental.
That being said, it’s hard to top the heights of the final clash against Universe 11’s Jiren, the Tournament of Power’s strongest fighter. Goku triggers Ultra Instinct strength for the first time during his battle against Jiren and this opponent only grows more powerful over time. It takes a combined attack from Goku, Frieza, and Android 17 — a truly eclectic team — to finally defeat Jiren and conclude the Tournament of Power. It’s extremely satisfying to see Goku and Frieza work together for the greater good and the fact that Dragon Ball Super lets Android 17 be the last one standing is truly surprising. Many fans expected Goku or Vegeta to win the tournament, but Android 17’s victory proves that Dragon Ball Super can still defy expectations. Jiren is such a fascinating figure that Dragon Ball Super will hopefully return to before it reaches its end. A rematch between Jiren and Goku is long overdue after the Saiyan’s recent growth.