Every Tournament In Dragon Ball

Martial arts have always been the heart of Dragon Ball, and that’s made even clearer during the many tournaments featured throughout the series. From brutal hand-to-hand combat to high-flying ki battles, these events bring out the best (and wildest) fights the franchise has to offer. Whether it’s classic showdowns in the World Martial Arts Tournament or universe-shaking clashes in later arcs, each tournament plays a key role in shaping the story and characters.

Over time, Dragon Ball has introduced all kinds of variations on the traditional tournament format—some focused on pure skill, others on survival or strategy. Not all of them are created equal, though. In this article, we’re ranking every major tournament across Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z, Super, and beyond to see which ones truly delivered and which ones fell short. Let’s jump in.

#11: 21st World Martial Arts Tournament

The 21st World Martial Arts Tournament marks the first major competition in Dragon Ball and sets the tone for the series’ iconic tournament arcs. It’s where we first see Goku and Krillin truly put their training to the test, facing off against skilled fighters from around the world. The highlight is Goku’s intense and surprisingly emotional final match against Jackie Chun—who turns out to be Master Roshi in disguise.

Roshi enters the tournament not to win, but to teach Goku and Krillin a valuable lesson in humility, worried that their growing strength might lead to arrogance. While Goku ultimately loses, the battle is full of heart and serves as an early showcase of the creativity and character-driven storytelling that would become a staple of future tournaments. It’s a fun, foundational arc, but compared to later sagas, it feels more like the warm-up round.

#10: Uranai Baba’s Tournament

Uranai Baba’s Tournament is one of Dragon Ball’s more unique competitions. Instead of a traditional martial arts event, this tournament takes place in a spooky setting where Goku and his friends must defeat a lineup of mysterious and unusual fighters to earn a free fortune telling. What makes this arc stand out is its creative matchups—especially the surprise return of Goku’s grandfather, Grandpa Gohan, disguised behind a mask for one final sparring match.

While the stakes aren’t as high as future tournaments, it’s a fun change of pace with a more supernatural vibe. The fights are quirky, and the setting is packed with personality. It might not have the epic scale of other tournaments, but Uranai Baba’s challenge delivers charm, nostalgia, and a solid dose of heart.

#9: 25th World Martial Arts Tournament

The 25th World Martial Arts Tournament had all the makings of a classic—Goku returns from the afterlife, Gohan steps back into the spotlight, and new powerful fighters like Shin and Kibito show up out of nowhere. The excitement was real, and the stage was set for some incredible matchups. Unfortunately, the tournament gets interrupted midway due to the looming threat of Majin Buu, cutting short what could’ve been one of the most action-packed brackets in the series.

Still, what we do get is memorable. Videl’s brutal beatdown from Spopovich is hard to watch but adds tension. Goten and Trunks’ playful brawl in the junior division is pure fun. And Goku vs. Vegeta in the aftermath—while technically not part of the tournament—is one of the most iconic fights in Dragon Ball Z. It’s not the most complete tournament, but it’s packed with great moments and a turning point in the story.

#8: 28th World Martial Arts Tournament

The 28th World Martial Arts Tournament acts more like a send-off than a full-blown showdown, serving as the closing arc of Dragon Ball Z. After all the chaos with Majin Buu, this tournament brings the series full circle by returning to its roots—introducing a new generation of fighters like Uub, the human reincarnation of Kid Buu. Goku, sensing Uub’s hidden potential, decides to fight him in the finals and ultimately leaves with him to train, setting the stage for Dragon Ball’s future.

While there isn’t much action compared to earlier tournaments, the emotional weight of Goku passing the torch gives this event a meaningful place in the story. It’s more about legacy than flashy battles, and that quiet moment of transition makes it a memorable conclusion to one of the most iconic sagas in anime history.

#7: Other World Tournament

The Other World Tournament is one of the more underrated arcs in Dragon Ball Z. Taking place in the afterlife, this tournament features fighters from across the universe—many of whom are already dead—battling to prove who’s the strongest among the deceased. It’s a fun and light-hearted detour from the main story, giving fans some entertaining matchups, including the standout fight between Goku and Pikkon in the finals.

While the arc doesn’t impact the main plot and is technically filler, it offers a refreshing change of scenery and showcases Goku’s never-ending hunger for competition. The tournament’s cosmic setting and quirky lineup of fighters make it feel like a Dragon Ball-style fantasy league. It may not be canon, but the Other World Tournament still earns its spot thanks to its creativity and solid fights.

#6: Intergalactic World Tournament

The Intergalactic World Tournament from Dragon Ball Super: Broly is short-lived but unforgettable. Set up as a friendly exhibition match between Universe 7’s strongest warriors and some intergalactic fighters, this tournament is really just a front to build toward the arrival of Broly. Still, it gives us some fun moments—most notably the brawl between Goku, Vegeta, and the tournament’s mysterious participants, including the likes of Jiren, Toppo, and others from the multiverse.

What makes this tournament stand out isn’t the tournament itself, but the way it blends into the bigger picture. It sets the tone for multiversal rivalries, expands the scope of Dragon Ball’s universe, and adds more flavor to the power scaling fans love to dissect. While it’s not a full arc on its own, the Intergalactic World Tournament earns its place with hype fights, slick animation, and the buildup it creates for even bigger events.

#5: 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament

The 22nd World Martial Arts Tournament took everything great about the first one and cranked it up. Goku, now stronger and more experienced, returns to face an even tougher lineup of opponents, including the disciplined and deadly Tien Shinhan. Unlike the lighter tone of the previous tournament, this one raises the stakes with real danger, character growth, and emotional depth.

The rivalry between Goku and Tien adds intensity to the tournament’s final battle, making it one of the most memorable fights in early Dragon Ball. Tien starts off as a cold assassin trained by the Crane School, but through the course of the tournament, he changes—thanks to his respect for Goku and the brutal fallout of Master Shen’s teachings. The 22nd Tournament is where Dragon Ball really starts showing its teeth, blending strong storytelling with incredible martial arts action.

#4: Tournament of Destroyers

The Tournament of Destroyers in Dragon Ball Super is where things start to really open up for the series. Introduced as a friendly yet high-stakes match between Universe 6 and Universe 7, it’s the first time fans get a proper look at the multiverse—and it doesn’t disappoint. With new characters like Hit, Cabba, and Frost entering the spotlight, this tournament introduces powerful fighters and fresh dynamics that push the main cast in new ways.

Goku’s battle with Hit is the clear standout here, as both fighters push each other past their limits—Hit unlocking time-skip upgrades, and Goku tapping into Kaioken stacked with Super Saiyan Blue. Vegeta’s matches also give him a lot of screen time and character growth. The setting, the tension between Beerus and Champa, and the friendly but competitive energy make this tournament feel like a true evolution of the classic format. It may not be as chaotic as the Tournament of Power, but it’s cleaner, more focused, and just as hype.

#3: Tournament of Power

The Tournament of Power is Dragon Ball Super’s most ambitious arc and easily one of the biggest spectacles in the franchise. With eight universes throwing in their strongest fighters in a massive free-for-all battle royale, the stakes couldn’t be higher—lose, and your universe gets erased. The sheer scale of the tournament, with 80 fighters battling it out at once, makes it chaotic, unpredictable, and incredibly fun to watch.

What really sells the Tournament of Power are its moments—Goku unlocking Ultra Instinct, Android 17’s surprising MVP run, Vegeta’s emotional speech before defeating Toppo, and the final team-up between Goku and Frieza to take down Jiren. It’s packed with epic fights, emotional payoffs, and constant tension. While some pacing issues hold it back from the top spot, there’s no denying the hype and lasting impact this tournament left on the Dragon Ball community. It’s a modern classic.

#2: 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament

The 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament is where Dragon Ball fully shifts from lighthearted adventure into serious, high-stakes storytelling. Goku, now a young adult, returns stronger than ever and faces off against some of the most intense competition yet—most notably Piccolo Jr., the reincarnation of King Piccolo. This tournament isn’t just about winning; it’s about Goku saving the world from a looming threat while proving just how far he’s come.

The fight between Goku and Piccolo in the finals is one of the best in the entire franchise. It’s long, brutal, and full of strategy, with both fighters pushing themselves to the limit. Goku’s final move—launching himself head-first through Piccolo’s blast—is the kind of insane moment that defines the series. With strong character development, emotional stakes, and top-tier action, the 23rd Tournament easily earns its place near the top.

#1: Cell Games

The Cell Games stands as the most iconic tournament in Dragon Ball history, and for good reason. Unlike traditional tournaments, this one was hosted by the villain himself—Cell—who invites Earth’s strongest to challenge him in a fight that would decide the fate of the world. The atmosphere is tense, the stakes are life or death, and every moment feels like it could change everything.

What makes the Cell Games so unforgettable isn’t just the fights—it’s the emotional weight behind them. Goku’s calm surrender, Gohan’s transformation into Super Saiyan 2, and the heartbreaking moment of Goku’s sacrifice all come together to create one of the most powerful arcs in the series. This is the tournament where Gohan truly becomes the hero, stepping out of his father’s shadow in a moment of raw, explosive power. Between its emotional highs and legendary battles, the Cell Games remains the peak of tournament arcs in Dragon Ball.

Conclusion

Dragon Ball has delivered some of the most unforgettable tournaments in anime history, each one raising the stakes while showing off the series’ iconic characters and intense battles. From humble beginnings in the World Martial Arts Tournament to multiversal clashes like the Tournament of Power, each competition brought something unique—whether it was emotional growth, rivalries, or straight-up chaos. Ranking them shows just how far the series has evolved over time, and no matter which one’s your favorite, every tournament plays a key role in shaping Dragon Ball’s legacy.