Top 10 Anime Tournament Battles

Top 10 Anime Tournament Battles

Let’s get ready to rumble! Welcome to WatchMojo.com and today we are counting down our picks for the top ten anime tournament battles.

For this list, we’ll be looking at the most awesome clashes between anime characters based in a tournament setting. As such, be aware there will be a few knockouts, and spoilers, down the line.

#10: Yoh vs Ren

“Shaman King” (2001-02)

There’s no better place to settle a rivalry than with a good old fashion battle to the death. In order to proceed further into the Shaman tournament as well as get even for a past defeat, the laidback Yoh once again crosses weapons against the vicious Ren. With the power of their Guardian Ghosts at their disposal, these two young fighters give it their all…only to have the whole thing end in one hell of a tie. Hard to believe that these two would go on to become friends later down the line.

#9: Meliodas vs Ban

“The Seven Deadly Sins” (2014-16)

While this little exchange is somewhat friendly in nature, it doesn’t change the fact that when these two knights fight they hold nothing back. With Ban’s immortality, instant healing and power to drain the stamina out of others, it looks like the Captain of the Seven Sins might lose the brawl. Of course, they don’t call him the Dragon’s Sin of Wrath for nothing. With his enhanced strength and endurance Meliodas doesn’t just manage to defeat his comrade, he smashes him into a goddamn mountain!

#8: Gon vs Hisoka

“Hunter x Hunter” (2011-14)

It was a long time coming, but finally our boy Gon was going to make good on that promise he made during the Hunter’s Exam. …He was going to punch that creepy jester right in his smug face. Culminating in the finale battle in Heaven’s Arena, Gon and Hisoka go head to head in what has to be some of slickest hand to hand combat even put to anime. Throw in their newfound Nen abilities and this brutal exchange is a true feast for the eyes. Sure, Gon may have lost in the end, but what counts is he fulfilled his promise.

#7: Natsu & Gajeel vs. Sting & Rogue

“Fairy Tail” (2009-16)

What’s better than a battle featuring one Dragon Slayer? How about four! In the final fight to determine whose guild is truly superior, Natsu and Gajeel face off against two devastatingly strong foes who also happen to be masters of Dragon Slayer magic. Its fire and steel vs. light and darkness as the four don’t give an inch. Sting and Rogue may work better as a team and even have access to the almighty power of Dragon Force…but did they really think they would stand a chance against Natsu and all his blazing swagger? You’ve got to feel sorry for Gajeel on this one, he did kind of get shafted on the glory.

#6: Kid Muscle vs. Kevin Mask

“Ultimate Muscle” (2002-06)

There isn’t anything fake about the wrestling here, especially with these two contenders possessing physics defying moves that bring new meaning to the term smackdown! As the last match of the Ikemen Chojin Crown gets underway, Kid and Kevin find themselves not only in a battle for ultimate glory, but embroiled in an ages-old rivalry handed down from their fathers. Despite Kevin managing to break both of his arms, Kid refuses to surrender, managing to channel his power of Ultimate Muscle into a final move that really brings the house down.

#5: Yugi vs Kaiba

“Yu-Gi-Oh!” (2000-04)

Hey, just because it involves a card game doesn’t mean this duel isn’t a fierce one! Eternal rivals Yugi and Kaiba once again throw down their decks in a match that will give one a shot at the Battle City Tournament finals. Set inside a holographic gladiatorial arena, the entire fight is pure spectacle as every monster card you can imagine is sent out in force, including the always popular Blue Eyes White Dragon. Of course, the real highlight comes when both of their Egyptian Gods come into play, who knock each other so hard that it sends both duellists back to ancient times.

#4: Naruto vs. Neji

“Naruto” (2002-07)

The knuckle-headed ninja of the Hidden Leaf may have been in a few scraps before, but up until this point he had never really got to show his stuff. That is until he went up against the Hyuuga prodigy during the later stages of the Chuunin Exams, to which he pretty much said “screw it” and unleashed the power of the demon inside. In spite of Neji’s genius and mastery over the Byakugan, even he can’t stand up to the power of the Nine-Tailed Fox.

#3: Yusuke vs. Toguro

“Yu Yu Hakasho” (1994-96)

The Dark Tournament remains a pinnacle of shonen action, throwing our four heroes into perilous situations against all manner of demonic foes. Even for a badass like Yusuke Urameshi, having to go up against an absolute monster like Toguro was never going to be an easy victory. The ensuring battle is a ruthless one, with Toguro’s various forms and unparalleled strength wiping the floor with the young Spirit Detective. However, when the chips are down, you can always count on Yusuke to use that ace in the hole, which in this case happens to be a last-ditch Spirit Gun!

#2: Goku vs. Piccolo

“Dragon Ball” (1986-89)

Before they were allies taking on the worst threats the galaxy could throw at them, this Sayain and Namekian were kicking the tar out of each other at the World Martial Arts Tournament. Goku goes through the ringer on this one, despite letting loose all manner of Kamehameha, he still gets each of his limbs broken and his chest burst open by a ki blast. While it looks like a no win situation, he still manages to claim victory from the jaws of defeat. How? By using his head! Literally.

#1: Midoriya vs. Todoroki

“My Hero Academia” (2016-)

Izuku Midoriya has the makings of a true hero, not just because of his powerful Quirk, but because of his desire to help his allies in their darkest moments. Even if it means laying the mother of all beatdowns on them! As the U.A Sports Festival nears its end, Midoriya tries to convince his rival Todoroki to hold nothing back and uses every aspect of his Quirk. What follows is a gem of a battle as super strength takes on the combined might of fire and ice. Combine this raw emotion with some of the most spectacular animation you’ve ever seen, and you have a battle beyond limitations.