The Yonko, or Emperors of the Sea, are the deadliest and most powerful pirates in the world of One Piece. These legendary figures command massive fleets and have strength that makes them nearly untouchable, ruling over vast territories in the New World.
Throughout the series, the Yonko list has changed due to some of the most intense battles ever seen in the One Piece universe. While new faces have emerged, the legacy of past emperors still looms large.
In this article, we’ve ranked every current and former Yonko based on their strength, influence, and overall importance to the story. Let’s dive into the ranking of these powerful pirates.
1. Whitebeard
- Real Name: Edward Newgate
- Devil Fruit: Gura Gura no Mi (Paramecia-type)
- Bounty: 5,046,000,000 Berries (highest confirmed in the series)
Whitebeard, also known as the Strongest Man in the World, is a legendary pirate who earned his title through sheer dominance on the battlefield. He possessed the Gura Gura no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that allowed him to create massive earthquakes capable of destroying the world.
Whitebeard’s power remained unmatched even in his old age, as seen during the Marineford War where he nearly brought the Marines to their knees.
He was the only man who could stand toe-to-toe with Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, and he had the opportunity to claim the One Piece for himself but chose family over fame. Whitebeard’s mastery of Haki, combined with his overwhelming physical strength, cements his place as the strongest Yonko of all time.
2. Shanks
- Real Name: Shanks
- Devil Fruit: None
- Bounty: 4,048,900,000 Berries
Shanks, also known as Akagami (Red-Haired) Shanks, is one of the most mysterious Yonko, primarily because he doesn’t have a Devil Fruit.
Despite this, he is the strongest user of Haki in the world, having mastered all three forms, including an advanced version of Conqueror’s Haki. This alone sets him apart, allowing him to dominate his enemies without any additional powers.
Shanks ended the Marineford War simply by showing up and negotiating with the World Government, a testament to his influence. Recently, he has showcased his immense power by effortlessly defeating Kid, a pirate worth 3 billion berries, with a single strike.
Shanks’ status as a Yonko remains unchallenged, and his role in the final stages of One Piece will undoubtedly solidify his place as one of the most powerful figures in the series.
3. Blackbeard
- Real Name: Marshall D. Teach
- Devil Fruits: Yami Yami no Mi (Logia-type) & Gura Gura no Mi (Paramecia-type)
- Bounty: 3,996,000,000 Berries
Blackbeard is the only character in One Piece to possess two Devil Fruits, a feat thought to be impossible. After defeating Whitebeard, he stole the Gura Gura no Mi, adding its world-shaking abilities to his own powers from the Yami Yami no Mi. This Logia-type fruit controls darkness and negates other Devil Fruit abilities.
Blackbeard’s ability to manipulate both paramecia and logia fruits has made him a terrifying force in the New World.
With a bounty just shy of 4 billion berries, Blackbeard is known for his cunning and strategic mind. He has been building his empire, positioning himself as one of the major antagonists in Luffy’s journey to becoming the Pirate King. As his plans unfold, he remains one of the deadliest threats in One Piece.
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4. Luffy
- Real Name: Monkey D. Luffy
- Devil Fruit: Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika (Mythical Zoan-type)
- Bounty: 3,000,000,000 Berries
After his stunning victory over Kaido, Luffy officially earned the title of Yonko, cementing his status as one of the strongest pirates in the world. Luffy’s Devil Fruit, originally thought to be the Gomu Gomu no Mi, was revealed to be the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, the most powerful Mythical Zoan fruit.
This fruit grants him the abilities of the Sun God Nika, allowing him to transform reality with his whimsical powers in Gear Five.
Luffy’s advanced mastery of Haki, including Conqueror’s Haki, and his newfound Devil Fruit awakening have made him an unstoppable force.
With his crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, and allies worldwide, Luffy is on the path to becoming the Pirate King. Though still growing, Luffy is one of the strongest Yonko and will only continue to rise.
5. Kaido
- Real Name: Kaido of the Beasts
- Devil Fruit: Uo Uo no Mi, Model: Seiryu (Mythical Zoan-type)
- Bounty: 4,611,100,000 Berries
Kaido, also known as the Strongest Creature in the World, was an indomitable force before his defeat at the hands of Luffy.
With one of the highest bounties ever recorded, Kaido was feared for his near-invincible body, terrifying strength, and Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, allowing him to transform into an enormous dragon.
Kaido’s mastery of all forms of Haki and his ability to devastate entire landscapes in his dragon form made him nearly unbeatable in one-on-one combat.
His defeat marked a turning point in the One Piece world, but his legacy as one of the most powerful Yonko will never be forgotten.
6. Big Mom
- Real Name: Charlotte Linlin
- Devil Fruit: Soru Soru no Mi (Paramecia-type)
- Bounty: 4,388,000,000 Berries
Big Mom is the only female Yonko to date and one of the most terrifying characters in One Piece. Her Soru Soru no Mi allows her to control souls, create living homies out of inanimate objects, and even steal life spans from those who fear her. With her overwhelming physical strength and proficiency in Haki, Big Mom was a force of nature.
Although Kid and Law eventually defeated her, Big Mom fought valiantly against two awakened Devil Fruit users, further demonstrating her strength. Even in defeat, Big Mom’s reputation as one of the deadliest pirates remains intact.
7. Buggy
- Real Name: Buggy the Clown
- Devil Fruit: Bara Bara no Mi (Paramecia-type)
- Bounty: 3,189,000,000 Berries
Though Buggy may be the luckiest character in One Piece, he is undoubtedly the weakest Yonko in terms of strength. His rise to the title of Emperor is largely due to a series of misunderstandings by the Marines, who believe he is the mastermind behind the Cross Guild, an organization issuing bounties on Marines.
Buggy’s knack for finding himself in advantageous situations has led to his meteoric rise in the pirate world.
Despite his weak combat abilities, Buggy’s influence and luck have earned him the Yonko title. With Mihawk and Crocodile as his allies, Buggy’s presence in the One Piece world has become more significant than ever.
Conclusion
The Yonko represent the pinnacle of power in the One Piece universe. From Whitebeard’s earth-shattering strength to Shanks’ mastery of Haki, these Emperors have shaped history in the New World.
As the series progresses, new faces like Luffy and Buggy join the ranks of the Yonko, promising even more thrilling battles and pirate adventures ahead.
With the story moving into its final saga, the influence of the Yonko will be more critical than ever, and the fate of the One Piece world will likely rest on their shoulders.
In the comments, let us know which Yonko is your favorite and where you think the story will go next!
People May Ask
Who is the strongest Yonko?
Whitebeard is widely considered the strongest Yonko of all time, especially in his prime when he wielded the power to destroy the world.
Who is the weakest Yonko?
Buggy the Clown is the weakest Yonko in terms of combat ability, relying more on luck and misunderstandings than actual strength.
How many Yonko have there been in One Piece?
There have been a total of seven Yonko in the history of One Piece, including current and past Emperors.
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