The world of One Piece is a whirlwind of fantastical creatures, daring pirates, and legendary treasures. Amidst the story’s thrilling adventures and wacky humor: who is the strongest character in One Piece?

From the stretchy hero Monkey D. Luffy to the leader of the World Government, Imu, the contenders for the title of strongest One Piece character are as diverse as their powers.

One Piece characters Monkey D. Luffy, Eustass Kid, and Trafalgar Law in ONE Esports in featured image for article "Who has the highest bounty in the One Piece universe?"
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Determining the strongest One Piece character is no easy feat. Strength can manifest in many ways, from the destructive might of the Devil Fruits to the unwavering will of a Conqueror’s Haki user.

This article dives deep into who is the strongest character in One Piece, exploring their feats, abilities, and the factors that make them a formidable opponent.

What is One Piece?

One Piece Straw Hat Pirates members Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Vinsmoke Sanji, Tony Tony Chopper, Nico Robin, Franky, Brook, Jinbe in ONE Esports featured image for article "One Piece watch order: How to watch the anime, movies, and OVAs in chronological order"
Credit: Toei Animation
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One Piece is a long-running manga and anime series following the adventures of Monkey D. Luffy, a young man with a stretchy rubber body thanks to a magical Devil Fruit.

Luffy dreams of becoming the King of the Pirates, and sets sail with his ragtag crew, the Straw Hat Pirates, to find the legendary treasure “One Piece.” This treasure, left behind by the previous Pirate King, is believed to grant the finder ultimate fame and fortune.

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The journey takes Luffy and his crew across the vast world, encountering strange creatures, fantastical islands, and powerful pirates. They face off against the oppressive World Government and rival pirate crews, all vying for the One Piece and the title of Pirate King.

Things to consider in determining the strongest One Piece character

One Piece Straw Hat Pirates wallpaper
Credit: Toei Animation

Swordsmanship/fighting style

For characters who rely on physical prowess, their swordsmanship, martial arts skills, or overall fighting style are important factors.

Feats and victories

A character’s past battles and victories against strong opponents are a good indicator of their strength. Defeating Emperors, Admirals, or other high-level characters shows their prowess in combat.

One Piece East Blue Saga wallpaper, what is the One Piece?
Credit: Toei Animation
What is the One Piece?

Influence and authority

In a world like One Piece, power isn’t just about physical strength. Characters with immense influence, like the Fleet Admiral or an Emperor, can command vast resources and sway events without direct combat.

Strategic mind

A brilliant mind can overcome raw power. Characters who can outmaneuver and exploit their opponent’s weaknesses can achieve victory even against seemingly stronger foes.

Who is the strongest character in One Piece?

Who is the strongest character in One Piece character, Imu during the destruction of Lulusia Kingdom
Credit: Toei Animation

While there are many incredibly powerful characters in One Piece, Imu, the enigmatic leader of the World Government, holds the title of the strongest One Piece character.

Their existence is a secret known only by a select few, even surpassing the seemingly untouchable Five Elders (also known as Gorosei). Imu holds the true power, giving orders to the Gorosei themself.

The Seven Warlords before the Summit War of Marineford.
Credit: Toei Animation, ONE Esports
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Imu remains shrouded in mystery, but their actions speak volumes. We’ve seen them effortlessly destroy the entire Lulusia Kingdom with a single attack.

This display of power far surpasses anything witnessed by other characters. The nature of this ability remains unknown, but it suggests a level of strength beyond current comprehension.

A close up of Imu's silhouette in One Piece
Credit: Toei Animation
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As the head of the World Government, Imu wields immense political and military influence. They command the vast resources of the Marines, one of the strongest forces in the world.

This influence allows them to manipulate events and control powerful figures, further solidifying their position at the top.

Unlike other contenders for the strongest One Piece character, Imu faces no opposition within their ranks. Emperors like Blackbeard and Shanks command powerful crews, but they also face threats from rivals. Imu, on the other hand, sits at the absolute pinnacle of power, facing no internal challenges.

READ MORE: Beyond the Grand Line: Does Luffy find the One Piece?