Monkey D. Luffy is the main protagonist of One Piece. He set out on his journey alone, but over time, he recruited many new people. Together, they have overcome many obstacles and cemented their place as one of the best pirate crews in the series.

Related

One Piece: 7 Characters Who Could Join The Straw Hat Pirates

The Straw Hat Pirates still have room for at least one more member, and these One Piece characters may end up joining the heroes.

Luffy has played a major role in their success, due to which he has attracted the attention of many other characters. Some of them have tried to fight him, but Luffy has prevailed over all of them. There have been individuals who have given Luffy a proper run for his money. Even after being beaten, they haven't given up on competing with Luffy.

7 Smoker

Nearly Ended Luffy's Dream

Smoker saw Luffy for the first time in the Loguetown arc and the Marine quickly became obsessed with capturing Luffy, and he was nearly successful in doing so. Due to Dragon's intervention, Luffy slipped through his fingers, so Smoker made a note to find and arrest the pirate at all costs.

The two crossed paths many times afterward, and Smoker had the advantage almost every single time. Since the time-skip, Smoker and Luffy haven't engaged in a proper duel, but it's for the best, as the Marine has fallen way behind Luffy in terms of power. If they were to meet again, Luffy would obliterate Smoker.

6 Koby

Not Hesitant To Stand Up To Luffy

Koby is a Marine Captain and one of Luffy's earliest friends. The two met on Alvida's ship, where Koby was working against his will. Luffy helped Koby free himself and pursue his dream of becoming a Marine. They respect each other, but everything is forgotten when they come face-to-face. Koby tried to stand up to Luffy in Marineford, and the latter took him down with a single punch.

Related

One Piece: 6 Most Mismatched Fights In The Series, Ranked

These are the most one-sided fights in One Piece.

Koby has improved tremendously, as evidenced by his heroics in Hachinosu. He was able to damage Avalo Pizzaro, one of the Ten Titanic Commanders of the Blackbeard Pirates, which is no ordinary feat. Despite this, Koby has a ways to go before he can catch up with Luffy.

5 Eustass Kid

Wants To Claim The One Piece

Eustass Kid is the captain of the Kid Pirates. Introduced in the Sabaody Archipelago arc, Kid became famous due to his gruesome methods. In a sense, he was a real-life pirate, as he wasn't kind to ordinary people.

Like Luffy, Kid is obsessed with the One Piece and dreams of becoming the King of Pirates. If anyone dared make fun of his dream, Kid would make sure that they would not see the light of another day. Kid constantly tried to compete with Luffy in different things, such as races, eating food, etc.

4 Trafalgar Law

Has The Same Bounty As Luffy

Trafalgar Law is the captain of the Heart Pirates and one of the members of the Worst Generation. During the time-skip, Law managed to snag a place in the Shichibukai, which was later revealed to be a part of his elaborate plan.

Related

One Piece: 5 Characters Who Could Join The Blackbeard Pirates

These One Piece characters might join the Blackbeard Pirates in the Final Saga.

Law maintains his cool most of the time, but he can get competitive, especially when provoked. When it comes to power, Law possesses the Ope Ope no Mi, a Paramecia-type Devil Fruit that allows him to create ROOMs. In these ROOMs, Law has the power to control anything. Law has utilized his Devil Fruit to take down many noteworthy opponents, such as Vergo, Smoker, and Big Mom. With an impressive resume, he is one of Luffy's stronger rivals.

3 Rob Lucci

Defeated Luffy Once In Water 7

Rob Lucci was the main antagonist of the Water 7 and the Enies Lobby arcs. At the time, he was working for the CP9, and his goal was to retrieve the blueprints of Pluton and Nico Robin. Lucci defeated Luffy in their first encounter, but the pirate bounced back in the Enies Lobby.

Lucci never forgot the beating that Luffy inflicted upon him, and he has carried a grudge ever since. In the Egghead arc, Lucci fought Luffy yet again. However, this time, the difference between the two was absolutely massive. Luffy was able to beat the Cipher Pol agent without any problem. Even after being humbled, Lucci refused to acknowledge his opponent's strength. There is a chance that the two might fight against each other in the future.

2 ​​​​​​Shanks

Wants To Get The One Piece

Shanks is one of the Four Emperors of the Sea. He is the only pirate who is on good terms with the World Government. Shanks was able to enter Marijoa and talk to the Five Elders, which is a big feat in itself. Shanks was also able to stop the Paramount War without shedding any blood. Sengoku admitted that he only made the decision because it was Shanks who asked for a ceasefire.

As one of the Emperors, Shanks possesses an incredible amount of power. He does not have a Devil Fruit, so he primarily relies on Haki in fights. Shanks possesses all three types of Haki, and he can use their advanced versions as well. Shanks has expressed his desire to claim the One Piece, which makes him a challenger to Luffy.

1 Blackbeard

Luffy's Final Opponent

Blackbeard has been tipped to be Luffy's final opponent for years. Every single interaction between the two has been interesting. Blackbeard and Luffy even share some similarities. Blackbeard became an enemy in Luffy's eyes after he handed Ace to the World Government.

Blackbeard also wants to claim the One Piece as well, so that puts him in direct contention with Luffy. Given the fact that he has two Devil Fruits, he is going to be Luffy's toughest opponent. The two will definitely fight in the future, and when they do, it will go down in history.

One Piece (1999)

Action

Adventure

Comedy

Fantasy

Release Date

October 20, 1999

Studio

Toei Animation

Creator

Eiichiro Oda

Streaming Service(s)

Crunchyroll , Netflix , Hulu

See at Hulu