Highlights

The Straw Hat Pirates, led by Monkey D. Luffy, are the closest crew to claiming the One Piece, with an impressive track record and three Road Poneglyphs.
The Blackbeard Pirates, formed by Marshall D. Teach, are a ruthless crew that have acquired powerful members and stolen Road Poneglyphs, putting them in contention for the One Piece.
The Buggy Pirates, led by Buggy, unexpectedly gained power and now also have their sights set on claiming the One Piece, potentially leading to a clash with the Straw Hat Pirates.

The One Piece is the greatest treasure in the whole world. It was left by Gol D. Roger at Laugh Tale. Nobody knows what the One Piece is, but it is said that the entire world will be turned upside down once someone claims it.

one-piece-15-strongest-characters-in-the-series-1

One Piece: 26 Strongest Characters In The Series

These are the strongest characters to sail the seas of the One Piece world.

Since the beginning of the Great Pirate Era, many One Piece characters have openly expressed their desire to claim the treasure of Gol D. Roger for themselves. But not all of them have managed to stay in the race. With the series in its final saga, only a handful of pirate crews remain in contention to claim the One Piece.

Straw Hat Pirates

Origin: East Blue

Captain: Monkey D. Luffy
Notable Members: Zoro, Sanji, Nami, Chopper, Brook, Franky, Robin, Usopp, and Jimbe.
Total Bounty: 8,816,001,000 Berries

The Straw Hat Pirates are the main heroes of the story. The crew was formed in East Blue under Luffy's leadership. The Straw Hats quickly rose to fame and became widely known for their strength. Not long after entering the Grandline, they took down multiple Shichibukai and got involved with the Celestial Dragons. The crew went on a two-year break, during which they trained and improved their abilities. After being reunited, they headed into the New World and resumed their adventure.

In the New World, the Straw Hat Pirates defeated Hody Jones, Caesar, Donquixote Doflamingo, Charlotte Cracker, Charlotte Katakuri, and Kaido. They have an impressive repertoire, and they are the only known crew with three Road Poneglyphs. So, technically, they are the ones closest to Laugh Tale and the One Piece. However, the other competitors won't make things easier for them, and it may be a while before they finally set foot on the same island as Gol D. Roger and his crew.

Blackbeard Pirates

Origin: Grand Line

Captain: Marshall D. Teach
Notable Members: Kuzan, Jesus Burgess, Laffitte, Shiryu, Avalo Pizarro, San Juan Wolf, Catarina Devon, Vasco Shot, Van Augur, and Doc Q.
Total Bounty: 4,194,200,000 Berries

The Blackbeard Pirates are arguably the most ruthless and malevolent pirate crew in One Piece. Blackbeard formed the crew after leaving the Whitebeard Pirates along with the Yami Yami no Mi. Blackbeard's crew was initially small, and it only consisted of Lafitte, Doc Q, Van Augur, and Burgess. Despite their limited numbers, the crew could rely on their captain, Blackbeard, to pull the rabbit out of the hat and take down powerful fighters on his own.

A collage of Portgas D. Ace with his friends, Monkey D. Luffy and Yamato

One Piece: Ace's Best Friends, Ranked

In the world of One Piece, Portgas D. Ace acquired several close friends throughout his life. Here's how they stack up.

First, Blackbeard became a Shichibukai, and subsequently, he raided Impel Down to find more crew members. His search was successful, and then he made his way to Marineford. Blackbeard sensed an opportunity and decided to steal the Gura Gura no Mi from Whitebeard. With the newly acquired Devil Fruit, Blackbeard was able to cut open a path to become a Yonko. Blackbeard defeated Trafalgar Law and stole his Road Poneglyphs. Some of his crew members invaded Whole Cake Island and kidnapped Charlotte Pudding. It is very likely that they also stole a copy of the Road Poneglyph that is in the possession of the Big Mom Pirates. This would mean that the Blackbeard Pirates also have three Road Poneglyphs just like the Straw Hats.

Buggy Pirates

Origin: Grand Line

Captain: Buggy
Notable Members: Crocodile, Dracule Mihawk, Daz Bones, Alvida, Cabaji, Mohji, and Galdino.
Bounty: 8,848,000,000 Berries

The Buggy Pirates are led by Buggy, one of the two new Yonko. The crew made its debut in the East Blue Saga, where they were defeated by Luffy, Zoro, and Nami. Buggy kept reappearing, and after the Summit War, he was given a place among the Shichibukai. He used his status to start Buggy's Delivery Service.

Buggy got an unexpected boost after the battle of Onigashima. With Kaido and Big Mom gone, the World Government named Buggy as one of the Yonko. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Buggy was also proclaimed the leader of the Cross Guild. Mihawk and Crocodile were not impressed by the development but decided to play along because they wanted to use Buggy as a puppet. However, their plans backfired when Buggy revealed that he also wanted to claim the One Piece. Crocodile and Mihawk were annoyed, but Buggy's underlings had already heard their captain's order. Since they may pursue the One Piece, the odds of Mihawk vs. Zoro happening are significantly increased.

Red Hair Pirates

Origin: West Blue

Captain: Shanks
Notable Members: Ben Beckman, Lucky Roux, Yasopp, Rockstar, Limejuice, Bonk Punch, Building Snake, Hongo, Gab, and Monster.
Bounty: 4,142,900,000 Berries

The Red Hair Pirates are indubitably the strongest pirate crew in One Piece. Led by their fearless and free-spirited captain, they are renowned for their strength. The Red Hair Pirates are not cruel and have helped many people in need. In fact, Shanks has taken many territories under his protection.

Shanks' crew is extremely well-balanced, and each member has notable strengths. Most fans assume that the Red Hair Pirates do not have any Devil Fruit powers, and they rely purely on their physical strength and Haki. Shanks and his crew decimated the Kid Pirates outside Elbaf and took their Road Poneglyph rubbings. It is highly likely that Shanks knows the location of the other ones too, and he will collect them in due course.