10 Best Tournament Arcs In Anime History, Ranked

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Tournament arcs are a common and popular feature in shonen anime, and it’s easy to see why. They’re a great way to introduce new characters and develop existing ones, all while providing plenty of exciting action that keeps viewers engaged.

Tournament arcs are a classic part of many popular anime, often becoming the most memorable part of a series. Some of these arcs are particularly famous, not just within their own anime, but throughout anime history as a whole.

10) Naturals Election Arc (Kill la Kill)

The Naturals Election is a significant storyline in the anime Kill la Kill. Ryuko Matoi faces off against Satsuki Kiryuin’s four strongest fighters, one after another. If Ryuko wins, Satsuki promises to reveal the truth about what happened to Ryuko’s father.

The Naturals Election arc was a high point for Kill la Kill, thanks to its well-written story and exciting, unpredictable action. Nui Harime’s interruptions were particularly effective, adding a crucial twist to Ryuko’s journey and the series’ overall direction. This arc truly marked a turning point; once it kicked into gear, the show maintained its momentum and never slowed down.

9) World Racing Grand Prix (Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds)

I watched the World Racing Grand Prix, or WRGP, which was a huge event in the Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds world. It brought together all the top turbo duelists, and I saw Yusei and his friends form Team 5Ds. They were competing not only to improve their skills, but also to foil the plans of the dangerous group called Iliaster and their powerful Meklords.

The WRGP arc had a slow start, but once it got going, it was packed with amazing duels and strong storytelling, particularly when Yusei was dueling. Though it’s one of the longest arcs in Yu-Gi-Oh!, it felt worthwhile and never wasted any time.

8) Masters Eight Tournament (Pokémon)

The Masters Eight Tournament marked the exciting conclusion to the Pokémon World Coronation Series. After earning his place among the top eight trainers, Ash competed in a final tournament to become the new Monarch – the very best trainer in the world – and he ultimately won!

The Masters Eight Tournament delivered exciting battles and a powerful story, but the real highlight was Ash finally becoming World Champion – a truly satisfying moment after nearly three decades of near misses. It was a fitting farewell to Ash and Pikachu, and it’s hard to imagine the Pokémon anime ever reaching such a peak again.

7) Hunter Exam Arc (Hunter X Hunter)

The Hunter Exam is the first big story arc in the anime Hunter x Hunter. Every year, people worldwide try to pass a difficult exam to become Hunters, gaining special privileges if they succeed. The competition is fierce, and even attempting the exam can be dangerous, as seen with Gon and his companions.

Though introductory story arcs are often slow to start, the Hunter Exam arc in Hunter X Hunter immediately captivated audiences with its exciting action, well-developed characters, and clever foreshadowing. It established the series’ unique style and has remained incredibly popular ever since.

6) Sports Festival Arc (My Hero Academia)

The Sports Festival is a significant story arc in the anime My Hero Academia. After fighting the League of Villains, Izuku and his classmates participate in the U.A. Sports Festival – a competition where students showcase their abilities to the nation. For Izuku, it’s a crucial opportunity to demonstrate he’s worthy of inheriting All Might’s legacy.

Following the really intense battle against the League of Villains, the Sports Festival arc felt like a breath of fresh air. It was much lighter in tone, but still managed to feel significant because of how well it developed characters like Izuku and Todoroki. I think a lot of people point to the Sports Festival as the moment My Hero Academia really hit its stride, and honestly, it’s easy to understand why. It just felt like everything clicked.

5) Chunin Exam Arc (Naruto)

The Chunin Exam is the second big story arc in the anime Naruto. Shortly after Naruto completes his first important mission, the Leaf Village hosts a challenging test called the Chunin Exams. This exam determines which Genin, like Naruto, are ready to become Chunin-level ninja. However, beyond the usual dangers of the test, a hidden plot unfolds that could drastically alter the ninja world.

The Chunin Exam arc isn’t just filled with exciting action and a refreshing challenge to the established world of Naruto; it’s also remarkable for its detailed worldbuilding and how it fleshes out both familiar and new characters. It’s one of the largest arcs in the entire series, and even years later, it remains a standout example of a great tournament arc in anime.

4) Gundam Fight Finals (Mobile Fighter G Gundam)

The Gundam Fight Finals are the second-to-last major events in the Mobile Fighter G Gundam series. Having made it through the earlier rounds and gained the incredibly strong Burning Gundam, Domon is now prepared to move forward with his friends. He hopes this next stage will finally allow him to defeat Master Asia and the Dark Gundam, ending their conflict once and for all.

The final rounds of the Gundam Fight were just as exciting and dramatic as the beginning of the series, with some genuinely touching moments, particularly in the endings for Kyoji and Master Asia. Mobile Fighter G Gundam is a fantastic anime that doesn’t get enough attention, and these final battles are a perfect example of what viewers are missing.

3) Battle City (Yu-Gi-Oh!)

The Battle City arc is the second big story arc in the Yu-Gi-Oh! series. After hearing about incredibly powerful monsters known as the Egyptian Gods, Kaiba transforms Domino City into an arena, hoping to attract their owners so he can take them and finally beat Yugi. However, Yugi is more focused on stopping the evil Marik and uncovering the secrets of Yami Yugi’s history.

The Battle City arc is widely considered the highlight of the original Yu-Gi-Oh! series. Known for its exciting duels, compelling story, and well-developed characters—particularly in the original Japanese version—it remains a fan favorite decades later and is often cited as the show’s best storyline. It’s also the longest story arc in the original series.

2) Piccolo Jr. Saga (Dragon Ball)

The Piccolo Jr. Saga, or the 23rd World Martial Arts Tournament arc, concludes Toei Animation’s Dragon Ball series. Three years after Goku defeated King Piccolo, he faces off against King Piccolo’s son, Piccolo Jr., in the World Martial Arts Tournament. However, Piccolo Jr. is even more powerful than his father, making it a very challenging battle.

The fight between Goku and Piccolo is considered a highlight of the entire Dragon Ball series, both for its exciting action and compelling story. But what makes the whole saga so good is how each fight leading up to the finale expertly builds suspense. The Piccolo Jr. Saga represents the best of Dragon Ball‘s tournament storylines and is widely considered one of the franchise’s strongest arcs overall.

1) Dark Tournament Arc (Yu Yu Hakusho)

I remember watching the Dark Tournament arc in Yu Yu Hakusho and being completely hooked. It all started when this incredibly strong demon, Toguro, set his sights on Yusuke and his friends. Suddenly, they were thrown into this unbelievably dangerous fighting tournament – the Dark Tournament. Each fight really pushed them to their absolute limits, both physically and mentally, far beyond anything they’d ever experienced before.

The battles in the Dark Tournament not only deliver exciting action, but also show how much Team Urameshi has developed as characters. Everything culminates in a fantastic final fight against Team Toguro, perfectly resolving all previous storylines. The Dark Tournament remains one of the best tournament arcs in anime history, and it’s likely to stay that way.

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2025-12-02 19:16