Best Anime Tournaments

The greatest tournament arcs in anime history, ranked by tension, fights, and stakes. The Dark Tournament from Yu Yu Hakusho set the template — every tournament arc since has been measured against it. Dragon Ball Super's Tournament of Power modernized the format with a battle royale twist and universe-ending stakes.

My Hero Academia's Sports Festival ranks high because it developed every character simultaneously. The Chunin Exam from Naruto introduced Rock Lee vs. Gaara — still one of anime's greatest fights 20 years later. Hunter x Hunter's Heavens Arena arc is shorter but perfectly paced.

The list includes unconventional picks too. Food Wars' cooking tournaments and Kuroko no Basket's Winter Cup prove that tournament arcs work in any genre, not just battle shonen. Vote for the arcs that had you watching "just one more episode" at 3 AM.