Tournament of Power: The Ultimate Guide to Every Team & Rule

I’ve been a Dragon Ball fan since I was a teenager, but nothing prepared me for the sheer scale and ambition of the Tournament of Power. Looking back years after its conclusion, it’s clear this wasn’t just another fighting tournament; it was a revolutionary event for the franchise. The concept was staggering: 80 fighters from eight different universes battling simultaneously in a high-stakes battle royale.

What makes this arc hold up so well in 2025? It’s the ultimate pressure cooker. If a universe loses all its fighters, it gets erased from existence by the Omni-King. This simple, terrifying rule elevates every single moment. The Tournament of Power redefined our understanding of strength in Dragon Ball Super, proving that strategy, teamwork, and sheer willpower could triumph over raw power alone.

What Is the Tournament of Power, and How Does It Work?

The Tournament of Power in Dragon Ball Super is a high-stakes battle royale where 80 fighters from 8 universes compete under strict rules. The goal is simple: eliminate opponents by knocking them off the arena, not killing them. The tournament takes place in the World of Void, a neutral space outside time and reality.

It officially starts in Episode 97 of Dragon Ball Super, and runs for 48 minutes in real time, making every second critical. The universe with fighters remaining at the end wins, while losing universes face complete erasure by Zeno, raising the stakes far beyond a normal tournament.

The Premise: Why Was the Tournament of Power Held?

The entire event was kicked off by Grand Zeno, who, after enjoying the exhibition match between Universe 6 and 7, decided a tournament would be an efficient way to trim the “underperforming” universes from the multiverse. With the Grand Priest organizing the logistics, each universe was given a tense 48-hour deadline to assemble its ten strongest warriors for the ultimate survival game.

The fighting stage itself was a masterstroke. Built in the desolate World of Void, a neutral ground outside of normal space-time, it ensured no team had a home-field advantage. This setting stripped away all external factors, making the tournament a pure test of skill where the threat of obliteration created a psychological tension unlike anything we’d seen before.

Tournament of Power Quick Facts:

• Start Episode: 97
• Arc Duration: Episode 97–131
• Total Fighters: 80
• Universes: 8
• Time Limit: 48 minutes
• Arena: World of Void
• Win Condition: Last universe standing

The Official Tournament of Power Rules

The Tournament of Power operated under specific regulations that fundamentally changed how battles unfolded, making strategy paramount.

• No Killing Allowed: Fighters faced immediate disqualification for lethal force, a massive constraint for warriors accustomed to death matches.
• Ring-Out Elimination: The only way to win was to knock an opponent off the massive arena. Positioning became just as vital as power.
• 48-Minute Time Limit: The universe with the most fighters remaining when time expired would be declared the winner.
• No Weapons or Healing Items: Only martial arts and innate abilities were allowed (though this rule was loosely interpreted for some fighters).
• Flight Nullified: True flight was disabled, forcing fighters to stay grounded, conserve energy, and adapt their combat styles.
• Team-Based Survival: Individual glory meant nothing if your universe was erased. Teamwork was essential for survival.
• No Outside Assistance: Once the battle began, only the ten designated fighters could participate.
• Potara Earrings Banned: This powerful fusion method was specifically prohibited to prevent an easy, overwhelming power-up.

Absolute Referee Authority: The Grand Priest’s decisions were final and could not be challenged.

A Universe-by-Universe Breakdown

8 universes are fighting in the Tournament of Power at a time. Every universe has the right to include its 10-team-strong fighters in the team.

Universe 2 

Universe 2 brings a unique philosophy to the Tournament of Power. Their warriors embrace the power of love and justice as their core strength. I’ve watched their transformation sequences repeatedly, and they’re unapologetically magical girl-inspired. Ribrianne leads this universe with passionate conviction that initially seems comical but proves surprisingly effective.

The Kamikaze Fireballs serve as Universe 2’s foundation. Their coordinated assaults display sharp tactical insight. In my experience, underestimating them as mere comic relief is a serious error.

They complement each other seamlessly, compensating for weaknesses while amplifying their transformation strengths. Brianne de Chateau, Roasie, and Su Roas form a trio that outperforms their individual capabilities.

• Ribrianne
• Kakunsa
• Rozie
• Harmira
• Rabanra
• Zarbuto
• Zirloin
• Jimizu
• Bikal
• Prum 

Universe 3 

Universe 3 takes an entirely different approach. They’re all about technological enhancement and mechanical fusion. I’ve found their modified warriors fascinating because they blur the line between organic and machine.

Paparoni serves as the brains behind their operation, constantly calculating and adjusting strategies based on battlefield data. Their unique strategy involves combining multiple fighters into increasingly powerful forms. The Preecho and Katopesla provide speed and versatility. Pancea brings support capabilities. 

What I discovered through careful observation is that Universe 3 treats combat like engineering problem-solving. They build toward their ultimate fusion, treating individual battles as resource management rather than honouring duels.

• Paparoni
• Nigrissi
• Pancea
• Koitsukai
• Narirama
• Biarra
• Borareta
• Catopesra
• Maji-Kayo
• Za Priccio 

Universe 4 

Universe 4 operates through deception and hidden techniques. Quitela, their God of Destruction, has cultivated a universe built on trickery. I’ve noticed their fighters specialize in abilities that catch opponents off guard. Invisibility, illusions, and surprise attacks define their tactical playbook throughout the Tournament of Power.

Shantza and Damon represent this philosophy perfectly. Their techniques exploit the rules brilliantly. Damon’s invisibility, combined with his tiny size, makes him incredibly difficult to counter. Ganos brings insect-like adaptability.

In my experience analyzing their battles, Universe 4 proves that raw power isn’t everything. They force opponents to fight blind, creating chaos that stronger universes struggle to handle effectively.

• Ganos
• Caway
• Shantza
• Damom
• Nink
• Majora
• Shosa
• Gamisalas
• Dercori
• Monna

Universe 6  

Universe 6 holds a unique position due to its status as the twin to Universe 7. This relationship is personal, as their respective Gods of Destruction are brothers. I’ve always appreciated how this universe mirrors familiar characters while developing unique personalities.

Hit stands as their ace, a legendary assassin whose time-manipulation abilities make him arguably the Tournament of Power’s most dangerous technical fighter. Caulifla and Kale are Saiyan sisters who possess immense potential. Kale has a berserker transformation similar to Broly, while Caulifla learns and adapts rapidly, much like Goku.

Cabba adds tactical thinking and genuine nobility. Universe 6 combines veteran expertise with raw Saiyan potential, and their teamwork improves throughout the tournament as they learn to coordinate Hit’s precision with the Saiyans’ overwhelming force.

• Cabba
• Hit
• Frost
• Auta Magetta
• Rota
• Caulifla
• Kale
• Saonel
• Pirina
• Botamo 

Universe 7 

Universe 7 fields the most familiar roster for fans. Goku and Vegeta anchor this team with their mastery of Super Saiyan Blue and beyond. I’ve watched their Tournament of Power performances countless times. They carry most of the combat burden, but their supporting cast proves crucial at unexpected moments.

Gohan leads strategically, finally reclaiming relevance after years of disappointing showings. Android 17 becomes the tournament’s MVP through clever rule exploitation and unlimited stamina. Frieza’s inclusion adds dangerous unpredictability; he’s fighting for revival, not loyalty.

What makes Universe 7 work is the balance of its team. They have the powerhouses in Goku and Vegeta, the tactician in Gohan, the endurance of the Androids, and the wild card of Frieza.

• Gohan
• Goku
• Vegeta
• Frieza
• Android 17
• Android 18
• Piccolo
• Master Roshi
• Tien
• Krillin

Universe 9 

Universe 9 enters as the underdog universe. Their fighters lack the polish and power of stronger universes. I’ve felt genuinely sympathetic toward their situation. They’re clearly outmatched from the opening bell. Bergamo, the Crusher, serves as their strongest warrior, but even he struggles against mid-tier opponents from other universes.

​The trio of danger, Bergamo, Lavender, and Basil, represents their best hope. They fight with a desperation that stronger universes can’t match. Their teamwork shows heart and determination.

​What I discovered is that Universe 9’s quick elimination serves a narrative purpose. It proves the erasure threat is real, raising the stakes dramatically. Their elimination sends shockwaves through the remaining fighters, eliminating any doubt about the consequences.

• Bergamo
• Basil
• Lavender
• Comfey
• Hop
• Sorrel
• Chappil
• Oregano
• Roselle
• Hyssop 

Universe 10 

Universe 10 brings muscle and pride to the Tournament of Power. Murichim showcases impressive raw strength, while Obuni fights with a technique refined through genuine discipline. I’ve noticed their fighting styles emphasise traditional martial arts more than cosmic energy manipulation, representing a straightforward combat philosophy without gimmicks.

​Their elimination, however, comes relatively early despite respectable showings. Their God of Destruction, Rumoosh, and Supreme Kai, Gowasu, watch helplessly as their universe is erased. In my analysis, Universe 10’s downfall stems from a lack of a true superstar.

While their roster is full of competent fighters, none reach the elite tier required to challenge the top contenders. Furthermore, their pride prevents them from using the deceptive tactics that weaker universes employ. This combination of moderate strength and an honourable fighting style leaves them vulnerable to both stronger and craftier opponents.

• Murichim
• Obni
• Dyrasem
• Rylibeu
• Murisam
• Napapa
• Zircor
• Dium
• Rubalt
• Methiop 

Universe 11 

Universe 11 stands as Universe 7’s primary rival throughout the tournament. The Pride Troopers operate like a superhero team, complete with poses and justice speeches. I’ve studied Jiren extensively. He’s the tournament’s measuring stick, the wall every fighter must try to overcome.

His power transcends even the Gods of Destruction. Toppo brings leadership and eventually accesses the God of Destruction power himself. Dyspo’s speed rivals even Hit’s time manipulation. The Pride Troopers fight with coordinated precision that other universes envy.

Here’s what makes them dangerous: they combine individual excellence with team tactics. In my experience watching the Tournament of Power, Universe 11 represents the ultimate challenge. They don’t just fight; they overpower and dominate with sheer strength and unwavering confidence in their sense of justice. 

• Jiren
• Top
• Dyspo
• Casserale
• K’nsi
• Tupper
• Cocotte
• Zoire
• Kettle
• Vewon 

The Most Iconic Moments of the Tournament

Even years later, certain moments from this survival arc remain iconic. Goku achieving Ultra Instinct for the first time against Jiren is perhaps the defining sequence of Dragon Ball Super, a perfect fusion of stunning animation, music, and raw emotion.

Other moments are just as powerful. Vegeta’s self-sacrificial Final Explosion against Toppo was a beautiful showcase of his character growth, proving he had finally conquered his selfish ego. Android 17’s fake-out sacrifice and eventual victory felt like perfect narrative poetry.

And who could forget the chilling alliance between Goku and Frieza in the final seconds, a moment of fan service that felt completely earned? What elevates these moments is that they reinforce the arc’s central themes: growth, sacrifice, and the bonds forged in battle.

FAQs

What is a Tournament of Power? 

The Tournament of Power is a grand-scale battle royale in Dragon Ball Super where teams of ten fighters from eight different universes fight simultaneously. The only way to win is by knocking opponents off the stage. The last universe with fighters remaining wins, while the losing universes are erased from existence.

What episode of Dragon Ball Super is the Tournament of Power?

In Dragon Ball Super, the Tournament of Power starts in Episode 97, “Survive! The Tournament of Power Begins at Last!”. This episode first aired on July 2, 2017. The match starts when fighters from different universes get thrown out of stage.

Who defeated Jiren? 

Jiren was ultimately defeated in the Tournament of Power not by a single warrior, but by the incredible teamwork of Universe 7. Even Goku, having mastered Ultra Instinct, could not overcome Jiren alone. In the tournament’s final moments, Goku joined forces with an unlikely alliance: his nemesis Frieza and the pragmatic Android 17. Together, their combined assault overwhelmed the seemingly invincible powerhouse, securing the victory.

Final Verdict

From my perspective as a dedicated fan who has analysed this arc from every angle, the Tournament of Power is Dragon Ball Super’s greatest achievement. It successfully balanced nostalgia with groundbreaking innovation. The threat of universal erasure, combined with the strategic ring-out rules, created stakes higher than ever before.

The arc gave supporting characters like Android 17 and Master Roshi meaningful moments to shine, while pushing icons like Goku and Vegeta to their absolute limits. It proved that Dragon Ball could evolve beyond simple power-level contests and deliver a story rich with strategy, sacrifice, and incredible character development.

Here’s my final take: the Tournament of Power is a masterclass in tension and spectacle that will be celebrated by fans for years to come.