For decades, Dragon Ball fans have fiercely debated who reigns supreme between Goku and Vegeta. Both Saiyan warriors have pushed their limits countless times, surpassing gods, universes, and logic itself in their pursuit of strength. Yet, the series’ long history and creator Akira Toriyama’s storytelling choices make one truth clear, because this rivalry has always had a definitive winner.

While Vegeta’s pride and determination often make him the more relatable fighter, Goku embodies the spirit of Dragon Ball itself. Every major arc has placed him at the center of evolution and victory, even when Vegeta momentarily eclipses him. Despite the prince’s moments of glory, the franchise continually reaffirms that Goku is the strongest Saiyan alive.

Goku’s Main Character Advantage

Goku’s victories are not just about power levels, they are about narrative design. He is the series’ emotional and thematic core, representing the endless pursuit of improvement. Whenever Vegeta gains the upper hand, Goku soon evolves beyond him, often unlocking new transformations that reshape the Saiyan hierarchy. Ultra Instinct, for instance, solidified Goku as the face of divine power among mortals.

Even in Dragon Ball Super, where Vegeta made great strides with his unique Ultra Ego form, Goku’s mastery of instinctive combat kept him one step ahead. Toriyama’s storytelling has always emphasized Goku’s adaptability and cheerful resilience as the ultimate weapons. These qualities ensure that Goku remains the definitive “strongest” Saiyan, even when Vegeta closes the gap.

Still, Vegeta’s rivalry fuels Goku’s growth. Their dynamic works because Vegeta’s ambition forces Goku to keep striving forward. Without that challenge, Goku’s evolution would lose meaning. Yet, when push comes to shove, Goku’s story always ends with him rising above, cementing his dominance through sheer determination and heart.

Vegeta’s Brief Triumphs and Lasting Pride

Vegeta has certainly enjoyed flashes of supremacy. In Dragon Ball Z’s Majin Buu Saga, he briefly surpassed Goku after succumbing to Babidi’s magic, claiming his long-awaited victory. Later, in Dragon Ball Super, his intense training under Beerus’s mentor Whis allowed him to match Goku stride for stride. But those triumphs never lasted long.

Toriyama’s writing consistently frames Vegeta as the eternal rival, close enough to inspire tension, yet never quite equal. His Ultra Ego transformation gave him a power unique from Goku’s, reflecting his ruthless confidence and Saiyan pride. However, this form thrives on self-destruction, while Goku’s Ultra Instinct depends on serenity, which is a contrast that proves why Goku ultimately prevails.

Still, Vegeta’s strength lies in his perseverance. Even when overshadowed, he continues to evolve without bitterness, showing emotional and moral growth that rivals Goku’s physical power. While the Dragon Ball franchise may have settled the question of who is strongest, Vegeta remains its most complex fighter and a proud prince who refuses to stop chasing the one man he can never quite surpass.

Created by

Akira Toriyama

Latest TV Show

Super Dragon Ball Heroes

First Episode Air Date

April 26, 1989