In the manga One Piece, the 7 Warlords of the Sea are legendary pirates who have entered into a pact with the World Government. Also known as the Shichibukai, they sail the Grand Line and the New World. Their power rivals that of the Emperors in One Piece!
From Dracule Mihawk, the world’s greatest swordsman, to Blackbeard, each of these characters has left an indelible mark on history with their feats. Check out our Top 7 Most Powerful Warlords of the Sea and find out why, in our opinion, they deserve their place in this ranking.
Dracule Mihawk: The Hawk-Eye
What do we really know about Dracule Mihawk’s origins? Not much, to be honest. However, some clues suggest that he might have once been a member of the legendary crew of Gol D. Roger. Regarded as the greatest swordsman in the world, he notably trained Zoro during the two-year timeskip. Mihawk naturally exudes class with his black and red coat, his hat, and his golden cross. His look manages to be both elegant and intimidating, perfectly reflecting his solitary nature and disdain for cowardice.
As a Shichibukai, Mihawk is a freewheeling pirate who nonetheless serves the interests of the World Government. He is so formidable that he is considered to be on par with the Yonkos, the four most powerful pirates in the world. For instance, his right-hand man can destroy entire ships with a single sword strike... You can only imagine his power! In fact, he’s even the only character to have his very own sound effect, underscoring just how special he is.
Despite his formidable strength, Mihawk is always on the lookout for an opponent worthy of his skills—someone brave enough to risk everything for a challenge. It’s this relentless pursuit of the ultimate challenge that has made him a cult figure beloved by fans. Who will be crazy enough to take him on?
Marshall D. Teach: Blackbeard
Before becoming the villain we know today, Blackbeard was once a member of the legendary Whitebeard Pirates. However, he cowardly betrayed his captain to seize the Yami Yami no Mi, one of the most powerful Devil Fruits. He later fought Portgas D. Ace, captured him, and handed him over to the Marines. In return, the World Government granted him the title of Warlord of the Sea. It was a title he didn’t hold for long, as he used it to infiltrate Impel Down and recruit some of the most nefarious prisoners for his pirate crew.
When Blackbeard appears with his colossal build and maniacal laugh, all you want to do is run for cover! Thanks to the Yami Yami no Mi, Blackbeard can absorb all forms of energy—even those of other Devil Fruits. This is how he managed to steal Whitebeard’s Gura Gura no Mi, making him the only man capable of wielding the powers of two fruits.
What fascinates us about Blackbeard is his diabolical intellect and unwavering determination... He is ready to do anything! His rapid rise has made him one of the biggest threats in the New World. He is considered to be Luffy’s future major enemy in his quest to become the Pirate King, with some even viewing him as the main antagonist of One Piece.
Sir Crocodile: The Lord of the Desert
Before becoming a Warlord, Crocodile was the head of the criminal organization Baroque Works. His aim was to take complete control of the Alabasta kingdom to get his hands on the ancient weapon Pluton. He was feared for his cold, menacing appearance, with his scaly skin and scars. But what made him even more terrifying was the power of his Devil Fruit, the Suna Suna no Mi... Thanks to this Logia, Crocodile could transform into sand, control sandstorms, and even dry out everything in his path!
Once a feared pirate with a bounty of 81 million berrys on his head, he became a Warlord by striking a deal with the World Government. In exchange for his status, Crocodile had to fight on behalf of the organization. He is the first real enemy Luffy faces in the One Piece manga, having defeated him twice before finally losing in their third encounter.
Following his defeat by the young straw-hatted pirate, Crocodile was stripped of his Warlord title and imprisoned at level 6 of Impel Down. He later escaped during the breakout orchestrated by Luffy and even took part—albeit unwillingly—in the war at Marineford alongside Whitebeard.
Boa Hancock: The Pirate Empress
Boa Hancock is the only woman to have been among the 7 Warlords of the Sea. This snake princess rules over Amazon Lily alongside her two sisters, Sandersonia and Marigold. And when you see her mesmerizing beauty, it’s easy to understand why she’s nicknamed "the most beautiful woman in the world." Yet, this formidable warrior wields the Mero Mero no Mi, which allows her to turn anyone who finds her attractive to stone! Coupled with her mastery of all three types of Haki, including the exceedingly rare Conqueror's Haki, she is a top-tier fighter.
Behind her strength, however, lies a tragic past. As children, Hancock and her sisters were kidnapped and enslaved by the ruthless Celestial Dragons. Fortunately, they were freed by Fisher Tiger and managed to return to Amazon Lily, where they concealed their trauma. Boa Hancock then went on to become the captain of the Kuja Pirates. And while she was only in her early twenties, she secured the ultra-prestigious title of Shichibukai by striking a deal with the World Government.
This status allowed her to protect her island while continuing her piracy. Boa Hancock was regarded as one of the most powerful and loyal Warlords to the Government. But everything changed when she met Luffy. Falling in love with him, the beauty repeatedly put her Warlord status at risk to help him.
Trafalgar Law: The Surgeon of Death
The captain of the Heart Pirates and one of the worst generation of pirates. Hailing from North Blue, Trafalgar Law consumed one of the most powerful Devil Fruits, the Ope Ope no Mi. With this incredible Paramecia, Law can create a sphere within which he controls everything! A power that makes him a fearsome combatant. Even before becoming a Warlord, Law had already racked up an enormous bounty of 200 million berrys upon arriving at Sabaody.
But to earn his Shichibukai title, he orchestrated the Rocky Port Incident, literally ripping the hearts out of 100 pirates to present to the Marines. This allowed Law to access Punk Hazard and set his plan in motion to take down the despicable Doflamingo. It was there that he allied himself with Luffy, aiming to avenge his mentor, Corazon, whom Doflamingo had killed in the past. After defeating his enemy, Law’s bounty skyrocketed to 440 million berrys!
And that was only the beginning for Law... After playing a part in Big Mom’s downfall in Wano, alongside his ally Kid, the Surgeon’s bounty exploded to 3 billion berrys! An astronomical amount that makes him one of the most wanted pirates in the world.
Donquixote Doflamingo: Joker
Born into the world nobility of the Celestial Dragons, Doflamingo’s family left Mariejois to live among ordinary humans. After his father’s murder, this despicable character developed an intense hatred for the entire world. Turning to piracy, Doflamingo founded his own crew and built a reputation as a madman, with a bounty of 340 million berrys. Thanks to his Ito Ito no Mi, he can manipulate people like puppets.
Between the ages of 20 and 25, Doflamingo managed to become one of the 7 Warlords. But not by the usual means, oh no! This sly operator blackmailed the World Government using the dark secrets he held over them. A highly dubious arrangement... Doflamingo was able to extend his influence everywhere, eventually becoming the King of Dressrosa and the head of the underworld under the codename Joker. From his throne, he continued his nefarious schemes, such as trafficking in weapons and artificial Devil Fruits called SMILE.
Fortunately, the reign of this monster came to an end during the Dressrosa arc, thanks to Luffy! Defeated, Doflamingo lost his Warlord title and was sent to rot in the dreaded level 6 of Impel Down.
Baggy: The Clown of a Thousand Pieces
Before becoming the captain of the Clown Pirates, Baggy started out as a mere cabin boy aboard Gol D. Roger’s ship. Back then, he already rubbed shoulders with his eternal rival, Red-Haired Shanks. He consumed the Bara Bara no Mi, which allows him to split his body into a thousand pieces—a power that makes him immune to slashing attacks and paves the way for some wild battles.
Although Baggy is far from a brute, he more than makes up for it with his knack for manipulating others. That’s how he managed to gather a crew of devoted pirates, despite his notorious selfishness and cruelty. After being imprisoned in Impel Down, the clown managed to escape alongside... Luffy. An alliance nobody saw coming. And the highlight? His inadvertent heroic participation in the Paramount War earned him the title of Warlord of the Sea.
After the recent downfall of Big Mom and Kaido’s crews, Baggy was even promoted to Emperor. Insane! Today, he is part of the Cross Guild, alongside Mihawk and Crocodile, where he apparently serves as a front for the most powerful members.
The Other Warlords
- Bartholomew Kuma alias The Tyrant. A mysterious man who was transformed into a cyborg by the legendary Dr. Vegapunk. With his crazy strength, he notably protected the Straw Hats at Sabaody and Marineford.
- Jinbei, the captain of the Sun Pirates, renowned for his strength and unwavering honor. This fish-man with Herculean power is celebrated for his steadfast sense of honor.
- Gecko Moria, a formidable adversary with his zombie army and the power of the Kage Kage no Mi. Despite his defeat by Luffy at Thriller Bark, he remains one of our favorite characters.
- Edward Weevil, the self-proclaimed son of Emperor Whitebeard. Arrogant as he may be, when you consider his immense physical strength, you realize he’s worthy of being one of the Warlords.
Even if they don’t enjoy the same fame as the top Warlords, these four pirates have all left their mark on the One Piece manga and anime in their own way. Whether through their powers, their deeds, or their charisma, they deserve a place in the pantheon of legends! And in your opinion, who would be the best Shichibukai in One Piece?
Learn more about the characters of One Piece: