Roger’s Legendary Rivals in One Piece (March 2026) Whitebeard, Rocks

Updated by Ankit Babal
July 2, 2025
Gaming

In the vast world of One Piece, no pirate has left a more indelible mark on history than Gol D. Roger, the legendary Pirate King. But Roger’s journey to the top wasn’t a solitary one – it was defined by epic clashes with rivals who pushed him to his limits and helped shape the era of piracy we know today. These weren’t just ordinary opponents; they were titans who commanded respect across the seas and whose names still echo through the Grand Line decades after their prime.

From fearsome pirates who commanded massive fleets to Marines who dedicated their lives to capturing him, Roger’s rivals represented the absolute peak of power in their generation. Understanding these legendary figures isn’t just about appreciating One Piece’s rich history – it’s about understanding the very foundations upon which the current era of piracy was built. So let me take you on a journey through time to explore the incredible individuals who dared to stand as equals to the future Pirate King. (For more One Piece content, check out our One Piece Treasure Cruise character rankings!)

One Piece: Roger’s Greatest Rivals

Before diving deep into each rival’s story, here’s a quick breakdown of the legendary figures who challenged the Pirate King:

Rival	Title/Epithet	Affiliation	Relationship with Roger
Rocks D. Xebec	Captain of Rocks Pirates	Pirate	First and most fearsome rival
Edward “Whitebeard” Newgate	World’s Strongest Man	Pirate	Greatest rival in later years
Monkey D. Garp	Hero of the Marines	Marine	Lifelong adversary turned unlikely ally
Shiki the Golden Lion	Flying Pirate	Pirate	Ambitious rival who sought alliance

Rocks D. Xebec: Roger’s First and Most Fearsome Rival

The Man Who Wanted to Rule the World

Of all the rivals Roger faced during his legendary career, none were as dangerous or influential as Rocks D. Xebec. This enigmatic figure was so threatening that the World Government actively erased him from history, leaving only whispers of his terrifying legacy. According to Sengoku, he was Roger’s biggest rival, even more so than Whitebeard.

Rocks wasn’t just another pirate seeking treasure or adventure – he had ambitions that shook the very foundations of the world order. Since Rocks had the ambition to become the “King of the World”, he was naturally opposed to the World Government as the current globe-ruling regime, including the Celestial Dragons. This made him not just Roger’s enemy, but a threat to the entire world structure.

The Rocks Pirates: A Crew of Future Legends

What made Rocks particularly formidable wasn’t just his individual strength, but the absolutely monstrous crew he commanded. The Rocks Pirates included:

Edward “Whitebeard” Newgate – Future World’s Strongest Man
Charlotte “Big Mom” Linlin – Future Yonko
Kaido – Future World’s Strongest Creature
Shiki the Golden Lion – Future ruler of the largest pirate fleet
Captain John – Legendary pirate whose treasure is still sought after

Despite being the captain of the crew, and even if they recognized its strength, in general, Rocks was not respected at all among his subordinates. The fact that he could control such powerful and unruly individuals speaks volumes about his overwhelming might. (Speaking of powerful crews, if you’re looking for inspiration for your own gaming crew, check out our cool crew name ideas.)

The God Valley Incident: Where Legends Collided

The climactic battle between Roger and Rocks occurred 38 years before the current timeline at God Valley. This wasn’t just a simple pirate clash – it was an event that reshaped the world. The God Valley Incident consisted of a battle between the Rocks Pirates and a joint effort of the Roger Pirates and Marines led by Monkey D. Garp. (For a deeper dive into this historic event, visit the God Valley Incident page on the One Piece Wiki.)

The incident was triggered when the Rocks Pirates attacked during a Native Hunting Competition held by the Celestial Dragons. Rocks D. Xebec and his crew decided to raid the island to snatch back the treasure that the World Government stole from them at Hachinosu and make a statement against the World Government.

What makes this battle particularly significant is that it forced Roger and Garp – sworn enemies – to join forces. The threat Rocks posed was so severe that these two legendary rivals had to put aside their differences to stop him. The Rocks Pirates were eventually defeated by the Pirate-Marine alliance, resulting in the crew’s disbandment after the death of their captain.

Edward “Whitebeard” Newgate: The Rival Who Became a Friend

A Rivalry Built on Mutual Respect

While Rocks may have been Roger’s most dangerous enemy, Edward “Whitebeard” Newgate was undoubtedly his greatest rival in the traditional sense. In the later years of Roger’s life, there was only one other pirate who had amassed as much infamy as him, and that was Whitebeard.

Unlike the antagonistic relationship with Rocks, Roger and Whitebeard’s rivalry was defined by profound mutual respect and even friendship. They fought countless times over the decades, with each of these interactions ending in a stalemate due to the equal strength of both legends and their crews.

The Legendary Clash of Titans

One of the most iconic moments in One Piece history is the clash between Roger and Whitebeard during Oden’s flashback. This battle showcased the absolute peak of pirate strength:

Their Conqueror’s Haki was so powerful their weapons didn’t even touch
The clash lasted for three days straight
Neither could gain a decisive advantage over the other
The battle ended with both crews partying together

This moment became an infamous meme in One Piece to show the raw capacities of Roger and Whitebeard. It also emphasizes the respect the two shared between them and that they were not only fighting to kill one another but to test themselves against one another and gain renown.

Beyond Rivalry: A Unique Friendship

What set Whitebeard apart from Roger’s other rivals was the deep bond they shared despite being competitors. Roger is shown to trust Whitebeard enough to impart to him the true meaning of the D. Clan as well as revealing his true dream to him after their three-day fight.

This trust went even further when Roger, knowing he was dying, asked Whitebeard to lend him Kozuki Oden for his final journey. Despite Oden being one of Whitebeard’s most valued crew members, the respect between the two pirates was such that Whitebeard agreed – after Roger literally bowed before him in request. (Their legendary partnership dynamic reminds us of great duo names that capture the essence of powerful partnerships!)

Monkey D. Garp: The Marine Who Could Have Captured the Pirate King

The Hero’s Pursuit

For every great pirate, there must be an equally great Marine to maintain balance in the world. For Roger, that role was filled by none other than Monkey D. Garp, Luffy’s legendary grandfather. Garp acted as the counter to Roger in almost every way, since the two of them have been said to have battled multiple times over the decades.

What made Garp special wasn’t just his strength – though he was undoubtedly one of the strongest Marines in history – but his unique relationship with Roger. Unlike other Marines who saw pirates as mere criminals, Garp and Roger developed a grudging respect that transcended their roles as enemies.

A Bond Forged in Battle

The relationship between Roger and Garp was complex and multifaceted:

They tried to kill each other dozens of times
Both were pure Haki users with no Devil Fruit powers
They fought together against Rocks at God Valley
Roger trusted Garp enough to protect his unborn son

Just like with Whitebeard, there was a lot of mutual respect between the two, since it was Roger who entrusted Ace to Garp despite them being sworn rivals who tried to kill each other many times. This level of trust between mortal enemies speaks volumes about their unique bond.

The God Valley Alliance

The God Valley Incident marked a turning point in Roger and Garp’s relationship. When faced with the threat of Rocks D. Xebec, these two rivals set aside their differences and fought side by side. Eventually, he had to form a temporary alliance with his long-time foe to take down Rocks, who intended to target the World Nobles, even if Garp had no interest in protecting them.

This battle had lasting consequences:

Garp became known as the “Hero of the Marines”
Roger’s involvement was covered up by the World Government
The victory required both of them working together, showing Rocks’ incredible strength
It cemented a bond between them that would last until Roger’s death

Shiki the Golden Lion: The Ambitious Rival

The Flying Pirate’s Grand Ambitions

Shiki the Golden Lion represents a different type of rival for Roger – one driven by ambition and a desire for world domination. Before there was the Worst Generation or even the Four Emperors, the toughest pirates in the sea included Roger, Whitebeard, and Shiki.

As a former member of the Rocks Pirates, Shiki understood power and had the ambition to match. After Rocks’ defeat, he built his own crew and eventually commanded the largest pirate fleet of his era – an armada that dwarfed any other pirate force of the time.

The Battle of Edd War

Twenty-seven years before the current story, Shiki learned that Roger had information about an Ancient Weapon. Seeing an opportunity, he approached Roger with a proposal: With his large pirate fleet and Roger’s knowledge of an ancient weapon, Shiki believed that together they could take over the whole world and asked Roger to become his right hand.

Roger’s response was characteristic of his free spirit: Roger refused Shiki’s offer, saying that there was no point in being a pirate if he could not do as he wished. This rejection led to the legendary Battle of Edd War:

Shiki’s massive fleet surrounded Roger’s single ship
The Roger Pirates fought valiantly despite being vastly outnumbered
A sudden storm destroyed half of Shiki’s fleet
A ship’s steering wheel became lodged in Shiki’s head
Roger emerged victorious against impossible odds

Shiki’s Lasting Obsession

Unlike Roger’s other rivals who eventually accepted his strength, Shiki never got over his defeat. When Roger was captured and sentenced to execution in East Blue, Shiki was outraged. Shiki attacked Marine Headquarters at Marineford, refusing to believe those wimpy Marines could have captured and arrested a man as powerful as Roger, and demanded that Roger show himself so that he could kill Roger himself. (Learn more about Shiki’s story on his character page.)

This attack led to Shiki fighting both Garp and Sengoku simultaneously, resulting in:

Half of Marineford being destroyed
Shiki’s defeat and imprisonment in Impel Down
Shiki becoming the first person to escape from Impel Down (by cutting off his own legs)

The Impact of Roger’s Rivalries on the Current Era

Shaping the Four Emperors System

Roger’s rivalries had a profound impact on the structure of piracy after his death. Three of his major rivals or their crew members became Emperors:

Whitebeard – Became the “World’s Strongest Man” and closest to One Piece
Big Mom – Former Rocks Pirate who established her own empire
Kaido – Former Rocks Pirate who became the “World’s Strongest Creature”
Shanks – Roger’s former apprentice who inherited his will

Inspiring the Next Generation

The legendary battles between Roger and his rivals inspired countless pirates to take to the seas. The dynamic between Roger and his rivals established several important precedents:

Rivals can maintain respect and even friendship (Roger and Whitebeard)
Sometimes enemies must unite against greater threats (Roger and Garp vs. Rocks)
True strength comes from conviction, not just power (Roger’s refusal of Shiki’s offer)
Legacy matters more than life (Roger’s final message to the world)

The Search for Worthy Opponents

Just as Roger had legendary rivals who pushed him to greater heights, the current generation seeks similar relationships:

Luffy and Law/Kid mirror Roger’s rival dynamics
The Worst Generation represents a new era of competitive piracy
The race for One Piece has reignited rivalries across the seas

(If you’re creating your own pirate crew in games, don’t forget to check out our username ideas to make your mark on the digital seas!)

The Philosophy of Rivalry in Roger’s Era

More Than Just Enemies

What distinguished Roger’s era from others was how rivalry was viewed. For Roger and his contemporaries, rivals weren’t just obstacles to overcome – they were essential to growth and achieving greatness. This philosophy is evident in:

Roger’s willingness to share sake with Whitebeard after battle
His trust in Garp despite their adversarial relationship
The respect even his enemies showed him
The way he acknowledged his rivals’ strength

The Importance of Worthy Opponents

Roger understood that without powerful rivals, there could be no true victory. His journey to become Pirate King was meaningful precisely because he had to overcome such legendary opponents. This is reflected in how:

He sought out battles with the strongest
He never backed down from a challenge
He respected those who could match his strength
He saw rivalry as a path to mutual growth

Legacy of the Rival System

Inherited Will and New Rivalries

The rival dynamics established by Roger continue to influence the current era:

Direct Inheritances:

Shanks (Roger’s apprentice) carries on his captain’s philosophy
Luffy (inspired by Shanks) seeks rivals who push him forward
The Yonko system emerged from Roger’s rival structure

New Dynamics:

The Supernovas represent a new generation of rivals
Cross-crew alliances echo Roger and Garp’s temporary partnership
The race for One Piece has reignited competitive spirits

The Unbreakable Bonds of Rivalry

Perhaps the most important lesson from Roger’s rivalries is that the strongest bonds often form between those who challenge each other most fiercely. This is exemplified by:

Whitebeard protecting Ace (Roger’s son) as his own
Garp raising Ace despite Roger being his enemy
Former rivals becoming protectors of Roger’s legacy

Conclusion: The Rivals Who Defined an Era

Gol D. Roger’s journey to become Pirate King wasn’t a solitary achievement – it was forged through legendary battles with rivals who were titans in their own right. From the world-threatening ambitions of Rocks D. Xebec to the respectful rivalry with Whitebeard, from Garp’s relentless pursuit to Shiki’s ambitious challenges, each rival pushed Roger to transcend his limits and ultimately claim his place in history.

These rivalries teach us that in the world of One Piece, true greatness isn’t achieved in isolation. It requires worthy opponents who challenge you, allies who may have once been enemies, and the wisdom to know when competition must give way to cooperation. Roger’s rivals weren’t just his enemies – they were essential characters in the story of how a man became the Pirate King.

As we follow Luffy’s journey in the current era, we see these same dynamics playing out. The lessons learned from Roger’s rivalries continue to shape the world of piracy, reminding us that sometimes, our greatest rivals can become our most important allies, and that the bonds forged in battle can transcend even death itself.

The legacy of Roger and his rivals lives on, inspiring new generations to seek out their own legendary battles and forge their own paths to greatness. In the end, that might be the greatest treasure Roger left behind – not just the One Piece itself, but the understanding that rivalry, respect, and the pursuit of dreams are what make life worth living on the high seas. (Want to join the adventure? Start with a great Discord server name for your One Piece fan community!)

Remember to check out our One Piece Treasure Cruise Tier List to see how these legendary characters rank in the mobile game!

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Gol D. Roger’s strongest rival?

While all of Roger’s rivals were incredibly powerful, according to Sengoku, Rocks D. Xebec was Roger’s biggest rival, even more so than Whitebeard. The fact that Roger needed to team up with Garp to defeat Rocks speaks volumes about his overwhelming strength. However, in terms of consistent rivalry throughout Roger’s pirate career, Whitebeard was his most significant equal, as they fought to a standstill multiple times.

Did Roger and Whitebeard ever fight seriously?

Yes, Roger and Whitebeard fought seriously multiple times throughout their careers. Their most famous battle lasted for three days straight and showcased the peak of pirate power. However, they were not only fighting to kill one another but to test themselves against one another and gain renown. Their battles always ended in stalemates, and they would often share drinks afterward, showing their unique friendship despite being rivals.

Why did Roger and Garp team up at God Valley?

Roger and Garp joined forces at God Valley because Rocks D. Xebec posed a threat too great for either of them to handle alone. Rocks had the ambition to become the “King of the World” and was naturally opposed to the World Government, making him dangerous to both pirates and Marines alike. The situation was so dire that these sworn enemies had to put aside their differences to stop Rocks from potentially destroying the world order.

What happened to Shiki after Roger became Pirate King?

After Roger’s execution, Shiki escaped from Impel Down by cutting off his own legs, becoming the first person to ever escape the prison. He spent 20 years planning his revenge against the East Blue (where Roger was executed) and building an army of mutated animals. He was eventually defeated by Luffy in the One Piece Film: Strong World, though this event is not considered canon to the main storyline.

Were Roger and Rocks friends before becoming enemies?

While it’s never been officially confirmed, many fans believe that the reason why their rivalry is so legendary and pertinent to the overall story is because they shared history. This fan theory states that Roger and Rocks may even have been friends in the past, eventually growing estranged and turning into enemies. Both being members of the D. clan might have initially brought them together before their conflicting ideologies drove them apart.

How strong was Roger compared to his rivals?

Roger was remarkably strong, able to match any of his rivals in single combat. Against Whitebeard, their battles always ended in stalemates. However, Roger was diagnosed with an incurable illness, and without Crocus, he would have died. Despite being ill, Roger was able to match the strength of Whitebeard, a man who possessed all three types of Haki and the most destructive Devil Fruit in One Piece. This suggests that at full health, Roger might have been even stronger.

Did any of Roger’s rivals attend his execution?

While it’s not explicitly shown that his major rivals attended, we know that many significant figures were present at Roger’s execution in Loguetown. Young versions of many future prominent pirates were there, including Shanks and Buggy (Roger’s former crew members), Doflamingo, Crocodile, and others. Whitebeard, having known Roger’s intentions, was notably unaffected by his death and continued his own journey.

What made Roger’s era different from the current era?

Roger’s era was characterized by a smaller number of incredibly powerful individuals who dominated the seas. There were fewer but stronger pirates, and the rivalries were more personal and direct. The current era has many more pirates due to Roger’s final words inspiring the Great Pirate Era, but arguably fewer who can match the raw power of Roger, Whitebeard, Rocks, or Garp in their primes. The current era focuses more on alliances and strategic warfare rather than the direct confrontations that defined Roger’s time.