Dracule “Hawk-Eyes” Mihawk is one of the most powerful characters in One Piece. Mihawk made his appearance very early on in the series in the East Blue saga, where he handily defeated Roronoa Zoro with a tiny, knife-like sword before dealing the decisive blow with his main sword, Yoru. Since then, Mihawk has popped in and out of the saga, most recently appearing as a member of the Cross Guild organization alongside Sir Crocodile.

Dracule Mihawk is an excellent example of how One Piece characters don’t always need Devil Fruits to fight. He uses Yoru, extreme skill, and Haki to defeat his enemies, and he can even rival Emperors and the Warlords of the Sea in sheer power. So, One Piece fans wish to know which characters Mihawk can cut down to size, and which characters have nothing to fear from his black blade.

Updated on June 3rd, 2024 by Louis Kemner: Some time has passed since fans last wondered who Dracule Mihawk can defeat and who he cannot, so this list of Dracule Mihawk’s matchups has been updated and includes new entries to test his prowess against some of the anime’s finest fighters.

Characters Dracule Mihawk Can’t Beat

Charlotte Linlin Could Vanquish Mihawk With Her Hat and Homies

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Big Mom
“Sweets Lover! Emperor Big Mom”
Soul-Soul Fruit, Napoleon, Haki

Charlotte Linlin, better known as Big Mom, reigns as one of the Four Emperors of the New World. She is the ruler of Totto Land and the main antagonist of Whole Cake Island. Big Mom possesses all three types of Haki as well, along with a Devil Fruit and a shapeshanging hat named Napoleon, making her a surprisingly flexible fighter.

Big Mom’s fruit is the Soul-Soul Fruit, which allows her to take the life of her enemies and put them in objects that serve her, nicknamed Homies. That’s one of One Piece‘s most formidable Paramecia-type fruits of all, and Big Mom can still do more. Her hat Napoleon can shapeshift into a sword that deals extreme damage, and in close-range combat, she has Haki to reinforce her skin and outlast any foe. It’s clear that she would demolish Dracule Mihawk if they ever fought for real.

Shanks is an Emperor For a Reason

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Shanks
“Luffy’s Past! The Red-Haired Shanks Appears”
Sword, Haki

“Red Hair” Shanks used to be the shonen-style rival of Dracule Mihawk, but after Shanks lost his arm, Mihawk lost interest in their rivalry and moved on to other projects. It is said that their battles shook the entire Grand Line. Still, even if Mihawk doesn’t care much about Shanks anymore, there is no denying Shanks’ enormous power with swordsmanship and all three types of Haki.

Over the years, Shanks has grown into one of the most powerful people in One Piece, even if it’s practically a meme that fans are still waiting to see him fight a serious battle on-screen to prove his power. All things considered, One Piece fans are confident that Shanks could, with some effort, defeat Dracule Mihawk in a sword duel if they ever crossed paths once again.

Fleet Admiral Akainu is Nearly Untouchable With His Volcanic Gifts

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Akainu
“Say You Want to Live! We Are Friends!!”
Mag-Mag Fruit

Akainu is the current Fleet Admiral of the Marines. He has the Mag-Mag Fruit, one of the most powerful Logia-type fruits that One Piece fans have seen so far. Akainu is among the most dangerous characters in One Piece as a result. He has displayed countless feats of strength throughout the series. Akainu believes in “Absolute Justice.”

So, he is not willing to even reconsider killing any pirate or even Marines that dare to stand in his way. Akainu has a dogged devotion to making the seas free of pirates. He tanked several blows from Whitebeard and even burned half of his face. The fight between Mihawk and Akainu would end in ignominy for the former Warlord.

Kaido is an Invincible Monster of the Sea

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Kaido
“Sending a Shock Wave – The Worst Generation Goes Into Action!”
Fish-Fish Fruit, Azure Dragon Model

Kaido is one of the Four Emperors of the sea. He is considered the “Strongest Creature Alive.” He is the captain of the Beast Pirates. Kaido rules the land of Wano along with his aide, Kurozumi Orochi. Kaido’s devil fruit allows him to turn into a dragon. In this form, he can blow away entire mountains with his attacks.

Kaido has only been damaged once, and that was with Enma, and the person to do so was Kozuki Oden. Kaido was able to one-shot Luffy and that speaks volumes about his power. Kaido will stomp over Mihawk. It seems that only the cartoony power of Gear 5 can defeat this unbeatable pirate captain, and Mihawk certainly has nothing like that on his side.

Captain Whitebeard Would Crush Mihawk in a Serious Duel

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Whitebeard/Edward Newgate
“The 100,000,000 Man! The World’s Highest Authority and the Pirate Blackbeard
Tremor-Tremor Fruit, Haki

Edward Newgate, or Captain Whitebeard used to be one of the Four Emperors of the New World. He was known as the “Strongest Man Alive.” He possessed the Tremor-Tremor Fruit that allowed him to create quakes. Whitebeard was considered to have enough power to destroy the entire world. He is one of the few pirates who are respected throughout the world.

According to Buggy, Whitebeard was the only person who was capable of standing up to his captain, Gol D. Roger. Also, Mihawk clearly stated that there was a difference in his and Whitebeard’s power. So, if they would have fought Whitebeard would just overkill.

Admiral Kizaru is Too Quick For Mihawk’s Eyes to Follow

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Kizaru
“Admiral Kizaru Moves! The Sabaody Archipelago in Chaos”
Glint-Glint Fruit

For much of One Piece‘s story, Admiral Kizaru/Borsalino may act casual and carefree, but he also has a ruthless side, making him a walking contradiction. No matter his laid-back persona, taking life nice and slowly, he can move with extreme speed thanks to his light-based Devil Fruit. He can even deliver attacks as fast as light itself.

It’s true that Dracule Mihawk can track quick movements with ease, such as Gear 2 Luffy, but even that must have its limits. Everyone knows that nothing is faster than light, so if Admiral Kizaru got serious in a fight, he could outmaneuver Mihawk and vanquish him with his terrifying Devil Fruit powers conclusively.

Captain Blackbeard Has Nothing to Fear From Mihawk

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Blackbeard/Marshall D. Teach
“Stop Dreaming! The City of Ridicule, Mock Town!”
Dark-Dark Fruit, Tremor-Tremor Fruit

By now, it’s clear that Captain Blackbeard is meant to be the final endgame boss of One Piece‘s story, given his ever-increasing powers and prominence in the story. He was aleady dangerous when he first appeared thanks to his Dark-Dark Fruit, a Logia-type that can negate other people’s Devil Fruit powers with a touch. Then he gained Whitebeard’s Tremor-Tremor Fruit as well, making him a true powerhouse.

In all likelihood, only One Piece‘s most powerful, plot-heavy heroes even stand a chance against Captain Blackbeard and his two Devil Fruits, while strong but relatively mundane fighters like Dracule Mihawk should steer clear. Mihawk can overcome plenty of Devil Fruit powers with his Haki and sharp eyes, but Blackbeard’s fruits are too much for him.

Characters Dracule Mihawk Can Beat

Vista is Not a Swordsman of Mihawk’s Caliber

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Vista
One Piece Film Strong World: Episode 0
Haki, sabers

“Flower Sword” Vista is the 5th Division Commander of the Whitebeard Pirates. Vista was present during the Paramount War. Vista uses a pair of sabers to fight. He is able to produce flower petals while fighting. It is unclear whether Vista is a devil fruit user or not.

At Marineford, Vista clashed with Mihawk, but their fight was cut short due to the intervention of the Pacifista. He was able to deflect Mihawk’s attacks, which is a pretty admirable feat. His skill was acknowledged by Mihawk. However, Mihawk is on another level compared to Vista.

Roronoa Zoro Isn’t Quite Ready Yet to Face His Rival

Character Name

Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Roronoa Zoro
“I’m Luffy! The Man Who Will Become the Pirate King!”
Wado Ichimonji, Enma, Sandai Kitetsu, Haki

Roronoa Zoro is one of the main fighters of Straw Hat Pirates. He wields three swords— Wado Ichimonji, Enma, and Sandai Kitetsu. He is very proficient in using Armament Haki. Zoro dreams of becoming the “World’s Strongest Swordsman,” and to do that he needs to defeat Dracule Mihawk.

Zoro has already faced Mihawk once and that was in East Blue. No one can forget the humiliation that Zoro suffered in the fight. If they were to fight again, Mihawk would still come out on top because Zoro is still not on that level.

Silvers Rayleigh is Tough But Would Struggle Against Mihawk

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Silvers Rayleigh
“Who WIll Win? Showdown Between the True Powers of the Devil Fruit!”
Haki

Silvers Rayleigh was the first mate of the Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. Rayleigh is one of the most wanted people in the world. A big testament to his power is that a Navy Admiral, Kizaru, felt that capturing Rayleigh would take more than just an Admiral.

Rayleigh has all three types of Haki, and he knows how to use Advanced Armament and Observation Haki. He also has a sword and fought Kizaru with it. Mihawk will face an extremely difficult test in Rayleigh, but it seems that Mihawk has got what it takes to bring down Rayleigh.

Admiral Fujitora Has Accomplished Impressive Feats, but He Still Can’t Beat Mihawk

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Fujitora
“Adventure! The Country of Love and Passion, Dressrosa”
Press-Press Fruit

Admiral Fujitora is one of the Navy’s strongest fighters. He has the Press-Press Fruit that allows him to manipulate gravity. He was called a “monster” by Donquixote Doflamingo. Fujitora made his appearance at Dressrosa. He fought against Sabo, who is one of the top fighters in the Revolutionary Army.

Fujitora also fought Luffy at Dressrosa, and he could have easily beaten him. Later, he clashed against Jack, who was trying to free Doflamingo. Fujitora has some really impressive feats to his name, but it doesn’t seem sufficient to beat the World’s Strongest Swordsman.

Shiryu of the Rain Isn’t a Swordsman on Mihawk’s Level

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Shiryu
“Believe in Miracles! Bon Clay Cries From the Heart!”
Clear-Clear Fruit, sword

Shiryu of the Rain is currently a member of the Blackbeard Pirates. Before that, he was a head jailer of Impel Down, but he was imprisoned by Magellan due to his excessive violence towards prisoners. Shiryu was set was free by Magellan during Luffy’s rampage in Impel Down, and he has since eaten the Clear-Clear Fruit, which once belonged to Gecko Moria’s subordinate Absalom.

Shiryu uses a nodachi called Raiu in battle. Shiryu has grown in power, but Mihawk still holds the upper hand, even if Shiryu is strong enough to become a noteworthy officer among the Blackbeard Pirates. Turning invisible may help Shiryu against other opponents, but Mihawk won’t be so easily fooled, probably by using sound to track Shiryu’s movements.

Brook’s Music and Sword Can’t Handle Mihawk’s Elite Skills

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Brook
“Venture Into the Devil’s Sea! The Mysterious Skeleton Floating Through the Fog
Revive-Revive Fruit, cane sword

Early in the Thriller Bark saga, just after Franky joined the Straw Hats pirate crew, Luffy met and befriended a talking skeleton named Brook. That character was much more than a passing novelty — he was an undead pirate who was skilled with the violin and the sword alike. His sword is hidden in his cane, allowing him to remain armed while still taking people by surprise.

Brook has since proven himself to be quite the swordsman in many battles, and he is famous across the sea as the Soul King. Brook can keep pace with his crewmates in places like Wano, to be sure, but he’s not yet on Zoro’s level, nor is he on Dracule Mihawk’s level. There’s little doubt that Brook would lose if he and Mihawk engaged in a serious sword duel.

Basil Hawkins Would Get Cut Down to Size if Facing Mihawk

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Basil Hawkins
“New Rivals Gather! The 11 Supernovas”
Straw-Straw Fruit

Basil Hawkins was introduced as one of the 11 Supernovas, or powerful pirates of note, a group that also includes the likes of Eustass Kid and Trafalgar D. Water Law. Basil didn’t say or do much of note until the Wano saga, where he returned as an antagonist in the Wano saga, where he demonstrated his usage of both tarot cards and his Straw-Straw Devil Fruit.

Basil is a formidable fighter and pirate captain who was deemed worthy of joining the Beasts Pirates as a high-ranking member, but even then, he’s not that serious a threat to elite fighters like Luffy or to hero/villain characters like Dracule Mihawk. Hawkins may have a straw sword in his reportoire, but that’s nothing compared to Yoru’s black blade.

Rob Lucci Has No Defense Against Mihawk’s Sword Strikes

Character Name
Debut Episode
Powers/Traits/Weapons

Rob Lucci
“The Adventure in the City of Water! Aim For the Giant Shipyard
Cat-Cat Fruit, Leopard model

The government agent Rob Lucci first appeared in the Water 7 saga as part of the CP9 organization, and more recently, as a member of CP0 on Egghead Island. As of Water 7, Rob Lucci was quite a challenge for Luffy, even after Luffy already faced the likes of Sir Crocodile and Enel. Rob has the power of his feline Zoan-type fruit and Six Powers, the latter of which lets him deal serious damage with pistol-like finger attacks.

In recent episodes/chapters, Rob Lucci powered up by awakening his Devil Fruit, which helped him keep pace with his Straw Hat enemies on Egghead Island and not just be a throwaway villain abandoned by power creep. Still, given how easily the Straw Hats stood up to him, Rob is still not a top-tier One Piece fighter, and it’s easy to imagine Dracule Mihawk cutting him down to size, awakened or not.