When discussing the strongest pirate in One Piece, the name Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, universally stands out. However, a recent twist in the manga revealed the legendary Rocks D. Xebec as a formidable rival—arguably even greater than Garp and Whitebeard. As the manga delves deeper into Xebec’s storied past, the question arises: who was truly the strongest pirate during their prime, Rocks D. Xebec or Gol D. Roger?
Spoilers Warning:
This article contains spoilers about Rocks D. Xebec and Gol D. Roger. Proceed with caution.
Gol D. Roger: The Only Pirate King Who Conquered the Seas

Gol D. Roger was pivotal in igniting the ‘Great Pirate Era’ during his execution. His epic flashback in the Wano Country arc proves he was not just a legend but a pirate who redefined the seas. Unlike typical pirates, Roger used his strength and free spirit to uncover the mysteries of the One Piece world.
Recent revelations depict Joy Boy as the original pirate of this universe. Nevertheless, Roger was the first since Joy Boy to traverse the entire world, reach Laugh Tale, and acquire the fabled One Piece. Not only did he unravel the true history of the world, but no pirate has since approached his astonishing achievements.
Among notorious figures like Whitebeard and Garp, Roger remains the strongest of his era. Crowned as the Pirate King, he held the highest bounty ever recorded—5.564 billion berries. Remarkably, Roger never relied on a Devil Fruit; instead, he mastered haki, showcasing his skills as one of the greatest swordsmen ever.
Rocks D. Xebec: The Pirate King Who Never Was

Long before Roger sparked his era, Rocks D. Xebec ruled the seas through sheer terror and audacity, openly challenging the World Government. As Roger began his journey, the narrative focused on the dominance of Rocks. Current arcs reveal his incredible history, making him one of the most notorious pirates in lore.
Driven by ambition, Rocks sought to become the King of the World. His exploits include infiltrating the Holy Land, killing an admiral, and damaging a Gates of Justice, showcasing his might and ruthlessness. He assembled the Rocks Pirates—a crew featuring legends like Whitebeard and Big Mom, establishing one of the greatest pirate crews of all time.
Rocks became notorious for sinking Marine ships and committing countless crimes, ultimately becoming the World Government’s worst adversary. His eventual defeat at God Valley is a significant event, requiring the unexpected alliance of Roger and Garp to bring down such a formidable foe. The ongoing manga is expected to reveal more about Rocks’ true power, including whether he possessed any Devil Fruit abilities.
Rocks vs. Roger: Who Is the Ultimate Winner in One Piece?

Determining the strongest between Gol D. Roger and Rocks D. Xebec is challenging, especially as we have yet to witness their epic confrontation. Based on recent manga revelations, it appears that Rocks held a slight edge when Roger started out. Rocks embodies the classic pirate spirit, marking him as a superior example in that regard.
Nevertheless, following the God Valley incident, Roger arguably eclipsed Rocks, fulfilling his dream and claiming the legendary treasure. Both had distinct ambitions, but Roger’s journey solidified his place in history.
Both Rocks and Roger exhibited extraordinary feats in their respective careers, thus making a direct comparison difficult. It will be captivating to see the detailed encounters between these two iconic figures unfold in the manga. Who do you think reigns supreme between Rocks and Roger? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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