Who are the Yonko in One Piece?

Updated on May 29, 3:06 p.m. (GMT+8): Added links to related articles.

The Yonko, also known as Four Emperors, consists of four pirates acknowledged as the most notorious and powerful captains in the world of One Piece. They constitute one of the Three Great Powers.

These Emperors traditionally established their bases in the second half of the Grand Line, commonly referred to as the New World.

One Piece Straw Hat Pirates members Monkey D. Luffy, Roronoa Zoro, Nami, Usopp, Vinsmoke Sanji, Tony Tony Chopper, Nico Robin, Franky, Brook, Jinbe in ONE Esports featured image for article "One Piece watch order: How to watch the anime, movies, and OVAs in chronological order" — Credit: Toei Animation

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Here, they wield considerable influence and command over numerous pirate crews and autonomous islands.

Unlike the adversaries faced by the Straw Hat Pirates in the earlier parts of the series, the Emperors present a significantly greater threat during the latter half of the One Piece narrative.

Warning: Major spoilers for fans who have not read the manga and have yet to watch the anime.

Current and former members of the Yonko

Members of the Yonko in One Piece — Credit: Toei Animation

A couple of years after the Marineford War and the events of the Whole Cake Island Arc, Monkey D. Luffy gained recognition in the World Economy News Paper as the Fifth Emperor of the Sea.

This acknowledgment stemmed from the events of the arc and insights provided by the Super Rookies Cavendish and Bartolomeo during interviews, where they informed journalists about the formidable 5,640-member Straw Hat Grand Fleet.

One Piece characters Monkey D. Luffy, Eustass Kid, and Trafalgar Law in ONE Esports in featured image for article "Who has the highest bounty in the One Piece universe?" — Credit: Eiichiro Oda, ONE Esports

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Furthermore, following the defeats of both Kaidou and Big Mom at the conclusion of the Raid on Onigashima, Luffy and Buggy were widely publicized as the new Emperors poised to take their places.

CURRENT YONKO
Shanks	Also known as Red Hair, Shanks leads the formidable Red-Haired Pirates. His strength is noteworthy, considering his lack of Devil Fruit powers and the handicap of having just one arm. Shanks has demonstrated unparalleled mastery in all Haki forms, particularly excelling in Future Sight Observation Haki and Conqueror’s Haki Infusion.
Marshal D. Teach	More commonly known as Blackbeard, he is notorious for his strategic betrayal of the World Government. Blackbeard’s acquisition of multiple Devil Fruit powers and ascent to the status as one of the Yonko underscored his thirst for power and determination in the pursuit of his grandiose goals.
Monkey D. Luffy	Known to others as Straw Hat Luffy, he is the founder and captain of the increasingly infamous and powerful Straw Hat Pirates, as well as the most powerful of its top fighters. He desires to find the legendary treasure left behind by the late Gol D. Roger and thereby become the King of the Pirates.
Buggy	A flamboyant and comedic pirate who possesses the powers of the Chop-Chop fruit, Buggy became one of the Yonko after he was relieved of his Warlord status after its dissolution.

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FORMER MEMBERS
Charlotte Linlin	Recognized by her alias “Big Mom,” she serves as the captain of the Big Mom Pirates and previously held the esteemed position as one of the Yonko reigning over the New World. Distinguished as the lone female member within this formidable group, she assumes the role of matriarch over the expansive Charlotte Family, with her numerous children forming an integral part of her crew. Additionally, she is credited as the originator of the distinctive race known as Homies, inhabiting Totto Land and dutifully carrying out her commands.
Kaidou	Once counted among the Yonko of the Sea, Kaido’s tenure in this esteemed group came to an end following the events in the Wano arc, culminating in his defeat by Luffy. Recognized as the Strongest Creature in the World and a formidable Yonko, Kaido held the reputation of being the most potent among his peers. His dominance was further accentuated by the possession of an immensely powerful Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, enabling him to transform into a dragon.
Edward Newgate	Before his demise, Edward Newgate, more commonly known as Whitebeard, held the title of the strongest man in the world and stood among the select few capable of matching Roger in strength. The source of Whitebeard’s formidable power and prestigious title lay in his Devil Fruit, a force reputedly potent enough to bring about the annihilation of the entire world.