I'm a big Dragon Ball fan, so this is incredibly exciting! 212 characters is crazy! There are so many underrated characters who finally get a chance to shine. I love that it's worldwide—different regions have different favorites, which should make the results really interesting. The repechage system is a clever touch for bringing back fan favorites who might get eliminated early but have passionate supporters.

On November 20, 2025—the anniversary of DRAGON BALL's serialization debut in 1984—Akira Toriyama's legendary series launched "DRAGON BALL THE ONE," the franchise's first-ever worldwide character popularity voting project. Fans from around the globe can now vote daily to determine which character will claim the title of the ultimate Dragon Ball favorite.

"DRAGON BALL THE ONE" key visual © Bird Studio/Shueisha

212 Characters Enter the Arena

The sheer scope of this popularity poll is unprecedented for the Dragon Ball franchise. 212 characters are eligible for voting, representing decades of storytelling from the original Dragon Ball through Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball GT, Dragon Ball Super, and related media.

This massive roster ensures that even minor characters, supporting cast members, and villains who left lasting impressions get their moment in the spotlight. From main heroes like Goku and Vegeta to beloved side characters, comic relief figures, and intimidating antagonists—everyone has a chance to prove their popularity on the global stage.

Survival Format Across Four Stages

Rather than a simple single-round vote, "DRAGON BALL THE ONE" employs an exciting survival format that spans four distinct stages. As the competition progresses, the number of eligible characters decreases, creating increasingly intense battles for survival.

How It Works:

• Stage 1-3: Characters compete to advance to the next round

• After each stage, the field narrows as lower-ranked characters are eliminated

• Final STAGE: The top 21 characters battle for the ultimate #1 spot

This tournament-style structure mirrors the battle-focused nature of Dragon Ball itself, turning the popularity poll into a competition worthy of the World Martial Arts Tournament or the Tournament of Power.

The Repechage System: Second Chances

One of the most interesting aspects of "DRAGON BALL THE ONE" is the repechage (revival) system. After each stage concludes, a special repechage match will be held on X (formerly Twitter), giving fans one more chance to save their favorite character.

One eliminated character will be revived and advance to the next stage.

This system acknowledges that some characters might have passionate but smaller fanbases, or that vote-splitting among similar characters could lead to unfortunate early eliminations. The repechage gives underdogs a fighting chance and adds an extra layer of strategic voting and community engagement.

Imagine if a beloved character like Piccolo, Android 17, or Trunks gets eliminated early due to the massive competition—the repechage system gives their fans a chance to rally and bring them back into contention.

Voting Schedule and Final Results

Stage Progression:

• Multiple elimination stages narrow the field

• Each stage features daily voting opportunities

Final STAGE Voting Period: December 17, 2025 (12:00 PM) - December 24, 2025 (11:59 PM)

The top 21 characters will compete in this final week-long battle to determine the ultimate #1 character.

Final Rankings Announcement: January 24, 2026 via special broadcast program on Dragon Ball's official YouTube channel

The timing creates anticipation throughout the holiday season, with the final results revealed in early 2026—a fitting way to kick off the new year for Dragon Ball fans worldwide.

How to Vote

Voting is accessible globally through the special website, with fans able to cast one vote per day. This daily voting system rewards sustained engagement rather than single-day vote bombing, encouraging fans to remain active throughout each stage.

Key Details:

• Vote once per day from the special website

• Open to fans worldwide, not just Japan

• Check the official website for complete voting instructions and rules

The daily voting format means dedication matters—casual voters might support the obvious favorites, but passionate fans of underrated characters can make a real difference by voting consistently.

DRAGON BALL THE ONE Character Poll Trailer

Why This Poll Matters

This isn't just a popularity contest—it's a global celebration of Dragon Ball's legacy. The franchise has entertained fans for over 40 years, with Akira Toriyama's creation becoming one of the most influential manga and anime series of all time.

What Makes This Historic: ✅ First official worldwide character poll for Dragon Ball ✅ 212 characters representing the entire franchise history ✅ Global participation reflecting Dragon Ball's international fanbase ✅ Survival format creating ongoing engagement over multiple stages ✅ Launched on the anniversary of the original manga's 1984 debut

Predictions and Dark Horses

While characters like Goku, Vegeta, and Gohan will undoubtedly dominate early voting, the worldwide aspect introduces fascinating variables:

Expected Top Contenders:

• Goku (the face of the franchise)

• Vegeta (fan-favorite rival with incredible character development)

• Gohan (beloved for his potential and father-son moments)

• Piccolo (fan-favorite mentor figure)

• Trunks (multiple popular versions)

Potential Surprises:

• Regional favorites: Some characters are more popular in specific countries

• Meme power: Characters like Yamcha or Mr. Satan might get ironic support

• Underdog rallies: The repechage system could create Cinderella stories

• Villain love: Characters like Frieza, Cell, or Majin Buu have dedicated fanbases

• Supporting cast: Android 17, Krillin, and Bulma have passionate supporters

The daily voting format and multiple stages mean early results could shift dramatically as different fanbases mobilize.

A Celebration of Dragon Ball's 40+ Year Legacy

Launching on the exact anniversary of Dragon Ball's 1984 serialization debut adds special significance to this event. For over four decades, Akira Toriyama's creation has inspired countless fans, influenced generations of manga artists, and become a cornerstone of anime culture worldwide.

This popularity poll gives fans from every corner of the globe—whether they grew up watching Dragon Ball in the 1980s or discovered it through Dragon Ball Super in recent years—a chance to collectively celebrate what makes this franchise special: its unforgettable characters.

From the pure-hearted Goku to the prideful Vegeta, from the wise Master Roshi to the terrifying Frieza, from the comic relief of Krillin to the determination of Android 18—every character has contributed to Dragon Ball's enduring legacy.

Who are you voting for? Do you think Goku will dominate, or could Vegeta finally surpass Kakarot in something? Which underrated character deserves more love? Will the worldwide vote produce surprising results compared to Japan-only polls? Share your predictions and favorite Dragon Ball characters in the comments below!