All time Top Fighters

[Baelor 'Breakspear']

Yes, another fighting ranking.Still a really interesting topic imo. The rules are 1) that anyone can have whatever weapon they want (sword, spear, hammer but can use Valyrian steel weapons only if they have ever used it in the story) 2) Characters that don't wear armor (Drogo, Belwas, Krhazz) will be judged considering their disadvantage and characters that have special armor (Euron) will be judged upon that 

Criteria

- How good were there in their prime

-Achievements (tourneys, battles, 1v1s,)

- Opinion of other characters towards them (ex. Osgrey to Daemon, Brienne to Jaime)

- experience ( ex Barristan gets bonus points, Loras minus)

- Intelligence

- Equipments (Armor, valyrian steel)

-Fighting ability

-strenght and size

 

P.S

many great figters are not here because we don't know enough of them/we don't know how good they were/relied on dragons (Aegon, Maegor etc)

 

1. Arthur Dayne

Legendary sword fighter, with one of the best swords ever forged. Jaime, Selmy and Rhaegar have great respect for him. Had many achievements in tourneys where he own the one in Lannisport and did quite well in the one of Storm's end and Harrenhall. Killed the smiling knight, the Gregor clegane of jaime's generation, and murdered a lot of the members of his brotherhood. Also fought valiantly in the tower of joy where we have to assume at least two men. GRRM says he is the best fighter ever in the asoiaf series. 

2. Barristan Selmy

Barristan the bold, Barristan the badass or whitebeard, however you call him he is a beast. Has a lot of experience, great skill and intelligence. He has the most achievements of everyone here. He won countless duels, killed Toyne, fought against the brotherhood, won countless tournaments, fought valiantly in the battle of the Trident where he slew countless men, was a hero in the greyjoy rebellion and was the hero in the ninepenny kings and the defiance of Duskendale. Even at an old age he defeated great fighters like Krhazz, so imagine him in the defiance and the fifth Blackfyre rebellion where he was in his prime . Only reason he is not first is because he didn't possess valyrian steel or a sword as powerful as Dawn.

3. Daemon Blackfyre

Described as the warrior himself . He had the best sword, Blackfyre and own many battles in his rebellion. When Daeron the good orderen his kingsguard to capture him he managed to escape with Fireball, so basically a 7v2 against some elite level knights. His duel with Corbray is supposed to be one of the best ever. He died because of his honour so technically he was never defeated in a 1v1.  Described as the warrior himself in the Redgrass field by Osgrey, where he lead the battle and destroyed the forces of the Vale lade by lord Donnel Arryn.

4. Aemon Dragonknight

The most noble knight to ever exist, with legendary sword skills. Mentioned to be also a great jouster. Defeated a Dornish champion and was captured while defending his Kind, Daeron after killing 2 traitors. Carried Baelor after he got attacked by snakes. Killed Morgil in a trial by combat. Disguised as the Knight of Tears, Aemon won a really important tournament. Died protecting Aegon the fourth. He is remembered as a hero compared to heroes from the age of heroes.

5. Jaime Lannister

Jaime Lannister ,while he hasn't got the achievements of Barry, Dayne, Aemon or Robert and has a big stain on his name, but is one of the best fighters ever seen. At the age of thirteen Jaime won his first tourney melee. Fought well against the brotherhood, even dueling the smilling knight. Became the youngest kingsguard member.He didn't do much during Robert's rebellion except killing Aerys. During Robert's reign till his maiming, he was the best fighter alive. Won many tourneys and was a hero of the Greyjoy rebellion. If he didn't lose his hand he would be the 1st or 2nd as I believe he is the best fighter overall, but his prime didn't last long, didn't have a Valyrian steel sword and he doesn't have near enough achievements as others on the list 

6. Robert Baratheon

During his prime he was a beast. He is tall, fast and brave. He lead his rebellion where he was always in the frontline killing many great fighters.  Robert slew Marq Grafton in Gulftown, in Sumerhall he defeted lords Grandison, Fell and Cafferen. Lost at Ashford, but then injured killed many men during the legendary battle of Stoney sept. He almost killed Jon Con there. Then the highlight of his life happened in the battle of the trident where he slew Rhaegar one of the best fighters ever, among other knights. He won the name "the demon of the trident" because of how well he fought there. He wasn't very good in tourneys, but his prowess in battle was almost unmatched. He also fought well in the rebellion of the Iron Islands. After that he became fat so he basically could fight. He has the most achievements here after Selmy but his prime didn't last long and he wasn't a good jouster, or good with a sword, as he preferred his Warhammer

7.  Ryam Redwyne

Ryam was considered the greatest knight of his time (Jaehaerys reign). He was good with Lance and sword. He entered the Kingsguard at 60 ac. He won many important tourneys and in 98 ac he had the best duel ever versus Clement Crabb where they broke thirty(!) lances. It is considered the best display of jousting in the asoiaf universe. Dunk considers him as an all time great, he is the idol of Robb Stark and Jaime holds a lot of admiration towards him

8. Ser Duncan the Tall

Dunk possesses great strength and height but doesn't lack in skill. He has got many achievements even comparables to the ones of Barristan or Robert's. His adventures with Egg include many of them such as defeating Aeron Targaryen, killing Inchfield, and ending the second Blackfyre rebellion but his most impressive feats can be found after he joined the Kingsguard. Where he slew Daemon Balckfyre the third in single combat. He defeated Lyonel Baratheon, the laughing storm, in a 1v1. He died in summerhall but even then he saved many people that were there.

9. Gwayne Corbray

During the Blackfyre rebellion, in the red grass field, he dueled with Daemon for nearly an hour, but he lost. Daemon is considered to be one the best fighters ever, so being able to duel him for an hour is an amazing feat. It is considered to be the best duel Westeros has ever seen, and if he didn't hold Daemon for so long the rebels would have probably won. He also carries a valyrian steel blade, Lady Forlon

10. Oberyn Nymeros Martell

One of the most interesting and cool character in the whole series, Oberyn is an excellent fighter. He defeated lord Yronwood at an young age and later joined sellsword companies, even founding one. His fighting ability with a spear is unrivaled . He participated in many tourneys but didn't have the success of other people in this list. His duel with the mountain is what truly makes him so legendary, as he own the duel even though he died. I n this scenario personal vendettas don't exist so he is better than the Gregor, which is not easy at all. 

11. Sandor Clegane

The Hound is a great fighter and one of the better in the current story. In the first book he unhorses Renly and defeats Jaime in the tourney of the hand . He manages to reach the final and wins the tourney, which is a great achievement as many great fighters fought in the tourney and late kills many of Ned's personal guard. He fights well against the citizens in the riot of King's Landing where he save Sansa and in the battle of Blackwater, before leaving. Despite his fear of fire he defeats Beric Dondarrion, who is a great fighter. His size and skill makes him a difficult opponent

12. Rhaegar Targaryen

He is probably the best jouster here along with Dayne and Barristan Selmy. He won the one in harrenhall, the greatest tourney ever, defeated Arthur Dayne in the one at Storm's end before being unhorsed by Selmy in the final. After defeating a lot great knights, like Barristan Selmy, Tygett and Gerion Lannister ,he lost to Dayne in the tourney of Lannisport. In Harrenhall he showed how truly great of a jouster he was. So why is he so lowly placed here ? Because in the first battle he fought, he died. Also while he was skilled with the lance he was not as good with the sword and he was more interested with music and prophecies than with fighting

13. Gregor Clegane

Gregor is well known for his size, strength, and prowess in battle. Gregor is extremely tall . Gregor weighs 190 kg with all of it being muscle. He has a six feet tall sword and his strength allows him to cut men in half with a single attack. He has great warrior instincts. He is basically here because of his size. Even thought he seems like undefeatable because of his size, Oberyn showed us that if he have enough skill and intelligence you can defeat him.

14. Quentyn Ball

Quentyn Ball is one of the best fighters and probably the most underrated one. He the master at arms in the red keep and some of his students were Daemon Blackfyre, Baelor Breakspear or Maekar the first. He was promised to be a kingsguard member by Aegon the 4th but he was refused by his son. When the 7 members of the kingsguard went to arrest Daemon he and Daemon managed to escape a 7v2 . During the rebellion he killed Lefford Lannister, defeated his son Damon and slew all of the sons of lord Penrose in combat, except one.  Described as one of the heros of the Blackfyre side

15. Qhorin Halfhand

The best fighter in the wall, even after his injury. Jon admits that Qhorin would have destroyed him, and we have to take into account that Qhorin 1) Didn't have Valyrian steel 2)Was past his prime 3) Had an injury in his hand so he fought with his weak hand. He is a living legend in the wall.

 

Honourable mentions:

Khal Drogo (Would have been in the list if he had armor),  H'raz (the best pit fighter in Meereen, probably one of the best in the world), Syrio Forel (Beast with a wooden sword, so with a steel one he would be a beast. He was also out of prime, but because we don't know how good he was I can't put him in the top 15), Cregan stark ( Aemon said he was one of the best fighters he has battled, and that was when he was old), Loras (inexperienced), Bronze yohn royce ( Beast) , Thoros of Myr ( flaming sword is so cool), Brynden Tully (most badass of the Tullys), Bittersteel and Bloodraven( their duel is said to be quite epic), Brienne of Tarth(great fighter, strong and brave) Mance Ryder ( kicked Jon's ass and Jon was training ALL THE TIME during Adwd), Robb Stak ( fought in the frontlines many time during the war of the five kings) Tygett Lannister (It is said that Jaime fights like him) Garlan Tyrell ( Best fighter at then end of Dance imo) Victarion ( kinda like a worse Robert) Greatjon Umber (He is huge and the best warrior of the north imo) 

[Bronn Urgandy]

It’s hard to argue with your list, but I believe Hot Pie deserves an honourable mention, armed with barely a scrap of armour or weaponry but a truly fearsome battlecry that puts despair into the hearts of men he held off a ridiculous amount of Lannister soldiers in a small fort, and even survived the encounter

[Baelor 'Breakspear']

8 hours ago, FitzChivalry Fartseer said:

It’s hard to argue with your list, but I believe Hot Pie deserves an honourable mention, armed with barely a scrap of armour or weaponry but a truly fearsome battlecry that puts despair into the hearts of men he held off a ridiculous amount of Lannister soldiers in a small fort, and even survived the encounter

I decided to put only humans and not gods. But in all seriousness what do you think about this list?

[Gerg Sknab]

Why aren't Asha Greyjoy, the White Fawn or Obarra Martell not included?

[Baelor 'Breakspear']

1 hour ago, Gerg Sknab said:

Why aren't Asha Greyjoy, the White Fawn or Obarra Martell not included?

Why would they lol?

[Bronn Urgandy]

2 hours ago, Baelor 'Breakspear' said:

I decided to put only humans and not gods. But in all seriousness what do you think about this list?

Well it’s hard to disagree based on anything other than personal preference, even the truly great fighters in Westeros and elsewhere could be dispatched by dozens, if not hundreds of their counterparts, there are simply too many swordwielders out there to count. Even the loss and death of a participant in a personal duel isn’t a definitive answer of who is better, merely who was better on that day, it’s just unlike in a heavyweight title fight there usually is not a rematch. GRRM has sprinkled the story with lesser and often barely named characters who would possibly clean the clocks of some of our series’ main characters, I personally could not see Jon Snow beating the guy on the Blackwater who mowed through House Fossoway.

 

In short you have said all the right names, but in many cases you could change the order and I could not really argue except to say ‘but I like Robert more than Jaime cos Warhammer’

[Gerg Sknab]

Well the white fawn left her victims branded Asha is in the same class as Dagmar Qarl being the best of the iron isles and Obarra is supposedly equal of Darkstar who himself is supposedly not to far off the Sword of the Morning

[nyser1]

1 hour ago, Gerg Sknab said:

Well the white fawn left her victims branded Asha is in the same class as Dagmar Qarl being the best of the iron isles and Obarra is supposedly equal of Darkstar who himself is supposedly not to far off the Sword of the Morning

First point has no relevance to fighting skill. Do the second and third have textual backing?

[nyser1]

On 6/3/2019 at 12:15 PM, Baelor 'Breakspear' said:

 

1. Arthur Dayne

2. Barristan Selmy

3. Robert Baratheon 

4. Aemon Dragonknight

5. Jaime Lannister

6. Ryam Redwyne

7. Cregan Stark

8.  Garlan Tyrell

9. Daemon Blackfyre

10. Duncan the Tall

11.  Gwayne Corbray

12. Yohn Royce

13. Aegor Rivers

14. Tygett Lannister

15. Brynden Tully

16. Rhaegar Targaryen (Jousting champ, battle honors?)

17. Loras Tyrell

18. Eddard Stark

19. Oberyn Martell

20. Greatjon Umber

Honorables: Mance, Victarion, Drogo (really found it hard to compare him with the rest and thus did not include), Aegon I, Smiling Knight, Visenya, Kingsguard who did not make the cut, Brandon Stark...

My changes are in bold.

[Daemon The Black Dragon]

Maegor Targaryen should be on the list.  When he was 12 he was unhorsing people 5 years older then him and at 13 was beating knights in melees. 

[Baelor 'Breakspear']

9 hours ago, Gerg Sknab said:

Well the white fawn left her victims branded 

That doesn't mean much. Also I'd say Victarion>Asha and we don't know nothing about Obara

[Saer]

On 6/4/2019 at 4:15 AM, Baelor 'Breakspear' said:

anyone can have whatever weapon they want

Important question: does a dragon count as a weapon?

[Baelor 'Breakspear']

12 hours ago, nyser1 said:

 My changes are in bold.

I don't think Ned deserves to be so high. Show Ned maybe but in the books he is not that good. I mean Royce destroyed him and Rodrik together. Also we don't know what happened in the tower of joy and Jaime vs Ned never happened in the books. I think Ned is in the level of book Stannis where he is an good for a noble (better than soldier but lower from fighters like Bronn). Also I think Daemon deserves to be MUCH higher. He is a S tier for me (along Dayne, Selmy, Jaime, Aemon, Robert, Ryam and Dunk. Tbh I was close to put Cregan or Garlan at 15 but I think the halfhand at his prime cold have been as good as Ryam or Robert in skill. Many of your picks are in my honourable mentions and they were close to enter the 15. Also I don't understand how Oberyn is so low. He is for sure better than most of the second half of your list especially Eddard. Also Loras is too inexpierenced to be so high and Tyggett , while he is very good, is slighlty overrated by you I think

[Baelor 'Breakspear']

12 hours ago, Daemon The Black Dragon said:

Maegor Targaryen should be on the list.  When he was 12 he was unhorsing people 5 years older then him and at 13 was beating knights in melees. 

many great figters are not here because we don't know enough of them/we don't know how good they were/relied on dragons (Aegon, Maegor etc)

[Baelor 'Breakspear']

4 hours ago, Saer said:

Important question: does a dragon count as a weapon?

It is said in the rules that they are not 

[Saer]

Oh, only by implication...

Rhaegar wasn't a great jouster; Harrenhall is the only tourney Barristan can say he won. He's better than Jorah Mormont, to be sure, but doesn't belong on a list like this.

[Baelor 'Breakspear']

1 hour ago, Saer said:

Oh, only by implication...

Rhaegar wasn't a great jouster; Harrenhall is the only tourney Barristan can say he won. He's better than Jorah Mormont, to be sure, but doesn't belong on a list like this.

He defeated both Gerion and Tyggett Lannister in the tourney of Lannisport, defeated Arthur Dayne and Oberyn in Storm's end and in Harrenhall the highlight of his career where he defeated both Arthur Dayne, Barristan Selmy,(!) Yohn Bronze Royce and Brandon Stark (who was far better than Eddard)

[Daemon The Black Dragon]

2 hours ago, Baelor 'Breakspear' said:

many great figters are not here because we don't know enough of them/we don't know how good they were/relied on dragons (Aegon, Maegor etc)

We know more about Maegor actual fighting ability then Rhaegar or Ryam Redwyne. Like a mentioned before, Maegor was 12 and unhorsing people 5 years older then him and at 13 was beating knights in melees. In one tourney he unhorseed 3 KG members and won the melee. Like Daemon Blackfyre we are told Maegor skill with weapons was unmatched. He fought in 2 campaigns against a pirate king on the Stepstones and defeated the outlaw knight called the Giant of the Trident in the riverlands. He also won his trial of seven. Maegor didn't ride a dragon until he was 25 or 26 years old.  

[Baelor 'Breakspear']

28 minutes ago, Daemon The Black Dragon said:

We know more about Maegor actual fighting ability then Rhaegar or Ryam Redwyne. Like a mentioned before, Maegor was 12 and unhorsing people 5 years older then him and at 13 was beating knights in melees. In one tourney he unhorseed 3 KG members and won the melee. Like Daemon Blackfyre we are told Maegor skill with weapons was unmatched. He fought in 2 campaigns against a pirate king on the Stepstones and defeated the outlaw knight called the Giant of the Trident in the riverlands. He also won his trial of seven. Maegor didn't ride a dragon until he was 25 or 26 years old.  

He is a top fighter not arguing that, but 1) he had a dragon and 2) his fighting prowess is mentioned in the world of Ice and Fire or in Fire and blood and not by a POV chapter. Still, I think with his achievements he would be between 8-13

[Gerg Sknab]

9 hours ago, Baelor 'Breakspear' said:

That doesn't mean much. Also I'd say Victarion>Asha and we don't know nothing about Obara

Remember Wenda is of the Kingswood Brotherhood along with the Smiling Knight and Simon Toyne and they were known and feared. The stories told of her re Merrrett Frey and Ulmer of the Knightswood.

Remember Asha spent hours fighting Northmen and Kings men in an attempt to hold Deepwood considering iron islanders were vastly out numbered and only 9 of what was it 200 lived to tell the tale, however if one losing battle does make her qualified how bout her proficiency with throwing axes, the fact her crew would follow her to the ends of the earth (half the crew loves her as a daughter the other half wants to get in her pants and the fact she is on Rodrick the Reader level of intelligence.

We know enough about Obarra that she is sent to challenge Darkstar considered by many in Dorne to be the best.

O and Victarian >Asha I think not. Dagmar names the three top reavers in 299/300 and Vic is not among them, they include Qarl the Maid Asha's lover), Andrik the Unsmilng and Black Lorren.