By Competitive Success:
* Yugi Muto (Anime): While not always the "best" in every duel, Yugi's resilience, adaptability, and sheer luck have consistently brought him victory in the anime. He's the series protagonist and champion of multiple tournaments.
* Kaiba Seto (Anime): Kaiba's strategic mind, focus on powerful monsters, and relentless ambition have made him a formidable opponent, often rivaling Yugi.
* Judai Yuki (GX): Judai's "hero" archetype and his ability to adapt to any situation make him a strong contender in the GX series. He's also a champion of multiple tournaments.
* Yusei Fudo (5D's): Yusei's innovative "Synchro Summoning" technique and unwavering spirit have made him a dominant force in 5D's. He's known for his ability to overcome difficult situations.
* Yuma Tsukumo (Zexal): Yuma's enthusiasm and his "Number" summoning strategy have made him a powerful duelist. He's also known for his ability to connect with his opponents.
* Yuto (Arc-V): Yuto is a skilled duelist known for his "Pendulum Summoning" strategy and his ability to counter his opponents' moves. He's a prominent character in the Arc-V series.
By Strategy and Deckbuilding:
* Seto Kaiba (Anime): Kaiba's focus on powerful monsters and strategic thinking makes him a formidable opponent. He's known for his "Blue-Eyes" deck, which is renowned for its strength and consistency.
* Joey Wheeler (Anime): Despite being a less strategic duelist, Joey's heart and unwavering spirit have helped him overcome many challenges. He's known for his "Beast" deck and his "Heart of the Cards" strategy.
* Jesse Anderson (GX): Jesse's "Neo-Spacian" deck is highly regarded for its power and versatility. He's known for his strategic thinking and ability to counter his opponents' moves.
* Crow Hogan (5D's): Crow's "Blackwing" deck is one of the most popular in 5D's due to its flexibility and offensive power. He's known for his skillful use of "Synchro Summoning."
* Shay (Zexal): Shay's "Number" deck is known for its power and versatility. He's known for his strategic thinking and ability to counter his opponents' moves.
* Reiji Akaba (Arc-V): Reiji's "Pendulum Summoning" strategy is highly effective and versatile. He's known for his calculated moves and his ability to predict his opponents' strategies.
By Popularity:
* Yugi Muto (Anime): As the main protagonist of the original series, Yugi is arguably the most popular duelist. His relatable personality, iconic "Dark Magician," and his "Heart of the Cards" philosophy have made him a beloved character among fans.
* Seto Kaiba (Anime): Kaiba's charisma, rivalry with Yugi, and powerful "Blue-Eyes" deck have made him a fan favorite. His ambition and strategic mind have also contributed to his popularity.
* Judai Yuki (GX): Judai's optimism, strong sense of justice, and "hero" deck have resonated with many fans. His ability to connect with his opponents and his unwavering spirit have also made him a popular character.
Ultimately, the "best" Yugioh duelist is subjective and depends on your personal preferences. However, the above list offers a good starting point for identifying some of the most skilled, influential, and popular duelists in the Yugioh universe.