Who are the 20 most dominant athletes of all time? The best to ever compete

The world has seen many talented sports personalities ascend to greatness. Some rank among the most dominant athletes of all time for their achievements. Their iconic status and unparalleled success have inspired many generations, with some treating them as gods.

Every athlete dreams of obtaining legendary status in their craft, but only a few have reached the highest level. The dominant personalities come around only once in a generation. This article lists the 20 most dominant athletes in their sport of all time, including their success.

Who is the most dominant athlete ever?

The debate about the best sports personalities in history continues to rage on among people globally. Popular disciplines like soccer, basketball, American football, athletics, golf, tennis, boxing, baseball, and swimming have produced incredible men and women.

They are also among the most famous athletes of all time in the world. They include Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Pele, Muhammad Ali, Michael Phelps, Serena Williams, and Roger Federer.

Who is the most dominant player in sports history?

Join us as we break down the 20 most outstanding men and women who defied the odds in their crafts. Some played many years ago and have died. Others are alive but retired; the rest are still active, enjoying the latter stages of their careers.

20. Stefanie Maria Graf

Steffi is a German icon and former tennis player. She is one of the most dominant female athletes of all time. Steffi won 22 Grand Slam championships during her career. She consistently ranked first in women's tennis, thanks to her incredible skills.

19. Lance Armstrong

The American received international fame for winning seven consecutive Tour de France races. Many consider him the greatest cyclist of all time. He helped popularise and take the sport to higher levels. Armstrong overcame cancer to achieve success.

18. Allyson Felix

Felix is arguably the best women's track and field athlete ever. She won seven Olympic gold medals, three silvers, and a bronze. The American legend retired in August 2022, leaving a lasting legacy. She is also known as a strong woman who used her platform and voice to advocate for women's issues.

17. Usain Bolt

Almost everyone believes Bolt is the fastest human being on earth. The Jamaican holds numerous records in the 100 m, 200 m, and 4 × 100 m relay. Usain Bolt retired in August 2017 as a 19-time global champion. He is an eight-time Olympic gold medallist.

16. Lionel Messi

The Argentine skipper is the most decorated footballer on earth. Messi has won everything in his club and country career, including the FIFA World Cup. He is the top goalscorer in the 21st century and the player with the most Ballon d'Or awards (seven). He is currently playing for Inter Miami in the MLS.

15. Mike Tyson

Tyson dominated the ring during his career, and many opponents feared facing him. He opened his career at 37-0 with 33 knockouts, becoming the first boxer to hold the WBA, WBC, and IBF titles simultaneously. His impressive reign ended on 11 February 1990 after a shocking defeat to Buster Douglas.

14. Serena Williams

Serena Williams is the most successful tennis player in the Open era of tennis, having won 23 Grand Slams. She took a break after becoming a mother but returned and continued to dominate the court. Her career journey and success have inspired many people, including young mothers.

13. Edwin Moses

Edwin made a name for himself for his achievements in track and field events. He is a four-time Olympian, two-time Olympic gold medalist, and two-time World Champion. Moses won 107 consecutive finals and 122 consecutive races between 1977-1987.

12. LeBron James

LeBron's basketball career helps his case as one of the most dominant NBA players ever. He is NBA's all-time scoring leader and the fourth-best in assists. James is the only player in NBA history to record at least 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists. He also has three Olympic medals, a bronze, and four NBA Championships.

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11. Roger Federer

The Swiss tennis star hung up his racket in September 2022, ending an illustrious career of 25-year-long dominance. Federer won 103 titles in his career, including 20 Gram Slams. He holds the record of 237 consecutive weeks at no. 1 and won 24 successive tour-level finals.

10. Jim Brown

Talk of one of the most dominant college athletes of all time, Jim Brown, concurred college sports before ascending to greatness in the NFL. Brown played football and basketball in college and became a hall of fame in both games. He also occasionally competed in the decathlon for the track team.

After graduation, he joined the Cleveland Browns in the NFL and became one of the greatest running backs in history. He is the only player in NFL history to finish his career with an average of more than 100 yards per game (104.3). Brown retired as a nine-time Pro Bowler and eight-time All-Pro.

9. Michael Phelps

Phelps is a former professional swimmer and among the most dominant Olympic athletes of all time. He won 28 medals, including 23 gold medals, more than any other Olympian. Michael competed in several categories. They include 200 m freestyle, 100 m butterfly, 200 m butterfly, 200 m individual medley, and 400 m individual medley.

8. Pele

Pele is arguably the most dominant soccer player of all time. He left the stage after bagging three World Cups, six Brazilian championships, two Copa Libertadores, two Intercontinental Cups, and the NASL Soccer Bowl. Pele is the only player in history to win three World Cups. He died in December 2022, aged 82, following a battle with cancer.

7. Muhammad Ali

Ali was an outstanding heavyweight boxer who made headlines with his fighting spirit. He is the first athlete to win three heavyweight titles. Ali recorded 56-5 in his career. He influenced a generation of fighters and inspired many people globally.

6. Wilt Chamberlain

Chamberlain was an unstoppable force in basketball during the 60s and 70s. He changed the game with his strength, athleticism and skill. Wilt holds the record for most points scored in an NBA game with 100. He also led the NBA in scoring seven years in a row.

The legendary centre also became the league's top rebounder in 11 of his 14 seasons. He played for San Francisco Warriors (Golden State Warriors), Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers.

5. Alexander Karelin

The legendary Russian wrestler is one of the world's most dominant male athletes of all time because of his achievements. Karelin went 13 years undefeated in his pro wrestling career, including winning the gold medal at three straight Olympics. He also went six consecutive years of career without giving up a single point to his opponents.

4. George Herman "Babe" Ruth

Herman changed baseball and helped grow Major League Baseball during the early 20th century. He dominated the sport for 13 years, between 1918-1931, leading the league in home runs 12 times, OPS 13 times, and slugging percentage 13 times. Ruth also topped in the runs scoring eight times, and RBIs six times. He was also ahead in the walks nine times.

3. Tiger Woods

Is Tiger Woods the most dominant athlete ever? The legendary golfer ranks third among the most dominating sports personalities in history. Tiger won 14 Major Golf Championships and 71 PGA Tour events at 34. He is also the youngest player ever to win a career Grand Slam. The American athlete was also the youngest and fastest golfer to win 50 tournaments.

Tiger became the first-ever billion-dollar athlete after clinching the FedEx Cup title in 2009. He received $10 million for winning the tournament. Woods has 15 major championship victories, and 81 career PGA Tour wins.

2. Michael Jordan

Jordan is the most dominant basketball athlete of all time. He accumulated numerous awards and set incredible records that set him apart from other legendary NBA stars. Michael Jordan's achievements include six NBA Championships, five Regular Season MVPs, 14-time All-Star, six NBA Finals MVPs, and 10-time All-NBA First Teamer.

Michael is the only scoring champion ever named Defensive Player of the Year. MJ is a two-time Scoring Champion and two-time Olympic Gold medalist.

1. Wayne Gretzky

Wayne Gretzky owned hockey during his career between 1978-1999. He is the greatest scorer and assists man in NHL history. The Canadian former ice hockey player scored 894 goals in 1,487 games.

Gretzky has over 700 more assists than anybody else in the league's history. He won nine Hart Trophies and four Stanley Cups. His number (99) was retired by every team throughout hockey.

Most dominant athletes right now

Many athletes continue to pursue greatness in the current generation. Some have taken over from their predecessors by replicating their success and influence. The list includes Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, Virat Kohli, Rafael Nadal, Stephen Curry, and Tom Brady. Here is a breakdown of the iconic figures inspiring people through their crafts.

How did the most dominant athletes of all time achieve their success? Most earned their reputations and achievements through years of hard work and patience. Some came from humble backgrounds and fought their way to the top. The athletes are references to any upcoming athlete aspiring to achieve success.

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Today, Tony is undoubtedly one of the most successful race car drivers whose passion for the sport has led him to start several profitable ventures. Follow the above link to learn more about his background, career, family, and more!

Player	Country	Sport
Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	Soccer
Lionel Messi	Argentina	Soccer
Neymar Jr	Brazil	Soccer
LeBron James	USA	Basketball
Virat Kohli	India	Cricket
Conor McGregor	Ireland	Mixed Martial Artist
Simone Biles	USA	Gymnastic
Rafael Nadal	Spain	Tennis
John Cena	USA	Wrestler
Tiger Woods	USA	Golf