Yugi Muto, the protagonist of the iconic Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters anime, is one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the industry. For many decades, the hero has been the face of the franchise, inspiring countless viewers and bringing joy to fans all over the world. Nonetheless, there is no denying that his time as the protagonist did not paint him in the most positive light.

Throughout most of his journey, the true King of Games was relegated to staying in Atem’s shadows, seldom dueling by himself or against the main villains of the anime. The sequel, GX, has a much more respectful view of the character, proven since the very beginning of the show. As much as it might pain fans to it, the best version of Yugi is not found in the original series.

GX’s Yugi Is a Living Legend

He No Longer Lives in Atem’s Shadow

Despite being the protagonist of the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters anime series, the titular hero rarely received the spotlight he was owed. Due to the nature of his connection with Pharaoh Atem, whose spirit inhabited the Millennium Puzzle around his neck, Muto would often be gone for long periods during important battles. Most of the best duels in the show only depicted Yugi whenever he wanted to inform his partner about a strategy or dangerous card. While not many characters were aware of this change, as the series implies that the protagonist’s appearance does not change in canon, viewers did notice.

As the years have progressed, this decision has led to Yugi being forced to live in the shadow of Atem, as the Pharaoh is considered by many as the true face of the franchise. Nonetheless, the hero did receive the iration and praise he deserved in the sequel, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX. In the very first episode of the series, Yugi makes a special appearance when the new protagonist, Jaden, runs into him. Sensing the potential of his successor, the King of Games decided to gift the boy a copy of Winged Kuriboh, a symbolic ing of the torch.

When Jaden realizes who he just met, he becomes ecstatic about the chances of meeting his hero on the day his journey as a duelist begins. Some of the best episodes in the series revolved around Yugi's legend, without Atem being mentioned. People wait in line for the chance to see his duel, students wish they could become as talented as he was, and he is considered the most beloved celebrity in the world. Yugi might not have been the star of the original anime, but the sequel took care to give him the respect he deserved.

Jaden’s Final Duel Also Gave Yugi a Chance To Shine

The Original Hero Had Control During Most of the Encounter

After graduating from Duel Academy and losing his desire to duel for fun, Jaden can be seen wandering around campus in episode #179 of the GX anime. Yugi, sensing the doubt and pain of his successor, decided to visit him and give him a final gift: the chance to duel him and recover his joy. Shortly after speaking with his hero, Jaden wakes up in the past, where he meets a younger version of Yugi during his prime. Knowing he will never have another opportunity like this one, Jaden challenges Yugi to a duel.

Their duel is beloved by almost all Yu-Gi-Oh! fans thanks to the use of both characters' best and most powerful cards. Moreover, this exciting battle allowed Yugi to showcase his abilities without any interference. Throughout the entire duel, the titular protagonist is the one in command, demonstrating his abilities and reminding fans why he is the true King of Games. Yugi had absolute control over his and Atem’s deck for the first time in the franchise, without being forced to duel with a different strategy or relying on the pharaoh for strength.

Jaden, who is often regarded by fans as one of the best and most skilled duelists in the series, had a hard time keeping up with Yugi during their duel. Both heroes had amazing strategies that perfectly countered each other. During the final moments of the duel, Atem did take over, wanting to test Jaden as well, but by that point in the battle, the victor of the duel was already decided. The Pharaoh was included mostly for fans to see him once again, as he is still one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.

Yugi Was Also the Star of Dark Side of Dimensions

The Movie Perfectly Encapsulated How Skilled He Is

While the version of Yugi included in the GX anime series is by far the most respected, it is not the only one that was allowed to shine on its own. In the Yu-Gi-Oh! Dark Side of Dimensions film, the titular hero fought without Atem by his side and proved himself to be the superior player. Not even his bitter rival, Kaiba, was able to defeat him as the hero was strongly hinted as the winner of their final duel. Atem’s return at the end of the film slightly diminished Yugi’s impact, but the movie still helped him shine brightly.

Yugi’s Growth Is Thanks to Atem

The Pharaoh Helped the Hero Come Out of His Shell

Although, indeed, Atem would often take the spotlight away from Yugi during the original Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters anime, he was vital for the boy's growth. When the titular hero was first introduced, he was presented as a meek and insecure character who did not have the strength to stand up for himself. Atem is the one who showed him his worth and the amazing skills he had within him. Yugi also taught the Pharaoh the importance of comion, trust, and friendship.

The protagonist of Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters will forever remain one of anime’s most iconic characters of all time. Still, if fans want to see what he can achieve by himself, it is recommended that they enjoy his duel with Jaden or the Dark Side of Dimensions movie, as these entries perfectly showcase why he was crowned King of Games.