When the Tournament of Power was announced in Dragon Ball Super, Goku quickly took responsibility for assembling Universe 7’s ten-person team. The stakes were far greater than a normal martial arts competition because the losing universes faced erasure by the Omni-King, Zeno. Goku therefore had to find fighters capable of surviving a massive battle royale against powerful warriors from across the multiverse. His recruitment mission took him across Earth and even into Hell, as he approached friends, former enemies, and fighters with very different personalities.
Vegeta was an obvious choice, while Gohan, Piccolo, Android 17, Android 18, Krillin, Tien and Master Roshi gradually joined the roster. The biggest surprise came when Goku recruited Frieza, despite their history as mortal enemies. The completed Universe 7 team ultimately became one of the most important groups in the entire Tournament of Power arc.
How Goku Built Universe 7’s Tournament of Power Team
Goku began by securing the strongest fighters he trusted. Vegeta initially refused to leave Earth because Bulma was about to give birth to Bulla, but Whis eventually solved the problem, allowing Vegeta to join. Goku also convinced Gohan to return to serious training, while Piccolo helped prepare him for the tournament. Their involvement gave Universe 7 several fighters with both enormous power and valuable combat experience.
The recruitment became more complicated when Goku needed additional members. Krillin and Android 18 joined the team, while Tien and Master Roshi were selected because of their unique techniques and experience. Android 17 was initially reluctant to participate, but Goku eventually persuaded him after visiting the island where he worked as a park ranger. His decision proved crucial because 17 ultimately became one of Universe 7’s most important fighters.
The final spot created the biggest problem. Majin Buu was supposed to participate, but he fell asleep and could not be awakened in time. With the tournament approaching, Goku turned to an extremely unlikely replacement: Frieza, who was still dead and being held in Hell. Goku negotiated with him and secured his temporary participation, making Universe 7’s final lineup Goku, Vegeta, Gohan, Piccolo, Krillin, Android 17, Android 18, Tien, Master Roshi and Frieza.
Goku’s recruitment mission ultimately produced a team that combined raw Saiyan power, martial-arts mastery, regeneration, android abilities and Frieza’s extraordinary strength. More importantly, the roster brought together characters who had once been enemies or rivals, creating one of the most unusual alliances in Dragon Ball Super. The strategy paid off when Universe 7 eventually won the Tournament of Power, with Android 17 becoming the final surviving fighter and using his Super Dragon Balls wish to restore the erased universes.
