Cell Games

A deadly tournament where the fate of Earth hangs on a single warrior's awakening.

The Cell Games represent the climactic confrontation of the Android saga, a tournament orchestrated by Perfect Cell to find a worthy opponent before destroying Earth. Held ten days after Cell defeated Vegeta and Trunks, the event took place at a tournament ring that Cell arranged himself. Cell invited all Z-Fighters and the public to participate, intending to savor the fear he caused while deciding humanity's fate based on his victory. In the first round, Cell quickly defeated Mr. Satan before moving on to Goku.

Quick Facts

Organizer

Cell (Perfect Form)

Main antagonist

Cell

Primary protagonists

Goku
Gohan
Vegeta
Trunks
Piccolo
Tien Shinhan
Mr. Satan

Outcome

Defeat of Cell by Super Saiyan 2 Son Gohan

Lore & Background

Perfect Cell designed this event to enjoy the fear he instilled in others, intending to destroy the planet once he won. The stakes were existential: if no one could defeat him, Earth would be destroyed. After easily dispatching Mr. Satan, Goku faced Cell but realized his opponent was stronger than himself. In a shocking turn, Goku nominated his son, Gohan, as the next opponent.

Reader's Guide

The arc's climax hinges on Goku using Instant Transmission to teleport himself and the exploding Cell to King Kai's planet, sacrificing himself to save Earth. However, Cell survived via regeneration from a nucleus in his head, returning as Super Perfect Cell. He quickly killed Trunks and swatted aside Vegeta before firing a final Kamehameha at Gohan. Assisted by the spirit of his father, Gohan retaliated with his own massive energy blast. With Vegeta's help to hold Cell in place, Gohan's attack destroyed the cell nucleus, killing him permanently. Mr. Satan, however, took credit for the victory and became a hero.

Did You Know?

Cell summoned miniature versions of himself called 'Cell Juniors' to attack the heroes and provoke Gohan's rage.
Mr. Satan took credit for Cell's defeat after Gohan destroyed him, becoming a global hero despite not fighting the final blow.