Who Could Defeat Darth Vader at the End of 'ROTS' and Beyond?

The iconic duel on Mustafar is one of the most memorable scenes in the Star Wars saga. While many believe that only certain Jedi could have bested Darth Vader, the question remains: who amongst the Jedi would have stood a chance against Anakin's dark counterpart at the end of 'Revenge of the Sith' (ROTS)?

Kenobi and Ahsoka’s Potential Against Darth Vader

The short answer is Kenobi, who famously defeated Anakin on Mustafar. The only reason Anakin didn’t meet his demise was due to Kenobi’s love for him. Speculatively, Yoda could have defeated Anakin with his superior force knowledge and lightsaber skills. Similarly, Master Plo Koon could have won, had he managed to survive Order 66, and so could Shak Ti. A hidden champion for the ROTS era would be Ahsoka Tano. Despite Anakin's superior knowledge with the Force and skills in lightsaber combat, Ahsoka might have bested him due to their special bond. Anakin would have held back, seeing as Ahsoka served as a daughter figure to him, while he was her father figure. This intimate tie might have allowed Ahsoka to uncover the vulnerability Anakin held. Ultimately, Ahsoka could have reclaimed Anakin to the light side, had she been given the opportunity. In the absence of this chance, Anakin became Darth Vader.

Canon and Legends: Confrontations with Darth Vader

In Canon, no Jedi can hope to defeat Darth Vader. However, in Legends, it is known that Luke Skywalker did defeat him in 'Return of the Jedi.' This is confirmed, albeit with the caveat that Vader was holding back, which nonetheless facilitated a significant fight on par with his greatest duels.

Depths of Darth Vader's Power

The question of who could successfully challenge Darth Vader requires consideration of his multiple incarnations. A pre-Mustafar Darth Vader and the prime ESB (Empire Strikes Back) version of Vader are difficult to compare with regard to power. The ESB version of Vader is far more seasoned and powerful, and his feats with the Force rival those of Palpatine. However, Palpatine holds a psychological hold over Vader, which is why Vader sees his need for Luke Skywalker.

Those Who Won or Could Have Won

Several Jedi have proven victorious against Darth Vader, either due to actual defeat or the potential to do so. Obi-Wan Kenobi defeated Knightfall Vader. Kirak Infil'a emerged victorious over Vader in canon comics. Luke Skywalker also bested the weakened Vader in 'Revenge of the Jedi,' despite Vader holding back.

In terms of those who could potentially defeat Darth Vader, Ahsoka Tano is notable. Though she nearly defeated Vader in Rebels, she was short of the full victory. Yoda also holds a chance with his extensive knowledge. Mace Windu, who once defeated Palpatine in combat, also stands a chance. Plo Koon is another contender, given that he has mastered Force Judgment and has the advantage of being able to exploit Vader's susceptibility to lightning due to his suit.

The strength, lore, and unique abilities of these Jedi ensure that the battles with Darth Vader continue to captivate audiences, making the Star Wars saga one of the most engaging in the realm of science fiction.