Who Had the Best Chance to Beat Thanos in a One-on-One Battle: Captain America, Thor, Scarlet Witch, or Captain Marvel?

In one of the most highly-anticipated showdowns in Marvel's Cinematic Universe (MCU), the question of who had the best chance to defeat Thanos one-on-one has garnered a lot of attention. Let's explore the strengths and weaknesses of each hero, focusing on specific abilities that might tip the scales in a direct confrontation with the most formidable villain in the MCU.

Captain America with Mjolnir

Wielding Mjolnir, Captain America (Steve Rogers) has demonstrated exceptional leadership and combat ability. His proven worthiness to the hammer grants him the ability to channel powerful lightning strikes, enhancing his already formidable physical prowess. However, while he excels in strategy and leadership, Captain America might find it challenging to match Thanos' sheer power and combat experience. The sheer might of Thanos would likely overwhelm Captain America, despite his enhanced abilities.

Thor with Stormbreaker

Thor, armed with the iconic Stormbreaker, is one of the most powerful characters in the MCU. With god-like strength, his ability to summon lightning, and his extensive experience battling Thanos, Thor presents a formidable challenge. His extensive battle history and divine powers make him a strong contender for a one-on-one showdown with Thanos. Stormbreaker's unimaginable strength and potential to slice through virtually anything would be a significant asset in such a confrontation.

Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff)

Wanda Maximoff, known as the Scarlet Witch, wields immense magical abilities. She has shown the capability to manipulate reality and harness chaos magic, making her a versatile and unpredictable fighter. Her emotional drive during the Battle of New York and later in Endgame could have given her the edge to face Thanos. Wanda's reality-warping abilities and her connection to sustained power after using the Mind Stone could have tipped the balance in her favor.

Captain Marvel with Energy Projection

Carol Danvers, known as Captain Marvel, is a superhuman with unparalleled strength, speed, and energy projection abilities. Demonstration of power in films like Solo and Endgame show that she can be one of the most powerful heroes capable of taking on powerful foes. Her ability to absorb and project energy, combined with her impressive combat skills, makes her a formidable opponent. However, it's worth noting that her powers are more specialized compared to Wanda's reality-warping magic.

Conclusion

While all four heroes are formidable, Scarlet Witch arguably had the best chance of defeating Thanos one-on-one. Her reality-warping abilities and emotional drive during the battle gave her a significant edge. Wanda's ability to manipulate reality and her connection to the Mind Stone could have been game-changers in a direct confrontation.

Thor, especially with Stormbreaker, is also a strong contender, especially considering his extensive combat experience and past victories against Thanos. The combination of his god-like strength and his hammer's unique properties would make him very capable of neutralizing Thanos.

In Avengers: Endgame, if only one of them were to fight Thanos, they all would be capable of winning, as even Hawkeye and Black Widow would be able to take him down. The team's advantage and the stakes being high to avoid financial losses for Marvel Studios further underline the need for a strong hero to survive.

At the moment, Wanda is arguably the deadliest character in the MCU. In a 1v1 battle, she could potentially kill all others, with her reality-warping abilities and strategic mind-edge giving her the upper hand. If not for the intervention of “raining fire,” Thanos would be a dead man.