RealTalkAJ

The question of how many times Goku has beaten Vegeta depends on how you define “victory.”

Let’s break it down:

Technically, as Google’s AI answer points out, Goku has never scored a clean 1v1 win over Vegeta that ended decisively. However, there are moments that strongly suggest Goku had the upper hand. In the Saiyan Saga, Goku pushed Vegeta to his limits, forcing him to retreat, and even Vegeta admitted Goku was stronger. Later, Goku reached Super Saiyan and Super Saiyan God forms before Vegeta, which could be seen as beating him to milestones of power.

Why couldn’t Goku beat Vegeta?

When fans debate why Goku couldn’t outright beat Vegeta, the answer often lies beyond raw strength.

For one, Goku has always seen Vegeta as more than just a rival—he views him as a lifelong ally who continually pushes him toward new heights.

This relationship turned their clashes into mutual growth experiences rather than battles to settle once and for all.

Goku’s drive has always leaned toward surpassing limits, not humiliating Vegeta.

Another factor is the unique training advantages Vegeta gained.

Thanks to Bulma, he had access to upgraded facilities such as the Zero Gravity training room, which gave him structured and intense growth.

The perks of having a brilliant scientist partner can’t be understated—Bulma essentially became Vegeta’s secret weapon, providing him with resources that Goku didn’t have on his own.

Beyond that, Goku had little incentive to defeat Vegeta outright after their encounter with Frieza.

Once both Saiyans shifted their focus to protecting Earth and surpassing greater universal threats, their rivalry became more of an iron-sharpening dynamic.

Goku rarely pursued their fights to a final conclusion because their partnership ultimately mattered more than dominance.

Finally, Vegeta’s strategic edge showed most clearly in their most famous duel when he accepted Babidi’s Majin power-up.

While Goku was morally conflicted and restrained himself, Vegeta embraced the darker boost without hesitation, turning the fight into one where Goku couldn’t fully commit.

This tilt of mindset and strategy meant that Vegeta could stand toe-to-toe, if not outright gain the upper hand.

In the end, Goku not “beating” Vegeta reflects their layered rivalry.

It’s less about one conquering the other and more about two warriors who, through competition, unlocked the very transformations that shaped Dragon Ball’s legacy.

Final thoughts

So while the record books might not show Goku directly defeating Vegeta in a traditional sense, moments across Dragon Ball certainly frame him as the victor in both battle and progress.

Goku after the first encounter had Vegeta’s number but since then hasn’t wanted to outright beat him.

It’s easy to see why this is one of the best fights in Dragon Ball Z.