🚨 DRAGONS UNLEASHED: The 10 DEADLIEST Dragonriders in ALL of Westeros History – Ranked! Who Would Win in an Aerial Deathmatch? 😱🔥🐉

You thought Daenerys was unstoppable? Think again.

From the man who MELTED Harrenhal’s walls with one blast… to the rogue prince who fought Vhagar to a bloody standstill… these Targaryen (and beyond) legends turned dragons into weapons of MASS DESTRUCTION.

But here’s the twist: Some rode the biggest beasts but were TERRIBLE in battle. Others tamed wild monsters with ZERO bloodline and became legends.

#1 will SHOCK you – it’s NOT who you expect!

The skies of Westeros have never seen power like this… and fans are already debating who tops the list in endless threads.

The world of A Song of Ice and Fire and its television adaptations, Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon, features dragons as the ultimate instruments of war and conquest. Only those with Valyrian blood—or exceptional courage and affinity—could bond with and ride these ancient beasts. Across Targaryen history, from Aegon the Conqueror’s unification of Westeros to Daenerys Targaryen’s revival of the species, certain riders stood out for their skill, combat prowess, strategic brilliance, and the sheer impact they made with their mounts. Rankings of the “best” dragonriders often consider factors like aerial combat experience, dragon size and ferocity, battlefield achievements, and personal daring.

This list draws from George R.R. Martin’s books (Fire & Blood, The World of Ice and Fire, and the main series), show portrayals, and fan analyses to rank the top 10. It prioritizes overall mastery and legacy rather than dragon size alone, though powerful mounts play a key role.

10. Jon Snow (Rhaegal – Show Canon) In the HBO series, Jon Snow—revealed as Aegon Targaryen—bonds with Rhaegal, one of Daenerys’s dragons. His most notable feat comes during the Battle of Winterfell, where he engages the Night King in an aerial duel amid wight hordes. Though inexperienced, Jon demonstrates natural aptitude, surviving close calls and contributing to dragon maneuvers. Critics note his limited screen time as a rider compared to historical figures, but his Targaryen heritage and bravery earn him a spot. In the books, Jon never rides a dragon, making this a show-specific entry.

9. Baela Targaryen (Moondancer) Daughter of Daemon Targaryen, Baela rides the swift, young she-dragon Moondancer during the Dance of the Dragons. In Fire & Blood, she fearlessly confronts the much larger Sunfyre and its rider, Aegon II, in a daring nighttime attack over Dragonstone. Moondancer’s agility allows Baela to inflict serious wounds before both dragon and rider crash. Her courage and skill in unequal combat highlight her potential, though youth and the dragon’s smaller size limit her ranking.

8. Daeron the Daring (Tessarion) Known as the youngest dragonrider in the Dance, Daeron Targaryen commands Tessarion, the Blue Queen. In the books, he proves a capable battlefield commander, using Tessarion effectively in the Second Battle of Tumbleton. His tactical acumen and bravery stand out, but his early death prevents a longer legacy. Show adaptations have yet to fully explore him, but historical accounts praise his promise.

7. Maegor the Cruel (Balerion) The infamous king rides the mighty Balerion after Aegon I’s death. Maegor’s brutal reign includes crushing rebellions with dragonfire, notably in his duel against Aegon the Uncrowned. His command of the Black Dread demonstrates raw power, but his tyrannical style and lack of finesse place him lower. Maegor excels in intimidation and overwhelming force rather than nuanced aerial mastery.

6. Rhaenys Targaryen (the Queen Who Never Was – Meleys) The “Red Queen” Meleys, one of the fastest dragons, carries Rhaenys Velaryon (Targaryen by blood). In House of the Dragon and books, she showcases exceptional skill, escaping King’s Landing dramatically and dominating early Dance skirmishes. Her experience and Meleys’s speed make her formidable, though her death at Rook’s Rest against Vhagar and Sunfyre cuts her arc short.

5. Aemond Targaryen (Vhagar) Aemond claims the largest living dragon, Vhagar, and uses her ruthlessly. His feats include killing Lucerys over Storm’s End and clashing with Daemon above the Gods Eye. Aemond’s aggression and Vhagar’s size give him unmatched destructive potential, but his recklessness and youth lead to fatal errors, tempering his ranking.

4. Daemon Targaryen (Caraxes) The Rogue Prince rides Caraxes, the Blood Wyrm, with legendary combat experience. From conquering the Stepstones to his final, heroic duel with Aemond and Vhagar, Daemon’s aerial prowess shines. Books and show portray him as the most battle-hardened rider of his era, blending ferocity with tactical cunning. Many fans rank him highest for skill alone.

3. Rhaenys Targaryen (Meraxes) Aegon the Conqueror’s sister-queen rides Meraxes during the Conquest. She helps subdue Dorne (though fatally shot by a scorpion bolt) and participates in the Field of Fire. Her role in forging the realm, combined with Meraxes’s power, cements her as one of the original elite riders.

2. Visenya Targaryen (Vhagar) The warrior-queen Visenya masters Vhagar with unmatched martial discipline. She enforces Aegon’s rule harshly, flies patrols, and intimidates foes. Her combat background and Vhagar’s early dominance make her a top contender, often praised for precision over brute force.

1. Aegon the Conqueror (Balerion the Black Dread) No rider surpasses Aegon I on Balerion, the largest and most terrifying dragon ever. He unites the Seven Kingdoms through conquest, melts Harrenhal’s stones, wins the Field of Fire against combined armies, and forges the Iron Throne. Guided by prophetic dreams, Aegon’s strategic use of dragon power reshapes Westeros. His unmatched legacy, paired with Balerion’s supremacy, makes him the definitive greatest dragonrider in history.

These rankings reflect a blend of historical impact, combat records, and source material. Debates rage—some prioritize raw dragon size (favoring Vhagar riders), others skill (Daemon)—but Aegon’s foundational role remains unchallenged. As House of the Dragon continues and potential future adaptations explore more Targaryen history, new contenders may emerge. For now, these 10 define dragonriding excellence in the Game of Thrones universe.