Beat the Champions is an arcade sports game where you compete against AI champion athletes across multiple sport types with power-ups and special abilities. The game takes real sports — tennis, basketball, soccer — and adds Mario-style power-up mechanics creating a party game atmosphere. Each champion has a unique weakness that must be exploited to win, turning matches into puzzle-like encounters. The multiplayer mode supports local and online competitive play with seasonal rankings. It's a lighthearted sports game designed for quick matches and accessible fun rather than simulation realism.
Choosing the right role shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option — what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Role | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Runner | A | Extend rallies to build speed passive, use court coverage to return everything, tire out opponents. | Power Shot | Yes |
| Power Hitter | S | End rallies quickly with powerful shots, build ultimate for guaranteed-score Super Strikes. | Speed Boost | Moderate |
| All-Rounder | A | Adapt to each opponent's playstyle, use the adaptive passive to mirror their best power-up. | Shield Block | Yes |
| Defender | B | Play defensively, return everything, frustrate opponents into making errors, capitalize on mistakes. | Curve Ball | No |
| Trickster | A | Use extreme curve shots to wrong-foot opponents, teleport for surprise returns, keep opponents guessing. | Super Strike | Yes |
New player? Start with Power Hitter — see our beginner's guide for why.
Speed Runner
Excels at court coverage and fast returns. The passive speed boost after rallies makes Speed Runner stronger in long exchanges. Weak opening power but dominates through stamina and positioning.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Extend rallies to build speed passive, use court coverage to return everything, tire out opponents. |
| Best Equipment | Power Shot |
| Stat Priority | Movement Speed, Stamina, Return Accuracy |
| Core Gear | Speed Boost power-ups, Curve Ball for angles |
| Key Mechanic | arcade sports |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Extend rallies to build speed passive, use court coverage to return everything, tire out opponents.
- Pairs well with Power Shot
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Stadium Arena to learn Speed Runner-specific mechanics
- Focus on arcade sports — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Power Shot as your first major upgrade
- See our full Speed Runner build guide for the optimal gear progression
Power Hitter
The most straightforward champion with the highest raw shot power. The Super Strike ultimate is nearly unreturnable without a Shield Block power-up. Dominates short rallies and serves.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | S |
| Playstyle | End rallies quickly with powerful shots, build ultimate for guaranteed-score Super Strikes. |
| Best Equipment | Speed Boost |
| Stat Priority | Shot Power, Serve Speed, Ultimate Charge |
| Core Gear | Power Shot power-ups, Super Strike ultimate |
| Key Mechanic | character abilities |
Strengths
- Most versatile — adapts to any situation
- End rallies quickly with powerful shots, build ultimate for guaranteed-score Super Strikes.
- Pairs well with Speed Boost
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Stadium Arena to learn Power Hitter-specific mechanics
- Focus on character abilities — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Speed Boost as your first major upgrade
- See our full Power Hitter build guide for the optimal gear progression
All-Rounder
Balanced stats with no significant weaknesses or strengths. The adaptive passive copies the last power-up used by the opponent. Flexible and good for learning matchups but lacks a dominant strategy.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Adapt to each opponent's playstyle, use the adaptive passive to mirror their best power-up. |
| Best Equipment | Shield Block |
| Stat Priority | Balance across all stats |
| Core Gear | Any power-ups (adaptive passive copies opponent's) |
| Key Mechanic | tournament brackets |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Adapt to each opponent's playstyle, use the adaptive passive to mirror their best power-up.
- Pairs well with Shield Block
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Stadium Arena to learn All-Rounder-specific mechanics
- Focus on tournament brackets — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Shield Block as your first major upgrade
- See our full All-Rounder build guide for the optimal gear progression
Defender
Excels at blocking and returning shots with enhanced defensive abilities. The Shield Block power-up lasts twice as long. Struggles to score offensively but frustrates aggressive opponents by returning everything.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | B |
| Playstyle | Play defensively, return everything, frustrate opponents into making errors, capitalize on mistakes. |
| Best Equipment | Curve Ball |
| Stat Priority | Defense, Return Accuracy, Stamina |
| Core Gear | Shield Block power-ups, defensive positioning |
| Key Mechanic | power-ups |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Play defensively, return everything, frustrate opponents into making errors, capitalize on mistakes.
- Pairs well with Curve Ball
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Stadium Arena to learn Defender-specific mechanics
- Focus on power-ups — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Curve Ball as your first major upgrade
- See our full Defender build guide for the optimal gear progression
Trickster
Specializes in unpredictable shot placement and mind games. The Curve Ball ability is enhanced with sharper angles. The teleport power-up repositions instantly for impossible returns. High skill ceiling.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Use extreme curve shots to wrong-foot opponents, teleport for surprise returns, keep opponents guessing. |
| Best Equipment | Super Strike |
| Stat Priority | Shot Placement, Curve Control, Deception |
| Core Gear | Curve Ball enhancement, Teleport power-up |
| Key Mechanic | multiplayer modes |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Use extreme curve shots to wrong-foot opponents, teleport for surprise returns, keep opponents guessing.
- Pairs well with Super Strike
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Stadium Arena to learn Trickster-specific mechanics
- Focus on multiplayer modes — it's this role's primary system
- Prioritize Super Strike as your first major upgrade
- See our full Trickster build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Role Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Power Hitter is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Speed Runner is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Power Shot for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Trickster offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another role.
For Group Play
Defender shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More Beat the Champions Guides
- Beat the Champions Beat the Champions Overview
- Beat the Champions Best Builds
- Beat the Champions Tier List
- Beat the Champions Walkthrough
- Beat the Champions Beginner's Guide
- Beat the Champions Tips & Tricks
- Beat the Champions Weapons Guide
- Beat the Champions Combat Guide
- Beat the Champions Boss Guide
- Beat the Champions Maps & Locations
- Beat the Champions Crafting Guide
Similar Games
If you enjoy Beat the Champions, check out these related guides:
- Rocket League Classes Guide — sports game with similar mechanics
