Episode I

Combatants:Qui-Gon Jinn and Darth Maul
After getting the parts needed to repair the Queen's ship and flee Tatooine, Qui-Gon and wee little Anakin are attacked by a mysterious, saber-wielding foe. Qui-Gon buys Anakin time to escape by taking on their dark assailant mano y mano.

Photo courtesy © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Chronologically speaking, this is the first time we get to see a couple of guys really go at it with lightsabers. This is a good, strong, but short, fight. It's clear in this duel that Qui-Gon was in no way prepared to face someone who actually knew what they were doing with a lightsaber. Though Qui-Gon eventually escapes, Darth Maul had him on the ropes the whole time. This is a great desert brawl.

Winner: Draw

Combatants: Qui Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul
Our band of heroes led by Qui-Gon Jinn must assault the recently captured Theed Palace and retake Naboo from the corrupt Trade Federation Viceroy. The only problem is that one bad ass Sith Lord stands in their way -- Darth Maul.

Photo courtesy © Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.

Wow! This fight really sets the bar for great lightsaber battles. This fight also marks the debut and only appearance of the all too cool double-bladed lightsaber. In this three-way fray Maul skillfully keeps two Jedi at bay and still manages to run Qui-Gon through before getting bisected by Jedi Padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi. Though Darth Maul is something to watch, Kenobi really steals the show in this fight. After Qui-Gon is killed young Obi really pours it on, and it's the only time you ever really see Darth Maul have to go on the defense just to stay in the fight.

Winner: Obi-Wan Kenobi