Joey Wheeler is an icon. As a main character in the Yu-Gi-Oh! anime, he's known for always putting his friends before himself, and having a drive to never quit, despite how often the odds are stacked against him. Joey is a fierce character, but he's incredibly kind-hearted and truly loyal.
Joey has had quite a few wholesome moments throughout the show that prove that he's an incredible friend. These moments start as early as sneaking onto the Duelist Kingdom boat to help Yugi in his quest to save his grandpa.
Sneaking Onto The Duelist Kingdom Boat
Sneaking onto the Duelist Kingdom ship in order to accompany Yugi and help him achieve his goals was a very noble thing for Joey to do. He didn't need to do so, but he did it because he cares.
He could have been punished for trespassing had he been caught - but that didn't matter to him. What mattered to him in the moment was making sure he could help his friend in any way that he could.
Jumping Into The Water To Save Exodia
When Weevil threw the Exodia cards into the ocean, Joey wasted no time in jumping in after them to see if he could save them. While he wasn't actually able to do so, it was an incredibly thoughtful thing to do.
It was also incredibly dangerous and nearsighted, but if that isn't classic Joey, then what is? Everyone made it out of the situation alive... except for Exodia.
Facing Off Against Para & Dox With Yugi
Going against Para and Dox with Yugi was a risky decision that could have cost Joey his life if the two had lost the duel. However, he knew that by helping his friend, they'd be able to overcome the eliminating duo.
The Para and Dox duel was a tough one, and without Joey's help, it's very possible that Yugi would have been trapped in the labyrinth for the rest of his days.
Becoming Friends With Mai
It took a lot to break through Mai's tough exterior and become friends with her, but the group persisted - especially Joey. While she wasn't too nice to them in the beginning, their relationship with her slowly got better and better.
In the end, Mai even bailed Yugi out and won enough star chips to get both of them into the castle. A big part of her evolution over the series had to do with the kindness Joey showed her.
Saving Yugi From A Fire
To make a long story short, Bandit Keith stole the Millennium Puzzle from Yugi, Yugi won it back, but he couldn't shake it loose. He refused to let go of the Puzzle because Atem was in there, even though the building was slowly filling with fire and smoke, and it was up to Tristan and Joey to save Yugi.
They did so without a second thought for their own health showing their strength of friendship.
Breaking Out Of Mind Control For Friendship
Marik's mind control abilities, which he had thanks to the power of the Millennium Rod, are incredibly powerful. He used them on Joey in order to get him to take out Yugi during Battle City.
Yugi spent the entire duel trying to find a way to break Joey out of the mind control. Through the two working together, Joey eventually managed to break free, and then he did what he had to do in order to save Yugi.
Trying To Rescue Yugi Over Himself
When the anchor began dragging both duelists into the ocean as the duel concluded, Joey made his way over to Yugi's side of the field to save him, with his own life merely a thought on the back burner.
It was only thanks to the quick thinking of Serenity that both duelists had made it out alive. Had she not saved Joey, only Yugi would have made it out of the situation alive.
His Care For Serenity
Joey's relationship with Serenity is a very close one. The two had been the best of friends since they were just kids, and when it came time for Serenity to get a needed medical operation, it was Joey who won the money for her to have it.
He was there for her when she needed it the most and she paid him back in kind throughout the show.
Jumping Directly Into Ancient Egypt To Help Atem
When Atem was transported into Ancient Egypt in order to relive the fight against Zorc, Yugi, Tea, Tristan, and Joey were all right behind him in order to help.
They had absolutely no idea what it was they were diving into, but that didn't matter. What did matter was helping their friend, which is exactly what they did. Without them, Atem wouldn't have defeated Zorc.
Constantly Risking His Life For Yugi
Throughout each arc of the show, Joey's commitment to Yugi and Atem never wavered. Joey worked relentlessly to support his friend, and never stopped to think about giving in.
He went through some serious trials to help Yugi in his goals, and not once did he complain. Joey is a true friend through thick and thin.