As Grindelwald gained power, public opinion grew that Albus Dumbledore would be the only one able to stop him. Dumbledore, still haunted by his history with the dark wizard, procrastinated. Eventually, the outcry became too vocal and Grindelwald's actions too horrible for Dumbledore to put off the confrontation any longer.

The resulting three-hour long battle, on May the 1st, was one of the most well known duels in the world, and one of Dumbledore's most famous moments, with Dumbledore winning the duel and the Elder Wand's allegiance. According to Elphias Doge, eye-witnesses proclaimed that it was the greatest wizarding duel of all time.

Gellert Grindelwald was captured and detained in the top-most cell of Nurmengard, a prison that he himself had constructed to hold his enemies.