What makes an opponent stand out from the rest?

Opponents that stand out to me are ones that are actually polite and have good sportsmanship. People who are rude, cocky or just don't say anything at all aren't very fun to battle, so I usually end up remembering those that are good sports during the battle.

 

What makes an opponent stand out for me:

Having the vast competitive knowledge equal to (or somehow) even greater than myself, and using some unexpected tricks that both work and throw me off course a bit. I like opponents who also do an array of tiers, as opposed to just OU or Ubers. At times, I like having fun, gimmicky battles as well. For instance: a Challenge Cup match, or an all Metronome match. In a nutshell, I appreciate an opponent who has superior knowledge of the metagame, but at the same time, doesn't take it so serious that that can't have a fun Challenge Cup match here & there.

 

I think being able to turn around the tides of a battle and good sportsmanship make them stand out to me anyway. In the past I've put a few in a tight spot and they manage to play it correctly. I guess not sticking to the current meta is a one as well since I like to see lower tier mons succeed in higher tiers.

 

Opponents that stand out to me are the ones who don't just use OU Pokémon all the time. Most of the time I will see the same teams over and over again Ex: Mew, Venasaur, Bisharp, Talonflame, Chansey, and Lopunny. I like seeing Pokémon used from lower tiers like, Avalugg, Aggron, Klinklang, etc. It makes me think that my opponent is very creative when it comes to his/her team building skills.

 

Besides the ability, and stats, the design and attack animations also have something to do with standing out.
If their Pokémon are in sync, and still beat me, I'll take some of that advice~

 

Personally, I think the opponents that really stand out are the ones who intentionally help you if you're struggling. I've met a few people who help out when they can because they like helping those get better at battling. I feel like those who are nice and helpful towards you really builds bonds and builds knowledge in general.

 

An opponent that stands out to me is one that has vast knowledge of the meta game, is using a unique team, and above all else gets inside your head. By this I mean they don't just predict what is your best choice is, but they read your movements and do predictions based off of your playstyle. That is what stands out to me most, and these opponents are by far the most challenging and rewarding to play.

 

I find great opponents is someone that can come into a game and make good plays but then start to escalate, learn while it plays and adapts and evolves their tactics to beat you. I don't mind losing against someone who is that good.