Hop is the best rival in the Pokemon series.

Ok, this is probably a Hot Take, but I believe Hop is the best rival in Pokemon.

Reason 1. He has emotions. Unlike all the other rivals, Hop shows considerable emotion variety. He went through a depressed stage, and he had a good reason to do so.

Reason 2. Inspiration. All the other rivals don't really have a good reason to want to be the best. Gary just wants bragging rights, and all the others don't really have a good reason. Except Hop. His brother is the champion, and he has wanted to be a trainer all his life. This motivation allows him to power through his depressed state, and he also somehow stays motivated even after you beat him like 12 times.

Number 3. Story. Hop has one of the best stories. He starts out by watching his brother be the champion, and he wants to do that too. Then, he gets a Pokemon. He travels. Then, he loses to you. But that doesn't deter him. He goes on to win badge after badge, and he builds some confidence. Then he loses to Bede. He goes through his depressed state, and then recovers. He is shown to have genuine concern when Leon is late to see you in Wyndon, and he isn't even mad when you beat him. He accepts that your stronger, and doesn't let it get between you and him. Then he realizes that Pokemon battling might not be his thing. So he literally takes up a new profession. Yes, Gary kinda does this, but Hop has actual encounters after in the Isle of Armor DLC.

With all this said, I think Hop is the best rival in Pokemon history. At least in the top 3.

(This is gonna get so much hate)