It seems there are many passengers aboard the Hop hate train, but he's one of the best rivals in the Pokémon series. Hop haters mainly dislike the kid for his overzealous attitude and his pestering little brother-like ways. There's no denying that Hop comes on a bit strong in the beginning of Sword & Shield, but he is the Champion's younger brother after all– he should be a spit-fire. In actuality, Hop has a lot of great defining characteristics that make him a fantastic rival.
For starters, Hop exudes competitive confidence without being taunting or downright infuriating. His enthusiasm motivates players to progress through the story in a positive way, even if it is to keep his ego in check.
Partway through the story, Hop's confidence is shaken when he loses to Bede. Bede's taunts towards Hop about misrepresenting his Champion brother, send Hop into a period of self-doubt. Being the only event in the story that seems to truly shake Hop, it shows the amount of weight he places on himself and his loyalty for his loved ones. The whole ordeal sends Hop through a phase of tremendous character growth. Unlike many rivals who may grow bitter and jaded, Hop takes time to reflect inwards and emerges on the other side a bit more level headed, but still wholly optimistic. This is where Hop's unyielding optimism really begins to shine through.
That optimism allows Hop to take countless thrashings from the player and Gym Leaders better than any rival in the series yet. When entering one stadium to take on the next Gym challenge, players run into Hop who is just coming out from a whopping defeat. But is he deterred? Not in the least. Hop proclaims he is going out to keep training and will keep challenging the Gym until he succeeds. When he receives his last thrashing from the main protagonist in the semi-finals, he accepts defeat graciously. Not only is he humble in his losses, but Hop proceeds immediately to the stands to cheer on his rivals– there's not a bitter bone in this boy's body!
In the end-game, even though he knows he is no match for the player or the Champion he is determined to help and is the first to charge into action. Some might call it foolhardy, but it's a brave act indeed to stand strong and persevere when one is clearly outmatched.
Hop is a truly stand-up guy, willing to admit when he is outmatched and learn from his shortcomings. His unyielding optimism is wholeheartedly inspiring and his constant support of the main protagonist shows what a true friend he really is. Hop may have an overabundance of energy at times, but he walks the line perfectly between competitive rival and true friend. This makes Hop the best, if not most dynamic rival in the Pokémon series.