Tournaments ORAS Battle of the Week

[Ruffles]

W1 | W2 | W3 | W4 | W5 | W6 | W7​

Every week we will highlight our favorite match of the week from any on-going tour. There will be a minimum of 1 battle per tour and a maxmium of 5 games per week highlighted.

Week 1

Ubers - keys vs. The Strap
Both of these players are highly regarded ORAS Ubers players that have missed ORASPL 2024. TheStrap in particular had a memorable season in ORASPL 2023, ending up as the 2nd best record with 5-1. Meanwhile Keys only played 3 games of Ubers with a 2-1 record, but perhaps much more relevant, had a recent stellar performance in ORAS Undergrounds with a perfect 5-0 record.

DOU - bagel vs. eragon
Eragon is the undisputed goat of XY DOU last year, as he went 7-0. In a tier where most people prefer to play teams that have become standard, Eragon chooses to continuously innovate and churn out creative teams that have been banger after banger. On the other hand, Bagel is a consistent DOU player who went 3-1 in XY DOU in the most recent DPL. Far from someone who should be underestimated, but going up against the XY DOU goat, can he pull the upset?

OU Bo3 - Metallica126 vs. ACR1
Both of these players are SPL starters with positive records. Although neither of them have started ORAS in SPL, both of them extensively play ORAS. Both play in many forum tours such as RoAPL and ORASPL, but ACR1 particularly finished 2nd place in the 2024 ORAS Invitationals. Both known for their aggressive plays using offense, be sure to tune into this heated match!

OU - Always! vs. Destro16
Always and Destro stand out to me as on the come up ORAS stars. Both of them have wins against big names under their belt, both of them bring unique builds that are hard to predict, and both of them tend to be underrated. In the builder, I'd give the edge to Always!, but in the game, I'd give it to Destro16. This match will perhaps give us more insight on the lifelong debate of teams vs. plays.

UU - dunoks vs. col49
Dunoks holds a 2024 ORASPL record of 3-2. Col49 holds the best GSC record in UUPL, with a stellar 6-1. Although Col49 does not have any recent ORAS UU records, I was told by multiple UU mains that he might be the best in the pool after Pak. Will someone who has more experience in ORAS UU like Dunoks have the advantage? Or will it be Col49? Personally, as long as the 49 doesn't stand for age, I think they might have a better chance.

RU - xXcrossbowXx vs. LBN
Crossbow went 4-4 in SM RU in RUPL, and 4-3 in SS RU in RUGL. Meanwhile, LBN went 5-2 in SV RU in RUPL, and 5-3 in BW/SS in RUGL. Although neither of them have recent ORAS RU records or have started in the last two ORASPLs, both are great RU players that have great potential, and I will be personally interested in their journey.

NU - Ninja vs. kiru
Kiru (Roxie), an ORASPL manager and ORASPL 2024 record holder of 3-2, is going up against Ninja, who has not played in either 2023 or 2024 ORASPL. However, he holds the record of 6-2 in NUPL, in DPP. A great DPP NU player vs. a very consistent ORAS NU player, who will win?

PU - asa vs. LpZ
PU tier leader Asa vs. BW PU enthusiast and addict LpZ. Neither of them main ORAS PU, but both of them are highly regarded in the PU community. This is a battle that will surely be interesting to watch.

ZU - 5gen vs. 5Dots
There is no context needed here whatsoever. Two players that start their name with "5" playing the same tier. Rumors say that loser has to change the 5 into 4.

LC - Extinct! vs. Raichy
As someone who knows absolutely nothing about LC, I am personally looking forward to this game because I have been impressed by Extinct!, especially after an impressive 4-1 performance in ORAS Underground.

Monotype - Cielau vs. Wincon
Wincon is 5-2 in MFPL in ORAS Monotype, holding the best record. Meanwhile, Cielau was absent from playing in that tournament, but holds the best record in 2024 ORASPL, with a stunning 6-1 record. A very strong and competitive game from the very first week. Will the wincon manifest?

​

Written by Ruffles

 

[Ruffles]

Every week we will also pick our favorite 5 replays of said week

Best of Week 1

OU - BlazingDark vs. Magician
The age-old consistent spike-stack fat team vs. a modern sand hyper offense team bring by Magician. On paper, the prep is great and Magician had a magical match up. However, BlazingDark persevered and made play after play. Every inch his opponent gave him, he took a mile. Although Magician may have played slightly passive in some turns, the real magic happened with BlazingDark's plays that clutched a bleak looking game.

OU - Seasons vs. Avarice
In a very close game where the end devolved into guesswork where neither the audience nor the players knew what was happening anymore, this game is a sure enjoyable watch. A quick and fast 24 turn game that emobdies the risk taking and quick thinking that classic ORAS is known for in offense mirrors.

RU - Mr. Aldo vs. Lacks
Although both players brought venusaur + flygon, both teams are creative and unique. Lacks brought double dark type, a tried and true strategy of type stacking your offensive mons, going up against Aldo's Diancie. Meanwhile Aldo brings two of my favorite mons, Fletchinder and Meloetta, and makes good use of both of them! A super close and exciting match where both players looked like they could win at any point.

PU - TJ vs. ManofMany
Both teams had Marawork and adequate counterplay with Swanna and Tangela. However, TJ's Marowak and Swanna got significantly more value due to TJ's good positioning and aggressive playstyle. In a near mirror matchup, TJ showcased his real prowess as a player.

ZU - Toto vs. Fish Anemometer
Nothing screams more ZU than a Scraggy vs. Scraggy measuring contest. In a match where the winner would be decided by who is better at neutralizing the opposing scraggy, Toto takes the win. Him using Sand to shorten Jumpluff's lifespan through sand chip, rocks, and nerfed Synthesis, set up him up for the perfect end game for Scraggy to win.​

Written by Ruffles

Stay tuned for W2 BotW!

 

[Ruffles]

BotW - Week 2

Ubers - skimmythegod vs. keys
Although both these players lost last week, Keys lost to potentially the best in the pool, The Strap. Meanwhile, Skimmy was acted on by scummy managers. Both of them are fired up from their losses last week and I'm sure they will try hard to bounce back. The real question is, when will Keys bring Klefki?

DOU - Chris32156 vs SingleThunder
This matchup brings an interesting pairing of fresh blood vs experience with Chris facing off against one of ORAS DOU's staples in SingleThunder. Chris had a pretty strong showing last week piloting sample TVALKS balance to success vs an aggressive sun HO team. SingleThunder handily dealt with a strong player in Jello last week with an aggressive Mega Diancie Bisharp offense team. Despite lacking much experience in ORAS, I believe the offensive trade-focused nature of the tier lends itself to Chris's strengths.

OU Bo3 - devin vs. lighthouses
Devin won a pretty convincing showing in w1, meanwhile Lighthouses... You know what? Everybody knows who these two are and how hype this match is. The real question that's bothering me is - I still don't know if lighthouses means houses that are light (not heavy) or the lighthouses on the shores for ships. The fans must know.

OU - c0mp vs. BlazingDark
Although he's an SM main, c0mp might be the very best in the Bo1 pool if not the whole pool, a seasoned SPL player. Meanwhile, BlazingDark is another great player who had a fantastic showing last week with an incredible comeback. BlazingDark also made quite the impression in ORAS during 2025 WCoP for France. Will BD be able to upset the SM king? BTW did I mention c0mp loves SM?

UU - Pak vs. Xiri
Pak is the king of UU and he may very well go the entire season without a single loss, he's literally the father of UU. However, Xiri is a great player and he is not easy to beat. He's a great lower tier player, so it really depends on his motivation and focus for this. Since he lost last week, I suspect he wants to bounce back - and what better opportunity to do that vs. Pak?

RU - Oathkeeper vs. MrAldo
Ex co-managers Oathkeeper and MrAldo face off in Aldo's favorite tier, RU. However, Oathkeeper is not unfamiliar with that tier either, as both these players are ORAS lower tier veterans, playing these tiers since their inception and before most of us could even walk. Who is the stronger veteran? Who is still cool with the young ones? Personally, I'd give the edge to Aldo because he likes to cook with niche mons like Meloetta and Fletchinder that I really like.

NU - Feaniix vs. Ampha
These two players had the strongest showing in NU last week. Feaniix was using an extremely well built and sexy looking team, and then with one good switch took the entire game. Meanwhile, Ampha brought some crazy offense that just forced the opponent to make compromise after compromise until he was out of mons. Personally, Feaniix's team was just so cool, I have to give him the edge.

PU - BluBirD vs. TJ
BluBird from the Naruto song vs. TJ from T.J. Maxx face off in this incredibly stacked tier. I mean every PU game is a candidate for BotW, it's that stacked. TJ is perhaps the #1 PU player in my eyes, and had an incredibly strong showing w1. Meanwhile, BluBird is a very skilled builder and player who is new to PU, but I believe the tier's flexibility allows for his creativity to shine. I would still give it to the American department store chain since he's just that good.

ZU - sleid vs. Havocknight
Oldest ZU mod vs. newest ZU mod? At least something like that I'm too lazy to double check so I'm running with that. Both of these players have strong ORAS ZU showing during w1. Havocknight has been killing it in ZUPL as well, boasting an impressive 4-0 record. Some would say it's fake since he still hasn't faced the other 4-0 player who happens to be very handsome, but it's impressive nonetheless. Excited for this match!

LC - gali vs. bleahey
I picked this game not only because I am interested in Gali's games, but also because both these players won pretty convincingly w1. Gali in particular is like the best LC or something because I have never seen this person drop a game. BUT! Maybe Bleahey can do it?

Monotype - Foolycl vs. zIcarus
This is quite the interesting story here. ZIcarus held the best record in MPL, a very impressive 6-1 score. His only loss? Foolycl. Yeah. They have beef. Moreover, Foolycl is a manager and possibly a fan of the anime, FLCL. If the second part is true, I'm rooting for him​

Written by Ruffles, with the help of bagel and zIcarus
Ubers/UU/LC still open to volunteers

 

[mixnite]

Best of Week 2

OU - Stories vs. avarice
Unfortunately for my teammate, this is possibly the worst ORAS OU game ever played in terms of hax and odds. In an amazing showcase, Stories was able to get every hax effect barring critical hits. Focus Blast Sp. Def drop, Rock Slide miss and flinch, etc. Some might say that we were robbed of an otherwise exciting HO vs Sand match but I believe we got to witness Pokemon at its peak. God bless hax. (sorry avarice!!)

OU - awyp vs. Django
2014 called, they want their teams back. This is my highlight match for this week purely because of the teams brought. awyp really hit us with a blast from the past with the classic Pinsir-Diggersby-Magnezone core, while Django brought a very unique Klefki offense. It was an intense game with both sides getting to show off all their techs like the Shuca Berry Bisharp on Django's side and the double Rocky Helmet Latias-Clefable duo on awyp's side. A must watch.

DOU - Chris32156 vs. SingleThunder
I've selected this next game because of an interaction on turn 2; an interaction that completely swings what would have otherwise been a positive matchup into an up-hill battle. Chris elected to Ice Beam SingleThunder's Heatran perhaps predicting both Conkeldurr and Heatran to switch out of a Latios Psyshock + Diancie switch. SingleThunder calls this out and gets a very easy KO on Latios thus allowing Charizard to come in later clean up. Sometimes the best play is the simplest play: attack what's in front of you.

NU - Ampha vs. Feaniix
This was an incredible game that swung both ways as both players looked to press impose their will on each other. Feaniix brought a well built sturdy balance with great longevity thanks to Audino's Wish, while Ampha brought a crazy bulky offense that forced a lot of compromises thanks to the immense power of Choice Specs Aurorus. Just as Ruffles predicted, this game definitely deserves to be in BotW.

LC - Envy vs. rarre
Sticky Webs vs. Bisharp Pawniard and Talonflame Fletchling. A shaky matchup that requires expert piloting from both sides and one that definitely delivered. This game was incredibly tight, especially after Envy's Mienfoo got burned by Flame Body; however, thanks to expert predictions with Gastly and Archen, they managed to bring it back. A masterclass in how to make the right calls.

Written by mixnite​

 

[Ithi]

BOTW Week 3

UBERS - Skimmy vs Fardin

After victoriously making a comeback from week 2, skimmy is back once again with more, vs an opponent who is arguably making a comeback themselves fardin's their respectable 4-3 UPL finish, followed by winning the ubers bo3 tournament not too long ago!! The question is who will snuff who's momentum first.

BO3 OU - Noname vs DJ breloom

Crazy how it took DJ 3 whole weeks to come off the bench and is now facing the wildcard Noname himself, Noname's ability to virtually pilot almost any kind of team and load anything makes it incredibly difficult for preparation, this entire match will come down to their fundamentals and who's got more guts to pull the trigger first and take the set home


OU - Awyp vs avarice

Both incredibly solid players throughout their careers, showing a lot of passion and drive to do exceptionally well in this tournament. Awyp, an already well-known player making a strong showing with his unconventional calls and aggressive plays, vs avarice who very recently had one hell of a showing vs seasons, its gonna be a good time!!

DOU - Nakano Nina vs Akaru Kokuyo

Akaru had the best DOU record last oraspl, w/ a continued streak in dominance vs Nina who has also been putting in mad work this season...! Will the titan of yesteryear still continue to dominate, or will Nakano be able to pull the upset win?

UU - Xiri vs Jay

Two absolutely incredible uu players here duking it out this week. With Jay's upset victory last week after defying the odds and pulling the W, he's coming in hot and locked in to continue his strong streak

RU - rarelyme vs goldcat

GoldCat brain is a fascinating player who can cook all type of builds so its the guessing game as to what he'll load, meanwhile Rarelyme is the RU enthusiast and can pilot in any RU tier very well

NU - Gondra vs kiru

Hype moments and aura from the goats Kiru vs Gondra, last year's oraspl winner vs Gondra

PU - TJ vs LpZ

How the hell do we have our actual pu finals match this early on??? Literally any of them can be considered such but if there was one to top it all off, this is the one to watch out for. The only way I can describe this is like watching Godzilla vs Kingkong, hype moments and aura as we watch the timer go down until both are at like 25 seconds on turn x.

ZU - 5gen vs havocknight

Some say these two players are both training beneath the waterfall and seeing through every single ZU line, while their spiritual aura plays the games for them. Both have had strong showings this tournament so far, it's going to be a good time

LC - gali vs extinct!

Just like ruffles I know basically nothing about LC, but both of these players have been bringing their absolute ALL to their games and have had some incredibly impressive showings from the pov of someone like me, I expect this mu to make it to battles of the week

Mono - Crash vs Purbaj

Established player vs the rising star rookie.

 

[Ruffles]

This week's was a bit late thanks to mods being really busy. Will combine BotW 4 w/ best of week 4 as some games have been played. Next week we'll come back strong

BotW W4

Ubers - skimmythegod vs Splendid Silver Star
Splendid Silver Star has been a surprising newcomer to the ORASPL Ubers scene, and he really lives up to his name, quickly making stardom with a clean 3-0. Although Skimmy is 1-1 (not counting the activity loss), he remains one of the best players in ORAS Ubers. Looking forward to it.

DOU - laptops vs. eragon
[WIP]

OU Bo3 - devin vs Metallica126 (Best of W4)
Devin vs. Metallica is a game culminating in some of the two best players in the current ORASPL OU pool, Bo3 or not. In game 1, Metallica brought a very heat looking team with Mega Sceptile. Unfortunately, he did end up missing Bounce on Calm Mind Manaphy, but the MU was so favored for Devin, I doubt it mattered in the long term. Great call from Devin to switch it up. In game 2, we saw Metallica bring Garay's SPL sample team, and Devin bringing a certified Devin team if I ever seen one. Mega Manectric looked really great here, but an unfortunate Magma Storm miss lost the game. If Heatran had kept its Balloon in the original paste, or used Earth Power, I believe Metallica always wins this.

OU - Seasons vs Always!
Although they are both 1-2, their records do not tell the full story of their skill. To me, this is a very good example of an old proven player coming back and unrusting versus an up and coming player trying to prove himself. Excited for this game.

UU - Jay vs BP
It's finally time for BP to be featured in BotW. The fact that their names combined would be 5 letters at most is really funny. BP has been impressive, scoring a 2-0, but Jay is definitely no slouch. Exciting one!

RU - LBN vs feen
Feen has been doing amazing with a stellar 3-0 record. Meanwhile, LBN is an established RU player that is newer to ORAS RU, but every week is getting more and more used to it. Can he pull the upset?? Real talk, what does LBN stand for?

NU - Kiyo vs Ampha
Ampha has been killing it so far, boasting an amazing 3-0 record. Meanwhile, Kiyo is close behind him at 2-1. Will Ampha continue his dominance and go on to be 4-0, or will Kiyo pull him down and pull off the upset?

PU - Ming549 vs LpZ
LpZ, a PU prodigy and with a very strong 3-0 record, is going off another established PU player Ming. Ming is solidly 2-1 and will definitely not be an easy player to beat. However, LpZ really dominted all his 3 wins and none of them looked close. Can Ming pull off the upset? (You better I drafted you)

ZU - OranBerryBlissey10 vs. neomon (Best of W4)
In this fun game, both players brought some heat teams. Neomon using Wormadam-Trash + Seaking core that I kind of like, and a mixed Simisage which is a rare but very strong breaker. On the other hand, Magmar is the main breaker for OBB, which is completely countered by Seaking. In what looks like a dead end, OBB plays well by making very good play of Persian to make progress and finish the game with it too.

LC - Envy vs. gali
It may seem like Gali is being picked every week, but Envy is perhaps one of the few players in the LC pool that stands a good chance of winning agaisnt them. Both Gali and Envy are on an impressive 2-1 run. Looking forward to see who comes on top.

Mono - Wincon vs. Lacks
The latest ORAS Monotype debut won their first game last week! Can Wincon make their comeback after a loss last week or will we have a new story to be crafted for our newcomer?!

​

Written by Ruffles, with the help of bagel and zIcarus

 

[Ruffles]

I'm shifting this to a general ORAS Battle of the Week, not just ORASPL. This way we include all ORAS tours in the convo. To make it less work and for more consistency, we will include a maximum of 5 battles per week, but no minimum.

In a busy month like October where there is ORASPL, Invitationals, and ORASLT all at the same, the 5 maximum will be nice instead of having like a giant wall of battles. At least 1 minimum from every tour is nice though, and lower tier games will still be included.

BotW W5

ORAS Invitational IV Play-ins - Persephone  vs  entrocefalo
Persephone has come back and started to unrust at a very fast pace. Everyone's eyes are on him, as he has a very high potential. Meanwhile, Entrocefalo has been putting up numbers recently with good results. This will be an exciting match to see who comes on top.

ORAS Invitational IV Play-ins - Dj Breloominati♬  vs  awyp
While spitfire is generally the more experienced player, awyp is much more experienced in ORAS. A very interesting showcase of general good player versus an experienced ORAS main. Will be exciting to watch

ORASPL V, OU - Hyssou vs Stories
Both Hyssou and Stories have been very consistent in ORAS OU recently, winning game after game and only dropping a few. Surprisingly, I think they have very similar playstyles and team choices, so this is going to be very interesting in my opinion.

ORASPL V, OU Bo3 - White Atoq vs NoName6293
Both players were considered ORAS prodigies before a ban, but now both have turned a new leaf and came back. I'm excited to see this one out.

ORASPL V, UU - Pak vs BP
Pak, as per usual, is just straight up demonic in UU. Meanwhile BP has been putting up good numbers and has only dropped 1 game so far. Will this possibly be Pak's first loss in the tour?
​

Written by Ruffles