Pokémon Scarlet Violet Academy Ace Tournament Guide and Tips

Prove your strength against Paldea’s finest in the Academy Ace Tournament, where former rivals, teachers, and Champions await with tougher teams and unpredictable strategies.

This serves as a bit of a replacement for being able to rematch the Elite Four, as you historically could in previous Pokémon games. Since you can’t rematch against Scarlet and Violet‘s Elite Four, you will instead battle four random trainers from your school. You can start the tournament by talking to man on the left at the front desk of your school.

The tournament is worth completing, as you’ll get decent EXP and money from beating these high-level trainers (as they are currently some of the highest level trainers you can repeatedly battle in the game). Notably, you also get rare items like mints and Apricorn Balls are random rewards from the tournament. If you’re super lucky, you can even get a Gold Bottle Cap, which is used in Hyper Training.

Most of the trainers in the tournament do not use one specific type and have a diverse team. You should bring in a team of Pokémon, roughly around level 65-70, that can take down lots of different types.

The first time you take on the Academy Ace Tournament, you will have a set group of trainers that is the same for everyone. In order, you’ll will fight: Arven, Jacq, Dendra, and then Geeta. Geeta only shows up the first time and is not in the pool of trainers after this.

After your first run, you’ll get a random assortment of four trainers from the school.

Unlike the Elite Four, your Pokémon are healed between matches, similarly to the tournament in Sword and Shield.

We list each trainer, along with their Pokémon, in alphabetical order by name and title below.

Champion Nemona

Nemona serves as your final opponent in the Academy Ace Tournament, bringing her trademark enthusiasm and a well-balanced team that tests your adaptability. Her lineup varies depending on your chosen starter, with her final Pokémon using a Tera Type matching her signature strategy. She favors aggressive tactics and smart type coverage, so prepare defensive options and strong counters to her ace. Defeating her caps off the tournament with a satisfying challenge that reflects your growth as a Trainer.

1. Lycanroc, level 71 (rock)
2. Goodra, level 71 (dragon)
3. Dudunsparce, level 71 (normal)
4. Orthworm, level 71 (steel)
5. Pawmot, level 71 (electric/fighting)
6. Meowscarada, level 72 (grass/dark with grass Tera Type)
   Quaquaval, level 72 (water/fighting with water Tera Type)
   Skeledirge, level 72 (fire/ghost with fire Tera Type)

Nemona’s final Pokémon is different based on what starter you picked. Her Pokémon is whatever was weak against your starter choice. (So if you picked Sprigatito, she has Quaquaval. If you picked Quaxly, she has Skeledirge. If you picked Fuecoco, she has Meowscarada.)

Dendra the Instructor

Dendra, the energetic Battle Studies teacher, challenges players with her Fighting-type Pokémon team that tests both speed and endurance. She favors direct, physical combat styles, pushing opponents to stay on the offensive while managing stamina and timing. Her battle tends to reward those who can exploit type weaknesses and maintain steady pressure, turning her match into a lively test of tactical adaptability within the Academy Ace Tournament.

1. Falinks, level 65 (fighting)
2. Tauros, level 65 (fighting/fire)
3. Tauros, level 65 (fighting/water)
4. Medicham, level 65 (fighting/psychic)
5. Hawlucha, level 65 (fighting/flying)
6. Hariyama, level 66 (fighting with fighting Tera Type)

Dendra utilizes fighting-type Pokémon, so you can use fairy-, flying-, and psychic-type moves to take her down quickly.

Director Clavell

Director Clavell oversees the Academy Ace Tournament and ensures that everything runs smoothly. Before the matches begin, he greets participants and sets out the rules for the competition. His presence gives the event an official tone, reminding players that this is a test of both skill and sportsmanship. After your victory, he awards your prize and reflects on your growth as a trainer, reinforcing the tournament’s role in challenging the strongest students.

1. Oranguru, level 60 (normal/psychic)
2. Abomasnow, level 60 (grass/ice)
3. Polteageist, level 60 (ghost)
4. Gyarados, level 60 (water/flying)
5. Houndoom, level 60 (dark/fire)
6. Meowscarada, level 61 (grass/dark with grass Tera Type)
   Quaquaval, level 61 (water/fighting with water Tera Type)
   Skeledirge, level 61 (fire/ghost with fire Tera Type)

Clavell’s last Pokémon also depends on which starter you picked. He will have whatever is stronger against your chosen starter. (So if you picked Sprigatito, he has Skeledirge. If you picked Quaxly, he has Meowscarada. If you picked Fuecoco, he has Quaquaval.)

Hassel the Instructor

Hassel serves as both your Dragon-type instructor and a creative mentor at the academy, bringing passion to his lessons and duels alike. During the Academy Ace Tournament, he tests your growth with powerful Dragon Pokémon that reflect his artistic flair and discipline. His mix of encouragement and strength makes his battle one of the most memorable challenges of the event.

1. Noivern, level 67 (flying/dragon)
2. Haxorus, level 67 (dragon)
3. Dragalge, level 67 (poison/dragon)
4. Flapple, level 67 (grass/dragon)
5. Dragonite, level 67 (dragon/flying)
6. Baxcalibur, level 68 (dragon/ice with dragon Tera Type)

You already battled and beat Hassel as part of the Elite Four, but if you need a refresher, you can use ice-, fairy-, and dragon-type moves to take down his dragon-type team. Note that dragon-typing is a double-edged sword, so you might want to stay away from using them unless you have the speed and power to K.O. his Pokémon in one hit.

Jacq the Instructor

Jacq serves as one of the key instructors during the Academy Ace Tournament, guiding students through battles that test both strategy and adaptability. As a biology teacher with a deep interest in Pokémon behavior, he uses his knowledge to challenge trainers with well-balanced teams that reward smart planning. Facing Jacq isn’t just about type matchups-it’s about anticipating how he analyzes your tactics and adjusts his approach mid-battle. Defeating him earns both respect and valuable insight into advanced battle techniques.

1. Arcanine, level 65 (fire)
2. Lurantis, level 65 (grass)
3. Swalot, level 65 (poison)
4. Mudsdale, level 65 (ground)
5. Slowbro, level 65 (water/psychic)
6. Farigiraf, level 66 (normal/psychic with psychic Tera Type)

Jacq doesn’t have any specific weaknesses, but using water– and dark-type moves will help get rid of a lot of his Pokémon.

Miriam the Instructor

Miriam is the Academy’s dedicated nurse who takes on an unexpected role as an instructor during the Ace Tournament. Her cheerful personality contrasts with her strong determination to prove herself in battle. Although she specializes in caring for others, Miriam’s team shows that she’s no stranger to strategy and perseverance. Defeating her requires careful planning, as her Pokémon lineup balances both healing tactics and offensive power.

1. Hypno, level 65 (psychic)
2. Pincurchin, level 65 (electric)
3. Sawsbuck, level 65 (normal/grass)
4. Glalie, level 65 (ice)
5. Eelektross, level 65 (electric)
6. Toxapex, level 66 (poison/water with poison Tera Type)

There aren’t really any specific weaknesses to take down Miriam, but you can use ground-type Pokémon to get rid of her two electric-types quickly.

Pokémon Trainer Arven

Arven is one of the toughest opponents in the Academy Ace Tournament, using a team that focuses on balanced offense and strong coverage. His lineup usually includes sturdy Pokémon like Garganacl and Greedent, alongside powerful attackers such as Mabosstiff, his signature partner. Players should prepare for both physical and special attacks, as Arven’s strategy mixes durability with solid damage output. Bringing Fighting- or Water-type moves can provide an advantage against several of his choices.

1. Greedent, level 67 (normal)
2. Cloyster, level 67 (water/ice)
3. Scovillain, level 67 (grass/fire)
4. Toedscruel, level 67 (ground/grass)
5. Garganacl, level 67 (rock)
6. Mabosstiff, level 68 (dark with dark Tera Type)

Not much has changed since your first fight against Arven; his team is largely weak against fighting-type moves.

Pokémon Trainer Penny

Penny, the shy Team Star tech whiz, brings her tactical skill to the Academy Ace Tournament with her team of Eeveelutions. Her battle style focuses on adaptability and exploiting type coverage, requiring careful counterplanning. Despite her quiet demeanor, she proves to be a tough opponent who uses clever switches and balanced offense to challenge even experienced players.

1. Umbreon, level 69 (dark)
2. Vaporeon, level 69 (water)
3. Jolteon, level 69 (electric)
4. Flareon, level 69 (fire)
5. Leafeon, level 69 (grass)
6. Sylveon, level 70 (fairy with fairy Tera Type)

Just like when you battled her before, Penny is a pushover. Utilize her Pokémon’s low defense and weaknesses to sweep her team easily.

Raifort the Instructor

Raifort oversees the History class at the academy, focusing on the ancient mysteries of Paldea and its legendary Pokémon. During the Academy Ace Tournament, her fascination with ruins and historical artifacts reflects in her battle style, which showcases Pokémon linked to the past. Players who have taken her classes may recognize her strategic use of Ground and Rock types that mirror her archaeological interests. Facing Raifort offers a thoughtful match that rewards patience and awareness of type matchups.

1. Zoroark, level 65 (dark)
2. Seviper, level 65 (poison)
3. Grumpig, level 65 (psychic)
4. Lumineon, level 65 (water)
5. Scizor, level 65 (bug/steel)
6. Gengar, level 66 (ghost/poison with ghost Tera Type)

Yet another teacher with no specific type specialty, Raifort doesn’t have any direct counters. Her spread of Pokémon is actually among the most diverse in the tournament. You can use dark– and fighting-type moves on a good number of her party to take them down.

Saguaro the Instructor

Saguaro, the Home Economics teacher with a warm personality, serves as one of your potential challengers in the Academy Ace Tournament. His team focuses on Fairy-type Pokémon, combining defensive tactics with strong special attacks. Paying attention to type matchups and status effects is key to gaining the upper hand against him. Facing Saguaro offers a rewarding test of strategy and preparation, highlighting his caring yet determined nature as an instructor.

1. Pachirisu, level 65 (electric)
2. Froslass, level 65 (ice/ghost)
3. Alomomola, level 65 (water)
4. Vespiquen, level 65 (bug/flying)
5. Goodra, level 65 (dragon)
6. Hatterene, level 66 (psychic/fairy with fairy Tera Type)

Saguaro is another instructor with a diverse team. You can use fire-type moves to take down his Froslass and Vespiquen, but the other Pokémon will require more specific counters.

Salvatore the Instructor

Salvatore appears as one of the instructors you can challenge during the Academy Ace Tournament. Known for his cheerful personality and love of languages, he brings a mix of charm and unpredictability to his battles. His team focuses on Electric-type Pokémon, including his signature Raichu, which can surprise you with speed and powerful attacks. Prepare for quick switches and smart move choices to outplay him and claim victory.

1. Honchkrow, level 65 (dark/flying)
2. Persian, level 65 (normal)
3. Palossand, level 65 (ghost/ground)
4. Glaceon, level 65 (ice)
5. Gothitelle, level 65 (psychic)
6. Raichu, level 66 (electric with electric Tera Type)

You can beat out Salvatore’s party with some fighting– and dark-type Pokémon, but it shouldn’t pose too much of a problem, as most of his team is pretty weak defensively.

Top Champion Geeta

Top Champion Geeta brings her signature calm precision and tactical skill to the Academy Ace Tournament, challenging players with a balanced and versatile team built around her ace Pokémon, Glimmora. Her battle emphasizes smart type matchups and careful planning, rewarding those who can adapt quickly and counter her strategies. Defeating Geeta requires both strong coverage moves and a clear understanding of her team’s strengths and weaknesses.

1. Esparthra, level 69 (psychic)
2. Gogoat, level 69 (grass)
3. Veluza, level 69 (water/psychic)
4. Avalugg, level 69 (ice)
5. Kingambit, level 69 (dark/steel)
6. Glimmora, level 70 (rock/poison with rock Tera Type)

Tyme the Instructor

Tyme is known for her calm and encouraging demeanor, guiding students through complex battle strategies with patience and insight. During the Academy Ace Tournament, her focus on type matchups and smart move selection helps trainers refine their tactical thinking. Facing her can be challenging, as she mixes logical precision with unexpected choices that test a player’s ability to adapt under pressure.

1. Lycanroc (Midday), level 65 (rock)
2. Lycanroc (Midnight), level 65 (rock)
3. Drednaw, level 65 (water/rock)
4. Stonjourner, level 65 (rock)
5. Coalossal, level 65 (rock/fire)
6. Garganacl, level 66 (rock with rock Tera Type)

Because Tyme uses all rock-type Pokémon (since she used to be a rock-type gym leader), you can easily sweep her team with a fighting-type Pokémon. You can also use water-, steel-, ground-, and grass-type Pokémon, but you’ll need to swap out accordingly against Drednaw and Coalossal.

Arven team levels moves and weaknesses Academy Ace Tournament

Arven’s team in the Academy Ace Tournament’s first round (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet) mirrors his Path of Legends finale but at higher levels (~65-68), emphasizing bulky supports with status moves and DoT effects like paralysis or salt hazards. Fighting-types counter most effectively, though you’ll need coverage for Grass/Ice and Rock subs.

Team Details

Arven sends six Pokémon without initial Tera (except Mabosstiff as ace); full heals apply between your switches.

Strategy Tips

Lead with a bulky Fighting-type (e.g., Annihilape or Iron Hands at Lv. 66+) for Greedent/Garganacl/Mabosstiff; swap to Ice (e.g., Weavile) for Toedscruel and Electric for Cloyster. Avoid over-relying on one ‘mon due to status spam-carry Full Heals. Levels scale higher post-DLC (~75-83), but core weaknesses persist.

Best counters and team for Arven Academy Ace Tournament

Fighting-type Pokémon dominate as counters to Arven’s Academy Ace Tournament team due to its shared vulnerabilities, especially against Greedent, Garganacl, and Mabosstiff. Electric-types handle Cloyster, while Ice or Flying types target Toedscruel and Scovillain effectively.

Recommended Team

Aim for levels 66-70 with diverse coverage; Terastallize Fighting or Electric for sweeps. Full Heals counter status like paralysis/Spore.

Battle Tips

• Lead Annihilape/Iron Hands vs. Greedent/Garganacl for quick KOs.

• Sacrifice/switch to Electric on Cloyster prediction (Icicle Spear multi-hits).

• Save Ice for Toedscruel’s Spore turns; Terastallize Baxcalibur.

• Priority/Baton Pass if status piles up-Mabosstiff Intimidates but folds to Fighting STAB. Rerun post-DLC needs minor level bumps (~75).