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Pitching an antagonist against a protagonist is a crucial aspect of storytelling, as it creates tension, conflict, and drama that drives the plot forward. Here are some tips to help you craft a formidable antagonist:

Create a clear motivation: Give your antagonist a compelling reason to oppose the protagonist. This could be a personal vendetta, a desire for power, or a need to protect their own interests. Make sure their motivation is rooted in their character and backstory.
Make them relatable: While your antagonist should be a formidable opponent, they should also be relatable to your protagonist. Share a common goal or value, or create a complex history between the two characters that makes their conflict more nuanced.
Give them a compelling backstory: Antagonists should have a rich history that informs their actions and motivations. What drove them to become the person they are today? What trauma or tragedy shaped their worldview?
Create a sense of vulnerability: A formidable antagonist should have weaknesses and vulnerabilities that make them human. This could be a personal fear, a physical limitation, or an emotional vulnerability.
Make them a mirror to the protagonist: Antagonists often serve as a reflection of the protagonist's own flaws or fears. Use this to create a deeper connection between the two characters and add depth to the conflict.
Create a sense of escalation: The conflict between the protagonist and antagonist should escalate gradually, with each side upping the stakes and intensity. This creates a sense of urgency and raises the stakes for the protagonist.
Use their dialogue effectively: Antagonists should have their own unique voice and dialogue. Use their words to reveal their personality, motivations, and backstory. Make their dialogue snappy, clever, and memorable.
Make them a worthy opponent: The protagonist should struggle against the antagonist, but ultimately, the antagonist should be a worthy opponent. Give them a compelling reason to win, and make their victories feel earned.
Some examples of great antagonists include:

Darth Vader in Star Wars: A complex, nuanced character with a compelling backstory and motivations.
The Joker in The Dark Knight: A chaotic, unpredictable force who pushes Batman to his limits.
Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs: A sophisticated, cultured, and terrifying villain who challenges Clarice Starling's resolve.
When pitching your antagonist against your protagonist, consider the following:

What is the central conflict between the two characters?
How do their motivations and goals align (or clash)?
What are the stakes for each character if they fail or succeed?
How will their conflict escalate and come to a head?
By creating a compelling antagonist, you can add depth, tension, and drama to your story, making your protagonist's journey all the more compelling and memorable.