I'm kinda over the whole sympathetic villains because on how it's overdone. My favorite villain of all-time is Dr. Robotnick from the Sonic games.
He looks funny like an egg shaped but threatening as hell... he has a funny side but still have the balls to fight Sonic in almost every stages in the games. He doesn't simply wait at the end of the game... nah, bruh! Robotnick isn't that type of villain, he'll take you out himself if he has to and that to me is more admirable.
I love my villains to be bunch of assholes so that when the hero drives his/her fist in his/her face, you feel so damn satisfied and their defeat would be even more satisfying. The only reason I'd punch a sympathetic villain is how annoying he/she could get.
Shao Kahn from Mortal Kombat is an awesome villain and he backs it up. He insults you and still kicks your ass.