before we start lets go over the most important updates released.
1.7 was important for many reasons. The wither was released and we got multiplayer survival. Thats what puts it up here.
1.9 was massive, changing combat in evry way and adding the end dimension. The end dimesion hade a new boss fight,a whole new type of potion and a new weapon that became very important for pvp. And if that was not all we needed they changed combat. now evrything has hit cooldown, axes do more damage then swords and opens up so many things to do for pvp.
1.12 did not change pvp or add new mobs, but what it did do was change textures and make all of the colors more vibrant. it also relesed more color blocks in general like new colors of wool.
1.16 was important, releasing netherite, he first gear better than diamonds, and with no kb it changed pvp for everyone, honorable mention to respawn anchors for the cpvpers out there.
The best update is up to you! All i can do is guide you. If you love building or redstone play the newest edition! If you love bedwars or sky wars or skyblock play 1.8.9. if you are a cpvper then first you are insane and second play 1.16. honorable mention go's to box players.
Also if u dont know what cpvp is this should tell you.
link here!!