Cupwinning

Cupwinning refers to the achievement of winning a cup competition, a knockout‑style tournament that culminates in the lifting of a trophy. Cup competitions are typically organized separately from a club's league championship and emphasize head‑to‑head matches rather than league tables.

Most cups use single‑match rounds, though some tournaments include two‑legged ties in early rounds. Ties may be decided by extra time and penalties if needed; in the past, some rounds used replays. The final is usually held at a neutral venue and is a major event in the calendar.

Cupwinning occurs across many sports but is most associated with association football. Notable domestic cups include the FA Cup (England), the Copa del Rey (Spain), the DFB-Pokal (Germany), and similar competitions around the world. Internationally, clubs may compete in continental cup competitions that operate on a knockout basis, such as the UEFA Cup/Europa League, the AFC Cup, or the CAF Confederation Cup, each culminating in a final and trophy.

A cup win can bring prestige, prize money, and, in some leagues, qualification for other competitions. Public interest often centers on cup runs featuring underdog teams achieving upsets against higher-ranked opponents, a phenomenon known as giant‑killing. Cupwinning remains a valued objective for clubs seeking silverware beyond the league title.