Which is the oldest sports trophy and when was it made?

The exact origin of sports prizes is still unknown. However, the Ancient Greeks may have been some of the first to hand out awards for sporting events. During the earliest Ancient Olympic games, winners received valuable objects such as horses and bronze tripods. Today, the tables have turned as winners receive lucrative prizes such as trophies and medals.

Giving out prizes to any winning competitors was important to the Greeks and is still essential today. More of a token of appreciation after any hard work, trophies are so lucrative that different professional sports strive and toil just to have it under their possessions. In this article, you will discover more details regarding some of the oldest continuously awarded trophies in sports today.

What is the oldest sports trophy in the world?

Trophies and prize money are now more of a standard mark for any major sports tournaments. The earliest trophy cups date back to the 18th and 19th centuries, while the earliest non-cup trophies date back even further to the 16th and 17th centuries.

The oldest sports trophy still competed in the Antient Scorton Silver Arrow (UK), which is 342 years old and has been offered the prize in the Antient Silver Arrow Competition. After an in-depth analysis, Sports Brief compiled a list detailing some of the oldest trophies in professional sports as of 2024.

10. The Stanley Cup

Although the Stanley Cup may not be as old as some of the other trophies on the list, it is one of the oldest professional sports trophies in North America. The Stanley Cup was donated by and named for Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, Lord Stanley of Preston, and son of the 14th Earl of Derby.

One interesting fact about this particular trophy is that, unlike every other sports trophy, the Stanley Cup is not made yearly. Instead, the winning teams, coaches, and management names are added to the Cup. It is still one of the oldest sports trophies in Canada.

9. The Ashes Urn

The Ashes Urn is believed to contain the ashes of a burnt cricket bail. The urn itself is made of terracotta and measures about 11 centimetres. This trophy is thought to be one of the most famous cricket trophies. However, it has yet to be presented to various winners.

The trophy is used in the Ashes Series of Test cricket matches between England and Australia. The trophy is a playful representation of the two countries' cricket rivalry or derby.

8. Calcutta Cup

The Calcutta Cup is one trophy awarded to the winner of the rugby match between England and Scotland, often during the annual Six Nations Championship. The Calcutta Rugby Football Club was introduced in 1872 in India; however, after a local British army regiment departed, the interest in rugby diminished.

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Although the Calcutta Cup was created in India by Indian craftsmen, the trophy belonged to British expatriates who had established the Calcutta Football Rugby Club in 1873.

7. Wimbledon trophies

In seventh place is the Wimbledon trophy. It is the oldest tennis tournament in the world, and it has been held in London since 1877. It is also one of the Grand Slams' tennis tournaments, including the US, Australian, and French Open.

6. Scottish Cup trophy

The Scottish Cup Trophy is primarily made from silver and has been recognised as the oldest trophy in association football by Guinness World Records. According to the Scottish Cup's history, the tournament is the second-oldest competition in the history of association football.

5. Claret Jug (Golf Champion Trophy)

At this point, you will realise that Scotland is somewhat the origin of the various trophies on the list. Formally dubbed the Golf Champion Trophy, it dates back to 1872 and has been presented to several winners in each year's Open Championships. Tom Kidd was the first athlete to be presented with the Claret Jug after winning the Championship in 1873.

4. America's Cup

The America's Cup is the oldest sports trophy in America. The trophy's history dates back to 1851 when some syndicates from New York sailed the schooner America across the Atlantic Ocean and won a race around the Isle of Wight.

Also known as Auld Mug, the history and prestige of the trophy are so rich that it attracts the world's top sailors and yacht designers.

3. Royal Musselburgh Old Club Cup

The Royal Musselburgh Golf Club is one trophy that dates back to 1774, and it is believed to be the oldest active trophy in sports. The Cup was first presented to the golf club by Thomas McMillan of Shorthope, who won it and became the club's captain.

2. Scorton Silver Arrow

Although the exact origins of the Scorton Silver Arrow remain unknown, it was the first trophy awarded at the inaugural Ancient Silver Arrow Competition in 1673. According to the event's history, the Silver Arrow Competition is the world's longest-established and oldest recorded sporting event.

1. Carlisle Bells

The Carlisle Bells are the oldest sports professional trophy in the world. It dates back to sometime in the 16th century and is believed to be the only trophy with its spherical shape. This particular trophy is given to the Carlisle Bell horse race winner in Carlisle, Cumbria, England.

The first race to ever take place was in 1599, and to date, the bells are the only remaining parts of the larger prize from the 17th century.

Interesting facts about the oldest sports trophy in the world

The history of trophies dates back centuries, and trophies have become a symbol of victory, presented to this day to sports teams and individuals to recognise their achievements across sports competitions and tournaments. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic.

Is the Stanley Cup the oldest trophy in professional sports?

Well, the Stanley Cup is not the oldest trophy in professional sports. Although it dates back to the 18th century, the Carlisle Bells surpasses it as it dates back to the 15th century.

Which is the oldest cricket trophy?

The Ashes Urn is the oldest cricket trophy in the sports arena. Dating back to 1883, it first originated from Sunbury, Australia.

Final word

The history of the oldest sports trophies extends back to the middle of the 18th century. Even beforehand, the winners of any competition were awarded with money or land. Sports trophies are most easily defined as a symbol or token of victory and come in various forms, such as medals, money, trophies, etc.

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