======European Cup======
=====Object Information=====
  * **Type:** [[Quidditch]] [[Trophy]]
  * **Owners:** The current winning team of the European Quidditch Cup tournament. Past winners are known to include the [[Falmouth Falcons]] and the [[Wimbourne Wasps]].
  * **Maker:** Unknown. The competition for which it is the prize was established in 1652 (//[[Quidditch Through the Ages]]//).
=====Description and Appearance=====
The physical appearance of the European [[Cup]] is not described in any of the canonical texts. As the premier trophy for the European [[Quidditch]] club league, it is presumed to be an ornate and prestigious award, likely made of precious metals and of a significant size befitting its status.
=====Magical Properties and Usage=====
The primary function of the European [[Cup]] is to serve as the ultimate prize for the European Quidditch Cup tournament, a competition held every three years for professional club teams across Europe (//[[Quidditch Through the Ages]]//). It is a symbol of being the best [[Quidditch]] team on the continent.
While not explicitly detailed, the [[Cup]] likely possesses enchantments befitting its status, possibly including self-cleaning charms to repel dirt and tarnish, and a magical record of its victors that inscribes the winning team's name onto its surface with each tournament.
=====History=====
The European Quidditch Cup tournament was established in 1652 and has been a fixture of the professional [[Quidditch]] circuit ever since (//[[Quidditch Through the Ages]]//). It is one of the most coveted prizes in the sport.
Known historical winners include:
  * **[[Falmouth Falcons]]:** This British team, known for its fierce style of play, has won the European [[Cup]] twice (//[[Quidditch Through the Ages]]//).
  * **[[Wimbourne Wasps]]:** This team from Dorset, England, for whom [[Ludo Bagman]] once played as a [[Beater]], has won the [[Cup]] at least once (//[[Quidditch Through the Ages]]//).
=====Role in the Story=====
The European [[Cup]] is not mentioned within the main narrative of the seven //Harry Potter// novels and does not play a direct role in the central plot. Its existence is established in the supplementary book //[[Quidditch Through the Ages]]//, where it serves to build the lore of the wider wizarding world.
The [[Cup]] provides crucial context for the professional [[Quidditch]] landscape, establishing a prestigious level of competition between the [[Hogwarts]] [[Quidditch Cup]] and the international [[Quidditch World Cup]]. It enhances the history and reputation of professional teams mentioned in the series, giving them tangible, high-stakes achievements beyond the British and Irish League.
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * In the [[Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup]] (video game), a "European Cup" competition is featured. However, this version of the tournament involves national teams competing to qualify for the [[Quidditch World Cup]]. This differs from the club-based competition for a standalone trophy as described in //[[Quidditch Through the Ages]]//.