The house cup tournament began with the first generation of Hogwarts students. One student from each of the houses will complete a series of dangerous tasks. The winner would not only win the cup, he would win eternal glory. If I remember correctly, the house cup tournament was disbanded after one semester when one of the students died. Don't worry, it was a Hufflepuff.
Quirrell: The house cup tournament is a time-honored tradition, but where does this competition come from and what are the roots of the competition?

Hermione Granger: The house cup tournament began with the first generation of Hogwarts students.

Quirrell: That was a rhetorical question.
by Hermione Stranger June 24, 2012
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