Challenge Cup Outrights

The Challenge Cup in rugby league is a bit like the FA Cup in football. There’s magic in the air as amateur teams enter the early rounds of the competition and hope for a shot at glory when they meet the big boys of the Super League on their way to Wembley Stadium.

Hull KR are the current holders of the Challenge Cup while Wigan Warriors have won it a record 21 times. But will either win again in 2026?

Join us as we look ahead to the Challenge Cup this season and learn how to place an outright bet on the eventual winners at Betano.

The Challenge Cup has been held annually since 1896 and is the oldest rugby tournament in the world. It’s competed by 71 teams, primarily from the United Kingdom, with League 1, Championship, and Super League teams entering the contest at different stages.

Also, teams from the British Army and Royal Navy enter the early rounds, with the opportunity to compete against the big professional rugby league teams if they progress far enough into the competition.

The final is played at Wembley Stadium in London each year.

The first round of the Challenge Cup is exciting, as amateur teams and representatives of the Royal Navy and British Army are invited to participate.

League 1 teams enter the tournament at the third round stage, while Championship teams enter at round four. The bottom eight teams in the Super League enter in round five, while the top Super League teams enter in round six.

Then, there are the quarter-finals and semi-finals, the latter of which are played at neutral venues. The Challenge Cup Final is played at Wembley Stadium in London. The 2025 final was held in June.

Wigan Warriors are the most successful team in Challenge Cup history, with 21 titles, while Hull KR are the current holders.

Behind Wigan, Leeds Rhinos are the second-most successful team in Challenge Cup history, with 14 wins and 12 runners-up medals. The Rhinos have one more Challenge Cup victory than St Helens, who have won the competition 13 times.

Below are details of the most prolific winners in Challenge Cup history, showcasing the most successful teams in the competition with at least five wins to their name:

After winning the Challenge Cup in 2018, the Catalans Dragons became the first non-UK team to win the trophy. The Dragons were also the first team to reach the final, a feat they achieved in 2007, but they lost to eventual winners St Helens.

Following the aptly named Rob Burrow final in 2024, Wigan Warriors secured their 21st victory following their 34th final appearance. Wigan beat Warrington 18-8 in the 123rd Challenge Cup following a dominant display that was witnessed by 64,000 fans at Wembley Stadium.

Warrington made the final again in 2025, but were beaten by Hull KR, who scored 6 uncontested points in the second half to secure a comeback 6-8 victory. Warrington, Wigan, and Hull will all be amongst the favourites again in 2026.

You can bet on the Rugby League Challenge Cup at the Betano Sportsbook. If you’re new to our betting site, visit our homepage and click the “Sign Up” button. Then, register for an account and verify your contact details to get started. You must be 18+ and in the UK to create an account at Betano.

We invite you to visit our current offers page to see if you can access a free bet on the Challenge Cup. We offer regular promotions to new and existing customers to use on rugby league and other sports. After accessing a bonus, visit our cashier to add funds to your account.

You can then bet on the Challenge Cup and other major rugby league competitions, including the Super League. Don’t forget also to check out our rugby union markets, including excellent Six Nations betting odds at Betano.

Back Wigan to secure their 22nd Challenge Cup title in 2025, or bet on Warrington to go one better than in 2024 to secure their tenth title at Wembley Stadium.

When betting on rugby league and other sports at Betano, please do so responsibly. You can visit our Safer Gambling Portal to discover tools, tips, and resources to help you bet within your means.