In a few hours the third round of the FA Cup begins. Since 1871 the FA Cup, known officially as ‘The Football Association Challenge Cup’, has been an annual knockout football (soccer) competition played in England. Not only does that make the competition the oldest association football competition in the world but it is arguably the best. And the third round is important because it’s when the big boys start playing.

But what specifically makes it the best? It’s because semi-professionals get a chance to play against the big money pro’s. So teams from little known towns, with rosters filled by plumbers and teachers, play sports gods who play on teams that are global brands. And those little towns, with their part time players win, not often, but it’s certainly far from unique.

Here is a brief history:

And then there’s this video from ESPN that gives you a sense of the beauty, the passion and the emotion that the FA Cup alone brings.