The Challenge Cup of rugby league was instituted in the 1896–97 and the final was contested between Batley and St. Helens at Headingley, Leeds.
In the seasons during the Second World War the final was played over two legs, with the aggregate score being used.
The final was played at many neutral venues up to and including 1928 after which it was mostly played at Wembley Stadium until 1939 just prior to the Second World War apart from 1932 when it was switched to Central Park, Wigan.
drew 7–7 for the first time in a final at Huddersfield and a replay resulted in a Leeds win.
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 2002, 2011, 2013, 2022, 2024 1999, 2014, 2015, 2020 2007, 2008, 2021 The Challenge Cup final has been held at 12 neutral venues.