The competition was founded in 2013, being a qualifying tournament for the Super Copa Gaúcha, where the winner ensures participation in the Campeonato Brasileiro Série D of the following year.

The Copa Sul-Fronteira occasionally receive a different name, honoring important people related to football in Rio Grande do Sul.

The 2014 edition is called Copa Ivânio Branco de Araújo, in posthumous tribute to former Brasil (PE) president who died in November 2012.

The current holders are Pelotas, having beaten their biggest rival Brasil (PE) by criterion of goal away after 2–2 aggregate in the 2013 finals.

Having been established in 2013, the Copa Sul-Fronteira is played by clubs located in the southern half of the Rio Grande do Sul and compete in the first, second or third division of the Campeonato Gaúcho.