Back in the day

Ancient Greece (776 BC to 393 AD): Athletes were given laurel wreaths for winning competitions in events like the Olympic Games. Talk about being green-thumbed and a winner all at once!

Medieval Europe (5th to 15th centuries)

Knights and soldiers were honored with medals and badges for their brave deeds on the battlefield. I mean, who doesn't love shiny things, right?

Mid-19th century

A French silversmith by the name of Emile Froment-Meurice created the first modern trophy for a horse race held annually in Paris. And suddenly, everyone wanted a fancy trophy for their own events.

Late 19th and early 20th centuries:

Trophies became all the rage for a variety of competitions and events, from sports to academics to business excellence. They were often made from precious metals and featured intricate designs and engravings. Talk about bling!

1893

The Stanley Cup was first awarded to the champion of the National Hockey League (NHL). And the hockey world has been dreaming of lifting it ever since.

Mid-20th century:

Trophies and awards started to be made from a wider variety of materials, including acrylic, glass, and crystal. Who knew that clear materials could be so shiny?

Present day:

There are countless awards and trophies available for a variety of achievements and occasions, from small participation trophies for youth sports to large, ornate awards for prestigious competitions and events. And now, we even have Verify Victory, a new player in town that provides a new medium for the recognition of achievement through NFTs. It's like the future has arrived, people!