Trophies are souvenirs of victories. When they are given as awards they are called award trophies. Awards are often given to commemorate a certain level of excellence achieved by a person.

Award trophies include those given for cultural events, sporting events, corporate achievements, or heroic achievements, like those done by police and firemen. The Oscar is awarded to actors and actresses. Olympic trophies, Grand Slam trophies, World Cup trophies and PGA trophies are awarded for sporting excellence. Big companies award trophies of good service to employees, and heroic achievements are recognized publicly by awarding policemen and firemen for their meritorious service.

Award trophies for sporting excellence are popular. Olympic trophies are most coveted. Olympic games include horse riding, rowing and gymnastics. An Olympic award can enhance the career of any sportsman representing his country. Every four years the Olympic Games are hosted by different countries amidst great fanfare and celebration, to unite the world in the sporting spirit.

In tennis, there is a series of tournaments including Wimbledon, the French Open, the Australian Open, and the Italian Open. Tennis awards given to champions are revered in sporting history.

In football, the World Cup captures the imagination of the whole world. The team that wins and the individual players that shone through the tournament are etched in public memory. Cricket also has a World Cup, though it is restricted to the British Commonwealth countries in its popularity.

Award trophies are made of different metals, materials and designs. The wealthier tournaments have gold and silver trophies studded with precious stones, like diamonds. The others have cups and plaques made of crystal, metal, pewter, acrylic, wood, or even plastic. Human figures, especially sporting figures like baseball players or golfers, are popular, as well as birds or even bobble head figures.