The 2013 Challenge Cup Final marks Wigan Warriors's fifth final of the Super League era and Hull F.C.'s third. In addition it is the third time the two sides had met in the competition, with Wigan Warriors winning in both previous meetings during the 1958–59 Challenge Cup Final and 1984–85 Challenge Cup Final. Wigan had previously won a record 18 challenge cup finals compared to Hull's four.
Route to the final
Hull F.C.
As a 2012 Super League team, Hull F.C. entered in at the fourth round. They drew eventual Championship 1 champions North Wales Crusaders thrashing them by 62 points to 6. The fifth round saw Hull face Super League side Wakefield Trinity, beating them comfortably 24 points to 6. The quarter finals saw them face Catalans Dragons winning 24–13. The semi-finals saw Hull F.C. draw eventual Super League runners-up Warrington Wolves, winning by a tight margin of 16–12.
As a 2012 Super League team, Wigan Warriors also entered in at the fourth round. A fourth round thrashing of Leigh Centurions 60 points to 10 placed them in the fifth round where a comfortable victory over Super League side Hull KR, beating them 46 points to 14. Warriors faced Widnes Vikings in the quarter finals, thrashing them 48 points to 4 Wigan then faced London Broncos in the semi-finals, nilling them by 70 points.