I was really excited to see the beginnings of my favorite sports competition in the world. I’m not referring to the NFL, not MLB, not even UEFA. Keep on guessing.

This is the FA Cup, a one of a kind tournament, the likes of which can’t be compared to anything that takes place in the US. This is a massive tournament that allows soccer teams of all sizes to compete equally against one another for a chance at glory.

You may be wondering what sets this event apart from the rest, and what makes it better. It’s the sheer size of it all. Very few events have as many contestants as 762 from the start, and very few have as many rounds (14) as the FA Cup happens to have. The beauty of this all is not only the single round elimination format, but the fact that teams of all levels have the chance to compete with one another.

Huge teams like Manchester United compete against virtual unknowns. Think of a baseball team, not even a minor league team. A team that plays in some kind of regional league that you’ve never heard of. To put it into baseball terms, teams like these have chances to compete against teams like the Yankees and Red Sox, giving every English soccer club a fair chance at glory.

The tournament always sees its share of stunners. Every time out, at least one unknown team shocks the British football world with a massive upset. Some of the more notable ones are Wimbledon FC’s upset over Burnley in 1975, and Sutton United’s major upset over Coventry City in 1989. These things happen all the time, and are sure to happen again in 2009-2010.

The beauty of it all lies within the dream that it allows for, combined with the shock value that comes with massive upsets. It gives the lesser teams a chance, if for all but a moment, to feel big, and prove its worth against the giants of the soccer world.

So why should you, as an American, care about the FA Cup? Because it’s essentially a giant version of March Madness, that is the best way that I can describe it to you. From August 15 until the final on May 15, teams from all over England will fight for the right to lift the most storied trophy in English soccer. With the knockout aspect, teams can’t afford to slip up; one game can be the end of your Cup run. The excitement of the FA Cup is unmatched and is something that really should be witnessed. Any game, literally, has the chance to have history attached to it. For all you know, you could be turning in to watch the next great upset and that is something that cannot be overstated. Could the next great run in FA Cup history happen this year? Could a non-league team upset a Premier League team?You never, ever know.

To make it even better, this tournament lasts for 10 months per year. Everyone loves March Madness, and expresses their sadness once the two weeks end. This can’t even compare when you look at the length. Watch this wonderful event if you possibly can, you won’t regret it.