Davis Cup is a silver bowl trophy awarded each year to the nation that wins the world's men's tennis championship. Dwight F. Davis, a leading American tennis player, donated the cup in 1900, and competition began that year. The competition consists of a single elimination tournament among 16 qualifying nations. A separate tournament is held for nations that have not qualified. These nations are divided into four zones. The winner of each zone advances to the cup competition for the next year, replacing the nations with the poorest record. See also Tennis.