5 Reasons Why 'Run At The Cup' On AO3 Is The Must-Read Arcane Sports AU Fanfiction

The fanfiction landscape is constantly shifting, but some works achieve a legendary status that transcends time and trends. As of December 2025, one name continues to dominate discussions within the *Arcane* fandom, particularly on the Archive of Our Own (AO3): Run at the Cup. This massive, complete longfic by the author known as TheHomelyBadger has become a cornerstone of the Femslash and Sports AU genres, setting a high bar for world-building and character depth. It’s not just a story; it’s an entire league, a sprawling narrative that re-imagines the complex politics and intense relationships of Piltover and Zaun through the lens of professional hockey.

If you've been looking for a definitive, fresh recommendation that captures the essence of the show while offering a completely unique alternate universe (AU), this is it. The fic is frequently cited in the *PiltoversFinest* community as one of the most brilliant and plot-heavy stories available. It manages to translate the high stakes of Hextech and chem-baron rivalries into the drama of the Runeterra Hockey League, creating a compelling, emotional, and surprisingly realistic sports narrative.

The HomelyBadger’s Run at the Cup: Core Entities and Fanfiction Profile

Before diving into why this fic is a phenomenon, it’s essential to establish the key information for new readers navigating the vast world of *Arcane* fanfiction on AO3.

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• Title: Run at the Cup
• Author: TheHomelyBadger
• Fandom: Arcane: League of Legends (Cartoon 2021)
• Primary Pairing (Femslash): Caitlyn Kiramman / Vi (Caitvi)
• Genre/AU: Sports AU, Alternate Universe - Hockey, Longfic, Romance, Political Intrigue.
• Status: Complete (A substantial work, significantly longer than its initial 9-chapter plan).
• Key Characters/Entities: Vi (as Violet Wickett), Caitlyn Kiramman, Mel Medarda, Sevika, Jayce Talis, Silco, Ekko, Jinx (Powder).
• Setting: The fictional Runeterra Hockey League (RHL), where Piltover and Zaun are represented by rival teams and management.

1. The Unparalleled Depth of the Runeterra Hockey League (RHL)

What elevates Run at the Cup beyond a simple "sports AU" is the sheer level of detail and world-building dedicated to the RHL. TheHomelyBadger doesn't just put the *Arcane* characters on ice skates; they construct an entire professional sports ecosystem that mirrors the socioeconomic tensions of the source material.

The story focuses heavily on the business and political side of the game, with Mel Medarda taking a central role as a first-year General Manager (GM) for a struggling new franchise. This allows the narrative to explore themes of corporate maneuvering, team dynamics, and the constant struggle for funding and legitimacy, all while keeping the core characters' arcs intact. The meticulous detail—from player contracts and trades to specific game strategies and locker-room banter—provides an immersive experience that even non-hockey fans have praised as authentic and compelling.

The use of the RHL as a vehicle for the conflict between Piltover and Zaun is brilliant. Instead of Hextech vs. Shimmer, the rivalry plays out on the ice, with characters like Sevika and the Zaunite players representing the grit and struggle of the Undercity, contrasting with the privileged, polished world of the Piltover teams.

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2. The Definitive Caitvi Romance in a New Context

For many readers, the core appeal of the fic is the development of the Caitlyn Kiramman / Vi (Caitvi) relationship. The story utilizes classic fanfiction tropes, such as the slow-burn romance and the "enemies-to-lovers" dynamic, but grounds them firmly in the professional sports setting.

Vi (Violet Wickett) is introduced as a formidable, passionate athlete, still carrying the emotional scars and raw intensity from her past. Caitlyn Kiramman, often portrayed as a sharp, high-achieving figure in the RHL's management or media circles, clashes with Vi's rebellious nature. Their interactions are initially fraught with tension, both professional and personal, allowing for a satisfyingly complex and organic progression toward romance. The sports setting provides natural high-stakes moments—big games, career decisions, and public scrutiny—that force the two characters to confront their feelings and vulnerabilities, making the eventual payoff incredibly rewarding for fans of the pairing.

3. Masterful Character Adaptation and Topical Authority

A key measure of a great AU is how well it translates the original characters into the new setting without losing their essence. Run at the Cup excels at this, demonstrating a deep understanding of the *Arcane* cast, which adds significant topical authority to the work.

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• Mel Medarda: Her original character’s political savvy and ambition are perfectly channeled into the role of a shrewd, calculating General Manager navigating a cutthroat industry.
• Silco: His menacing presence and manipulative control are adapted into a powerful, shadowy figure in the league's ownership or backroom dealings, maintaining his role as a primary antagonist.
• Jayce Talis: His journey from an idealistic inventor to a conflicted leader is mirrored in a player or executive struggling with the ethical compromises of professional sports.
• Jinx (Powder): Her complex relationship with Vi and her destructive tendencies are often woven into the narrative as a source of emotional turmoil and external pressure on Vi's career.

The use of these secondary characters is not merely window dressing; they drive the non-romantic plotlines, adding layers of political intrigue and personal drama that keep the longfic engaging across its considerable length. The story becomes a true ensemble piece, which is a hallmark of high-quality fanfiction.

The Legacy and Ongoing Discussion of TheHomelyBadger’s Work

Despite being a completed work, Run at the Cup continues to generate buzz and discussion on platforms like Reddit and within the broader AO3 community. The author, TheHomelyBadger, has even engaged with the fan discussions, acknowledging the overwhelming positive reception.

The fic's popularity stems not only from its quality but also from its influence. It has inspired other writers to attempt similar high-concept AUs and has cemented the Sports AU as a viable and beloved genre within the *Arcane* fandom. While some readers have noted that the final chapters felt a bit drawn out, the overall consensus remains that the journey is a masterpiece of fan creative writing, justifying its status as a must-read for any Caitvi shipper or fan of compelling, character-driven narratives.

If you have exhausted other popular *Arcane* fanfics like Heavy Is The Crown or Cerulean Eyes, Run at the Cup offers a fresh, fully realized world to lose yourself in. It stands as a powerful example of how fanfiction can take beloved characters and explore their relationships and struggles with a depth that rivals professional fiction, all thanks to the dedication of authors like TheHomelyBadger.