The Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats rivalry is one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in Canadian football, dating back to the 1950s and renews tomorrow night in Hamilton. Here are some key points about this intense rivalry.

The rivalry began in 1950 when the Hamilton Tiger-Cats were established. Both teams have a long history in Canadian football, with the Argonauts founded in 1873 and Hamilton’s football history dating back to 1869. The two teams are separated by only 68 km, with Toronto’s BMO Field and Hamilton’s Tim Hortons Field nearby. This geographical closeness has contributed to the intensity of the rivalry.

The rivalry has been played 188 times, including 14 postseason games. The Toronto Argonauts lead the all-time series with 92 wins. However, Hamilton has dominated in Labour Day matchups with a 36-13-1 record.

The playoff history between the two teams is tight, with Toronto holding a slight advantage. Hamilton has won the last three East Finals between the two teams.

Toronto has won 18 Grey Cups overall, with 7 in the CFL era. Hamilton has 6 Grey Cup wins in the CFL era, but their total increases if including titles from the original Tigers and Wildcats and haven’t won Canada’s top prize since 1999, the longest drought in the CFL. As of July 2024, the Argonauts have won five games in a row against Hamilton and seven of their last eight meetings.

The rivalry is considered one of the most compelling in Canadian sports as the teams dont like each other and the fans hate one another. It has become a tradition for the teams to face off in the annual Labour Day Classic in Hamilton. The rivalry has garnered significant media attention, including a documentary titled “RIVALRIES: THE QEW SERIES” produced by UNINTERRUPTED Canada in partnership with the CFL and Bell Media. This long-standing rivalry between the Toronto Argonauts and Hamilton Tiger-Cats continues to be a significant part of Canadian football culture, drawing passionate fans and creating memorable moments in the sport’s history.