It's intended to be a secondary competition to add a matchup type feel to the grind of the normal Divisions race. The individual matchup inside each Cup bracket can be played head-to-head by just sending a Steam invite to your opponent. Both scores get recorded in the Divisions race as though you played by yourself. Because it's now open to all divisions, and seeding is based on your total points scored in the previous month, the chances of two high scoring players meeting early in the bracket is greatly reduced. In short, it takes some of the randomness of your opponent out of the equation.
Good luck to all, and matchup as often as you can (though it's not mandatory).
John