Underdog stories have always had a special place in the hearts of sports fans. These remarkable tales highlight moments when athletes or teams, often written off as unlikely winners, rise above expectations and achieve victory against all odds. The allure of the underdog is universal, appealing to our sense of hope, perseverance, and the belief that anything is possible. These victories are not just about the triumph itself but about the journey—overcoming challenges, facing giants, and defying expectations.
The most memorable underdog stories are the ones that seem impossible, yet unfold before our eyes. These athletes and teams defy the odds, proving that success is not determined solely by strength, skill, or prior achievements but by determination and heart. Here are ten of the greatest underdog stories in sports history, each one a testament to the power of believing in the impossible.
1. New York Giants Defeat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII (2008)
The New York Giants’ victory over the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII is one of the most shocking upsets in NFL history. The Patriots entered the game with a perfect 16-0 record, and were heavily favored to win. The Giants, however, entered as 12-point underdogs. In a nail-biting finish, Eli Manning led a last-minute drive, capped by a game-winning touchdown to Plaxico Burress. The Giants not only won the Super Bowl but also prevented the Patriots from achieving a perfect season.
2. Leicester City Wins the 2015-16 Premier League Title
Leicester City’s 2015-16 Premier League title is often considered one of the greatest upsets in sports history. The team had 5,000-to-1 odds of winning the title and was hardly considered a contender. But through a combination of strong team chemistry, excellent tactics, and the struggles of traditional powerhouses, Leicester defied all odds. Their fairytale run to the top of English football inspired fans worldwide and will go down as one of the most remarkable triumphs in the sport.
3. N.C. State Defeats Houston for the 1983 NCAA Championship
In 1983, the North Carolina State Wolfpack pulled off one of the most iconic upsets in NCAA history. Coached by Jim Valvano, the Wolfpack faced a Houston team with future NBA legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. With the game tied in the final seconds, a missed shot by Dereck Whittenburg was grabbed by Lorenzo Charles, who dunked it in for the win. The victory not only gave N.C. State the championship but also produced one of the most memorable moments in college basketball history.
4. Rulon Gardner Defeats Aleksandr Karelin at the 2000 Olympics
Rulon Gardner’s victory over Aleksandr Karelin in the 2000 Olympics remains one of the most incredible upsets in the history of Olympic wrestling. Karelin, undefeated in international competition for 13 years and a three-time Olympic gold medalist, was a dominant force. However, Gardner, an unheralded American wrestler, managed to defeat the Russian legend, clinching the gold medal in a stunning turn of events that shocked the wrestling world.
5. Greece Wins the 2004 European Championship
Greece’s triumph in the 2004 UEFA European Championship is one of the most surprising successes in international football. With low expectations, Greece stunned the football world by defeating powerhouse teams like France, the Czech Republic, and Portugal on their way to the title. Despite a lack of star players, Greece’s disciplined defense and tactical organization led them to victory, making their win one of the most unlikely in European football history.
6. Pittsburgh Pirates Defeat the New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series
In the 1960 World Series, the Pittsburgh Pirates faced off against the dominant New York Yankees, who had won 10 of the last 12 pennants. The Yankees were heavily favored, especially after outscoring the Pirates 55-27 throughout the series. However, in Game 7, Bill Mazeroski hit one of the most famous walk-off home runs in baseball history, leading the Pirates to a 10-9 victory and securing the championship in one of the most unexpected upsets in World Series history.
7. New Jersey Devils Win the 1995 Stanley Cup
The New Jersey Devils’ 1995 Stanley Cup victory was a remarkable underdog story. The Devils entered the playoffs as the fifth seed, having struggled during the regular season. They went on to defeat some tough opponents to reach the finals, where they faced the Presidents’ Trophy-winning Detroit Red Wings. Despite being considered heavy underdogs, the Devils swept the Red Wings 4-0, clinching their first-ever Stanley Cup title and proving that a team’s heart and grit can overcome even the most formidable foes.
8. Holly Holm Defeats Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 (2015)
Holly Holm’s victory over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 is one of the greatest upsets in mixed martial arts history. Rousey entered the fight as a dominant champion, having defeated her previous opponents in record time. However, Holm, a former world boxing champion, used her striking skills to neutralize Rousey’s grappling game, knocking her out in the second round. The upset ended Rousey’s undefeated streak and marked the beginning of Holm’s rise in UFC history.
9. Appalachian State Beats Michigan (2007)
Appalachian State’s 2007 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in college football stands as one of the greatest upsets in the sport’s history. Michigan, ranked No. 5 and a contender for the national title, was heavily favored to defeat the small Division I-AA school. However, Appalachian State, led by quarterback Armanti Edwards, shocked everyone with a 34-32 win. This victory marked the first time a Division I-AA team had ever defeated a Division I-A opponent, altering the course of college football history.
10. The Miracle on Ice (1980)
The “Miracle on Ice” remains one of the most iconic underdog stories in sports history. At the 1980 Winter Olympics, the United States men’s hockey team, made up mostly of amateurs and college players, faced the powerful Soviet Union team, which had dominated international hockey for decades. In an unexpected turn of events, Team USA won 4-3, shocking the world and earning a place in Olympic lore. The victory inspired a generation and remains one of the greatest moments in American sports history.
These ten underdog stories showcase the incredible power of perseverance and belief, proving that anything is possible in sports. They demonstrate that success is not always about being the strongest or the most favored, but about heart, willpower, and the refusal to accept defeat. These moments will continue to inspire athletes and fans alike, reminding us that no dream is too big and no challenge is insurmountable. Underdog victories are more than just upsets—they are triumphs of the human spirit.
