Sports are full of excitement, but nothing is more thrilling than a true upset – when a team or athlete no one believes in defeats the favorite. Undoubtedly, these kinds of surprises are a part of what makes sports so fun to watch. They remind us that anything is possible, no matter the odds.
This report will go through the biggest upsets in sports history. Each one was unexpected, and each one changed the way people saw the game.
- UMBC made NCAA history in 2018 by beating No. 1 Virginia 74–54, the first-ever win by a 16 seed over a No. 1 seed.
- Leicester City won the 2016 Premier League as 5,000-to-1 underdogs, defeating top-tier clubs to complete the most unlikely title run.
- Buster Douglas knocked out undefeated Mike Tyson in 1990 as a 42-to-1 underdog, delivering boxing’s most shocking upset.
The Miracle on Ice – 1980 Winter Olympics
The United States men’s hockey team shocked the world at the 1980 Winter Olympics. The event took place in Lake Placid, New York, on February 22. The U.S. team was made up of amateur and college players. Their opponent, the Soviet Union, had the best hockey team in the world and had won gold in nearly every Olympics since 1956.
Before the Olympics, the Soviets beat the U.S. team 10–3 in an exhibition game. However, in the Olympic medal round, the U.S. team won 4–3. Mike Eruzione scored the winning goal. The game became one of the most famous in sports history. Broadcaster Al Michaels asked, “Do you believe in miracles?” and many still remember his call today.
Buster Douglas Defeats Mike Tyson – 1990
Next, one of boxing’s most surprising results happened on February 11, 1990. Mike Tyson was the undefeated heavyweight champion. He had never lost and was considered unbeatable. The fight took place in Tokyo, Japan. Tyson’s opponent, James “Buster” Douglas, was a 42-to-1 underdog.
Douglas was not well-known. Most people thought Tyson would win easily. But Douglas knocked Tyson out in the 10th round. It was Tyson’s first loss. This result changed boxing and showed that no champion is invincible.
Leicester City Wins the Premier League – 2016
In one of the greatest team upsets, Leicester City won the English Premier League in 2016. At the start of the season, their odds to win were 5,000-to-1. The team had narrowly avoided relegation the year before.
Under coach Claudio Ranieri, and with players like Jamie Vardy, Riyad Mahrez, and N’Golo Kanté, Leicester surprised everyone. They played with discipline and speed. They officially won the title on May 2, 2016, after Tottenham Hotspur failed to win their game. Leicester’s victory proved that teamwork can beat big budgets.
UMBC Beats Virginia – 2018 NCAA Tournament
In the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on March 16, 2018, a major upset took place. The University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) was a 16 seed. They played the University of Virginia, the top overall seed. Before this game, no 16 seed had ever beaten a 1 seed.
UMBC won 74–54. Jairus Lyles scored 28 points. The game was tied 21–21 at halftime, but UMBC dominated the second half – a result that shocked college basketball and broke a barrier that had lasted for decades.
Appalachian State Defeats Michigan – 2007
Another historic upset happened in college football. On September 1, 2007, Appalachian State played against the University of Michigan at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. Michigan was ranked No. 5 in the country. Appalachian State was from the FCS, one level below Michigan.
Appalachian State won the game 34–32. They blocked a field goal in the final seconds to secure the win, which was the first time a ranked FBS team lost to an FCS opponent. The game is still remembered as one of the biggest college football upsets ever.
Super Bowl III – New York Jets vs. Baltimore Colts (1969)
Moving to football, the third Super Bowl in 1969 featured the New York Jets against the Baltimore Colts. The Colts were 13–1 and heavy favorites. The Jets played in the AFL, which was seen as the weaker league.
Jets quarterback Joe Namath guaranteed a win before the game. On January 12, 1969, the Jets won 16–7. Namath completed 17 of 28 passes and led his team with confidence. This win helped prove that AFL teams could compete with NFL teams and led to the full NFL merger.
George Mason Reaches the Final Four – 2006 NCAA Tournament
In 2006, George Mason University made a surprise run in the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. They were an 11 seed and had to face strong teams. George Mason beat Michigan State, defending champion North Carolina, and top-seeded UConn.
The most memorable game was the 86–84 overtime win over UConn. George Mason reached the Final Four, becoming one of the few double-digit seeds to do so. Their coach, Jim Larrañaga, led a team that showed heart and focus.
Fairleigh Dickinson Beats Purdue – 2023 NCAA Tournament
On March 17, 2023, Fairleigh Dickinson University made history. They became only the second 16 seed to beat a 1 seed in the men’s tournament, beating Purdue 63–58.
FDU was the shortest team in Division I basketball. Purdue had 7’4″ center Zach Edey, who scored 21 points. However, Edey did not attempt a shot in the last nine minutes. FDU’s defense and energy won them the game. This was an even bigger surprise because they only got into the tournament after another team was ruled ineligible.
Rulon Gardner Defeats Alexander Karelin – 2000 Olympics
In Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Rulon Gardner of the United States faced Alexander Karelin of Russia. Karelin was undefeated for 13 years and hadn’t given up a point in six years.
Gardner won 1–0. He stopped Karelin from using his signature move and scored the only point of the match. After the match, Karelin retired. Gardner’s win was one of the biggest Olympic wrestling surprises ever.
Cassius Clay Beats Sonny Liston – 1964
On February 25, 1964, 22-year-old Cassius Clay faced heavyweight champion Sonny Liston in Miami Beach. Liston was expected to win easily. But Clay used speed and movement to frustrate Liston.
After six rounds, Liston quit. Clay was declared the winner by TKO. Soon after, he changed his name to Muhammad Ali. This fight marked the beginning of one of the most famous careers in boxing history.
Y.E. Yang Beats Tiger Woods – 2009 PGA Championship
On August 16, 2009, Y.E. Yang became the first golfer to beat Tiger Woods in a major after Woods held a 54-hole lead. The accomplishment took place at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota during the PGA Championship.
Yang hit an eagle on the 14th hole and finished with a birdie on the 18th. He won by three shots. Woods, known for closing out leads, struggled with putting and lost. This upset showed that even the best players can be beaten.
Pittsburgh Pirates Win the 1960 World Series
The 1960 World Series ended in one of the most dramatic ways in baseball history. The New York Yankees outscored the Pittsburgh Pirates by 55–27 across seven games. But the Pirates won four close games.
Game 7 was held at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. With the game tied 9–9 in the bottom of the ninth, Bill Mazeroski hit a home run. It was the first and only Game 7 walk-off homer in World Series history. Despite being outplayed in runs, the Pirates won the championship.
Boston Marathon Bombing – 2013
On April 15, 2013, during the Boston Marathon, two bombs exploded near the finish line. Three people were killed, and more than 260 were injured. The attack shocked the nation.
The suspects were found days later. One was killed in a shootout, and the other was captured and sentenced to death. The event changed security at sporting events. In response, the phrase “Boston Strong” became a symbol of strength and unity.
Malice at the Palace – 2004
On November 19, 2004, an NBA game between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons ended in a brawl involving players and fans. It happened at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Michigan. After a fan threw a drink at Pacers player Ron Artest, he ran into the crowd and began fighting.
Nine players were suspended for a total of 146 games. Artest missed 86 games, Stephen Jackson 30, and Jermaine O’Neal 25. The incident led to new NBA rules about player conduct and fan behavior.
Lance Armstrong Doping Scandal
Lance Armstrong was once a symbol of strength and recovery after surviving cancer and winning seven Tour de France titles. However, in January 2013, during an interview with Oprah Winfrey, he admitted to using banned substances.
As a result, Armstrong was stripped of all titles from 1999 to 2005 and banned from professional sports for life. His fall changed how the public viewed cycling and sports integrity.
