15 Most Shocking Upsets in Championship Games

Championship games are where legends are made, but they can also be where the most unexpected outcomes unfold. Throughout sports history, we’ve witnessed shocking upsets that defied all predictions and left fans in disbelief. These moments remind us that in the world of competition, anything can happen. From underdog victories to stunning comebacks, these surprising results have become iconic moments that will never be forgotten. Here are some of the most unforgettable upsets in championship games that took the world by surprise.

New York Jets vs. Baltimore Colts (Super Bowl III, 1969)

The Colts were heavily favored to win Super Bowl III, with many experts predicting a blowout victory. The New York Jets, led by brash quarterback Joe Namath, were given little chance to win. Namath boldly guaranteed a Jets victory, which many thought was more bravado than belief. However, the Jets stunned the football world by outplaying the Colts, with Namath efficiently managing the game and the Jets’ defense shutting down the Colts’ offense. The Jets’ 16-7 victory helped legitimize the AFL and led to the eventual AFL-NFL merger.

Villanova Wildcats vs. Georgetown Hoyas (NCAA Basketball Final, 1985)

Georgetown, led by future NBA Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, was expected to overpower the eighth-seeded Villanova Wildcats in the 1985 NCAA championship game. Villanova, however, played a near-perfect game, shooting an astounding 78.6% from the field. Their deliberate style frustrated Georgetown, and the Wildcats’ defense forced key turnovers. In the final moments, Villanova held on for a shocking 66-64 victory, cementing one of the biggest upsets in NCAA history. Their shooting performance remains one of the most efficient in tournament history.

Leicester City (Premier League, 2016)

Leicester City’s 2016 Premier League title run is considered one of the greatest underdog stories in sports history. At the start of the season, the club was given 5000-to-1 odds to win the league, as they had narrowly avoided relegation the previous year. Under manager Claudio Ranieri, Leicester played a fearless, counter-attacking style that saw them consistently beat more established teams. Players like Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez became stars, and their collective teamwork carried them to the title. Leicester’s improbable triumph shocked football fans and experts alike and is regarded as one of the most remarkable achievements in sports.

Buster Douglas vs. Mike Tyson (1990)

Mike Tyson was the most feared boxer on the planet, known for his knockout power and undefeated record. Going into the fight with Buster Douglas, most people expected Tyson to easily win and retain his heavyweight championship. However, Douglas, who was dealing with personal tragedies, came into the fight determined to pull off an upset. After withstanding Tyson’s early onslaught, Douglas fought back and delivered a stunning knockout in the 10th round. Tyson’s defeat was considered one of the greatest upsets in boxing history and changed the trajectory of both fighters’ careers.

New York Giants vs. New England Patriots (Super Bowl XLII, 2008)

The New England Patriots entered Super Bowl XLII as the first team in NFL history to go 16-0 in the regular season, aiming to become only the second team ever to finish a season undefeated. The New York Giants, heavy underdogs, had different plans. With relentless pressure on Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and an improbable catch by David Tyree, the Giants managed to stay in the game. Eli Manning’s late-game heroics led to a game-winning touchdown, and the Giants shocked the Patriots 17-14. This upset is considered one of the greatest in Super Bowl history, as it derailed the Patriots’ perfect season.

Greece vs. Portugal (Euro 2004 Final)

Few gave Greece a chance when they entered Euro 2004, but their disciplined, defensive style led them all the way to the final against host nation Portugal. Despite Portugal being heavy favorites, Greece executed their strategy to perfection. Angelos Charisteas’ header in the 57th minute gave Greece a 1-0 lead, and their stout defense did the rest. Portugal, led by a young Cristiano Ronaldo, failed to break through Greece’s defense, and the underdogs secured their first-ever major international trophy. Greece’s triumph remains one of the biggest shocks in the history of international football.

New England Patriots vs. St. Louis Rams (Super Bowl XXXVI, 2002)

The St. Louis Rams, dubbed “The Greatest Show on Turf,” were known for their explosive offense and entered Super Bowl XXXVI as 14-point favorites. The New England Patriots, led by a young and relatively unknown Tom Brady, were expected to be overwhelmed by the Rams’ firepower. However, the Patriots played a disciplined game, with their defense stifling the Rams’ high-powered offense. In a dramatic final drive, Brady led the Patriots down the field, setting up a game-winning field goal by Adam Vinatieri. The 20-17 victory not only shocked the sports world but also marked the beginning of the Patriots’ dynasty.

Rulon Gardner vs. Alexander Karelin (Olympic Wrestling, 2000)

Alexander Karelin was a Greco-Roman wrestling legend, having not lost a match in 13 years and not given up a single point in six years. He was heavily favored to win his fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Games. American wrestler Rulon Gardner, an underdog with no major international titles to his name, faced Karelin in the final. In a stunning upset, Gardner managed to score a point on Karelin and held on to win 1-0, ending the Russian’s reign of dominance. Gardner’s victory remains one of the most shocking in Olympic history.

Appalachian State vs. Michigan (College Football, 2007)

Appalachian State, a lower-division FCS team, was expected to be an easy win for the No. 5-ranked Michigan Wolverines in their 2007 season opener. However, Appalachian State stunned Michigan with their speed and execution, staying competitive throughout the game. Late in the fourth quarter, the Mountaineers blocked a Michigan field goal attempt that would have won the game, securing a 34-32 victory. The upset sent shockwaves through college football, as it was the first time an FCS team had defeated a ranked FBS opponent. Appalachian State’s win is considered one of the greatest upsets in college football history.

North Carolina State vs. Houston (NCAA Basketball Final, 1983)

Houston’s “Phi Slama Jama” team, led by future NBA stars Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, was a high-flying offensive juggernaut. On the other side, NC State, led by coach Jim Valvano, was a scrappy underdog that had made a surprising run to the NCAA final. The game was close throughout, and with the score tied in the final seconds, NC State’s Lorenzo Charles grabbed a missed shot and dunked the ball as time expired, giving the Wolfpack a 54-52 victory. Valvano’s ecstatic celebration became iconic, and the upset remains one of the greatest Cinderella stories in sports.

Pat Cash vs. Ivan Lendl (Wimbledon, 1987)

Ivan Lendl, the world’s top-ranked player, was heavily favored to win the 1987 Wimbledon final against Pat Cash, an unseeded Australian player. Cash, however, played aggressive serve-and-volley tennis, relentlessly pressuring Lendl and preventing him from getting into a rhythm. In a stunning upset, Cash won in straight sets, 7-6, 6-2, 7-5. His victory was capped off by a memorable moment where he climbed into the stands to celebrate with his family and team. This upset remains one of the most surprising results in Wimbledon history.

Denver Nuggets vs. Seattle SuperSonics (NBA Playoffs, 1994)

In the 1994 NBA playoffs, the top-seeded Seattle SuperSonics were expected to easily defeat the eighth-seeded Denver Nuggets in the first round. After falling behind 2-0 in the best-of-five series, the Nuggets fought back to win the next three games, including a thrilling Game 5 in overtime. The iconic image of Dikembe Mutombo holding the ball in celebration after the final buzzer became synonymous with underdog triumph. It was the first time in NBA history that an eighth seed had knocked off a top seed, making it one of the most shocking playoff upsets ever.

Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees (ALCS, 2004)

The New York Yankees were on the verge of sweeping the Boston Red Sox in the 2004 American League Championship Series, leading 3-0 in the series. No team had ever come back from such a deficit in MLB history, but the Red Sox defied the odds. In Game 4, Boston started their historic comeback with a 12-inning victory and went on to win the next three games, completing the unprecedented turnaround. The Red Sox then swept the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series, ending their 86-year championship drought. The 2004 ALCS remains one of the greatest comebacks in sports.

Ole Miss Rebels vs. Alabama Crimson Tide (College Football, 2015)

Alabama, ranked No. 2, was expected to handle the unranked Ole Miss Rebels easily when they met in September 2015. However, Ole Miss capitalized on several Alabama mistakes, including turnovers and special teams blunders, to build a surprising lead. Despite a late comeback attempt by Alabama, Ole Miss held on for a 43-37 victory, handing Alabama its first home loss in 17 games. The upset shook up the SEC and was a major blow to Alabama’s national title hopes that season. It remains one of the biggest upsets in recent college football history.

Serena Williams vs. Roberta Vinci (US Open, 2015)

Serena Williams was just two wins away from completing the calendar Grand Slam, having already won the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon in 2015. Her semifinal opponent, Roberta Vinci, was unseeded and ranked 43rd in the world, making Williams the overwhelming favorite. However, Vinci played fearlessly and disrupted Serena’s game with her slice backhand and crafty tactics. In a shocking result, Vinci won 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, denying Williams the chance to make history. The upset stunned the tennis world and remains one of the most surprising moments in US Open history.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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