15 Most Unbelievable Upsets in Sports History

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Sports have an uncanny ability to deliver the unexpected, leaving fans in awe and disbelief. Throughout history, there have been moments that defied all odds, where athletes in a disadvantaged position rose to the occasion and giants fell. These unforgettable upsets remind us that in sports, anything is possible. Let’s look at some of the most jaw-dropping surprises that shocked the world.

USA vs. USSR Winter Olympics, 1980

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Held in 1980, the Winter Olympics delivered one of the most astonishing upsets in sports history. The USA men’s hockey team, mainly comprised of college players, faced off against the seemingly invincible Soviet Union team. The Soviets had dominated the sport for years, making their defeat all the more stunning. With a 4-3 victory, the young American squad captured the hearts of a nation and secured a place in Olympic lore.

Leicester City Wins the Premier League, 2016

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In 2016, Leicester City defied the 5000-1 odds and clinched the English Premier League title. This underdog team, which had narrowly escaped relegation the previous season, triumphed over powerhouses like Manchester United and Chelsea. Fueled by teamwork and tenacity, their unlikely victory captivated football fans worldwide and proved that dreams come true.

Buster Douglas Knocks Out Mike Tyson, 1990

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When Buster Douglas entered the ring with Mike Tyson in 1990, few gave him a chance. Tyson, the undisputed heavyweight champion, was expected to win easily. However, Douglas defied expectations, delivering a 10th-round knockout that stunned the boxing world. This monumental upset remains one of the biggest shocks in the sport’s history.

Greece Wins UEFA, 2004

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Greece’s triumph at UEFA Euro 2004 is a testament to the power of belief and strategy. Ranked outsiders, the Greek national team stunned the continent by defeating host nation Portugal in the final. Under the guidance of coach Otto Rehhagel, Greece’s disciplined defense and tactical brilliance led them to a historic 1-0 victory, forever etching their names in football history.

New York Jets Win Super Bowl III, 1969

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Super Bowl III is remembered for Joe Namath’s bold prediction and the New York Jets’ incredible victory over the Baltimore Colts. Despite being 18-point underdogs, Namath guaranteed a win, and the Jets delivered with a 16-7 triumph. This game not only shocked the football world but also helped solidify the Super Bowl’s status as a premier sporting event.

Villanova Wildcats Win NCAA Championship, 1985

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In the 1985 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, the Villanova Wildcats pulled off a stunning upset against the Georgetown Hoyas. Led by star center Patrick Ewing, Georgetown was heavily favored to win. However, Villanova executed a near-perfect game, shooting a remarkable 78.6% from the field to clinch a 66-64 victory, which was a memorable moment in the college basketball chronicle.

Holly Holm Defeats Ronda Rousey, UFC 193, 2015

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Ronda Rousey was the undisputed queen of women’s MMA, easily dominating her opponents. At UFC 193, Holly Holm, a former boxing champion, faced Rousey in a highly anticipated bout. Holm executed a flawless game plan, stunning the world with a second-round knockout. The victory ended Rousey’s reign and became one of the most significant upsets in MMA ever.

Crystal Palace Defeats Liverpool, FA Cup Semi-Final, 1990

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The 1990 FA Cup semi-final saw Crystal Palace face Liverpool, who had recently thrashed them 9-0 in the league. Few gave Palace any chance, but they defied the odds with a thrilling 4-3 victory in extra time. Alan Pardew’s winning goal sent Palace to their first-ever FA Cup final, marking one of the most unexpected results in the competition’s history.

Tom Watson Nearly Wins the Open Championship, 2009

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At 59, Tom Watson nearly achieved an incredible upset at the 2009 Open Championship. Leading to the final hole, the five-time champion narrowly lost in a playoff to Stewart Cink. Despite not winning, Watson’s performance was miraculous, becoming one of the most unexpected moments in the game.

The Denver Nuggets Stun Seattle SuperSonics, NBA Playoffs, 1994

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The Seattle SuperSonics, a top seed, were expected to breeze past the eighth-seeded Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. However, the Nuggets, led by Dikembe Mutombo, had other plans. In a thrilling series, they clawed their way back from a 2-0 deficit to win the best-of-five series. Mutombo’s iconic moment, clutching the basketball while lying on the court, symbolized one of the biggest shocks in NBA history.

Wimbledon wins FA Cup Final, 1988

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Wimbledon, known for their rough-and-tumble style, faced a dominant Liverpool side in the FA Cup final. Few gave Wimbledon any chance against a team filled with stars and champions. Yet, a solitary goal and a heroic performance by goalkeeper Dave Beasant secured a historic victory. This unlikely triumph is remembered as the “Crazy Gang” toppling the giants of English football.

Emma Raducanu Wins the US Open, 2021

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A qualifier ranked 150th in the world, Emma Raducanu’s US Open victory was miraculous. She became the first qualifier to secure a Grand Slam, defeating experienced opponents with poise and precision. Her youthful exuberance and fearless play captivated tennis fans worldwide. Raducanu’s fairytale run is a testament to the fact that dreams do come true in sports.

Appalachian State Upsets Michigan, 2007

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A blowout was expected when Appalachian State, a small Division I-AA school, faced the mighty Michigan Wolverines. Instead, the underdogs played with heart and tenacity, shocking the college football world with a 34-32 victory. This upset is still considered one of the greatest in NCAA history. Appalachian State’s victory over Michigan is a reminder that in sports, anything is possible.

Japan Defeats South Africa, Rugby World Cup, 2015

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During the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Japan stunned the world by defeating South Africa. Despite being two-time champions, the Springboks fell 34-32 to Japan’s Brave Blossoms. Karne Hesketh’s last-minute try secured the victory, forever marking this match as the “Brighton Miracle” and one of rugby’s greatest upsets.

Rulon Gardner Defeats Aleksandr Karelin, 2000

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Aleksandr Karelin was a Greco-Roman wrestling legend, having never lost a match in international competition and winning three consecutive Olympic gold medals. In the 2000 Sydney Olympics, American wrestler Rulon Gardner faced the seemingly unbeatable Karelin in the finals. Gardner’s stunning 1-0 victory ended Karelin’s 13-year undefeated streak.

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