The Top 25 Sports Upsets in the Last 25 Years

Sports are as unpredictable as they are exhilarating. Every now and then, a game or match defies expectations, leaving fans in awe and underdogs in the spotlight.

Over the past 25 years, we’ve witnessed some of the most jaw-dropping upsets in sports history. Here are the top 25 sports upsets that stunned the world:

25. Appalachian State vs. Michigan (2007)

Sep 9, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; A wide view of the Big House before the NCAA game between University of Michigan Wolverines and the UNLV Rebels at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

The unranked Appalachian State Mountaineers defeated No. 5 Michigan Wolverines in a 34-32 thriller at “The Big House,” marking the first time an FCS team toppled a ranked FBS team.

24. Leicester City’s Premier League Triumph (2015-16)

Starting the season with 5000-to-1 odds, Leicester City defied logic by winning the English Premier League in one of the greatest Cinderella stories in soccer.

23. Serena Williams vs. Roberta Vinci (2015)

Unseeded Vinci ended Serena’s quest for the calendar Grand Slam by defeating her in the US Open semifinals, shocking tennis fans worldwide.

22. New York Giants vs. New England Patriots (2008)

2008: Patriots linebacker Mike Vrabel walks off the field as confetti flies through the air after the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII.

The Giants’ 17-14 victory in Super Bowl XLII denied the Patriots their perfect season, thanks to David Tyree’s unforgettable “Helmet Catch.”

21. Greece Wins UEFA Euro 2004

Against all odds, Greece’s national soccer team won the European Championship, defeating host nation Portugal in the final.

20. Naomi Osaka Defeats Serena Williams (2018)

Sep 8, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Naomi Osaka of Japan poses with the championship trophy after defeating Serena Williams of the United States (not pictured) on day thirteen of the 2018 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY SPORTS

In her first Grand Slam final, Osaka overcame Serena Williams in straight sets at the US Open amid controversial circumstances.

19. Rulon Gardner Beats Aleksandr Karelin (2000)

Gardner’s victory over the “Russian Bear” Karelin, who hadn’t lost in 13 years, earned him Olympic gold in Greco-Roman wrestling.

18. UMBC vs. Virginia (2018)

UMBC became the first No. 16 seed in NCAA Tournament history to defeat a No. 1 seed, stunning Virginia with a 20-point victory.

17. Mike Tyson vs. Buster Douglas (1990)

Mike Tyson signing session January 25, 2025 in Wellington.

While slightly older than 25 years, this fight’s significance makes it impossible to exclude. Douglas’ KO of the undefeated Tyson remains one of boxing’s most shocking moments.

16. Tiger Woods Wins 2019 Masters

Tiger Woods celebrates winning the 2019 Masters during the final round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club, Sunday, April 14, 2019, in Augusta, Georgia. [ALLEN EYESTONE/FOR THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE]

After an 11-year major championship drought and multiple surgeries, Tiger Woods staged an incredible comeback to win his fifth green jacket.

15. Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (2016 NBA Finals)

The Cavaliers overcame a 3-1 deficit to defeat the 73-9 Warriors, led by LeBron James’ historic performance.

14. Vanderbilt Wins 2014 College Baseball Championship

Jun 25, 2014; Omaha, NE, USA; The Vanderbilt Commodores hold up the championship trophy after game three of the College World Series Finals against the Virginia Cavaliers at TD Ameritrade Park Omaha. Vanderbilt defeated Virginia 3-2 to win the College World Series. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Vanderbilt claimed their first-ever national title by defeating powerhouse Virginia, marking a new era for Commodores baseball.

13. Iceland’s Euro 2016 Run

Iceland, a nation of just over 300,000 people, advanced to the Euro 2016 quarterfinals, including a stunning victory over England.

12. Kansas State vs. Oklahoma (2003 Big 12 Championship)

Dec 26, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Kansas State Wildcats linebacker Austin Moore (41) celebrates after defeating the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the Rate Bowl at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Unranked Kansas State demolished No. 1 Oklahoma 35-7, derailing the Sooners’ national championship hopes.

11. North Carolina State vs. Houston (1983)

The underdog Wolfpack’s buzzer-beating win over Phi Slama Jama in the NCAA men’s basketball championship is still a tournament classic.

10. Clemson vs. Alabama (2019 CFP Championship)

Clemson cornerback A.J. Terrell (8) brings down Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6). Clemson defeated Alabama 44-16 in Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California Monday, Jan. 7, 2019 to win the College Football Playoff National Championship game. [Staff Photo/Gary Cosby Jr.] Cfp National Championship Alabama Vs Clemson

Clemson dismantled Alabama 44-16, giving Nick Saban one of his most lopsided defeats.

9. Croatia’s World Cup Final Run (2018)

Croatia stunned soccer giants en route to their first World Cup final, proving their mettle as a small but mighty nation.

8. Linsanity Takes Over (2012)

Jeremy Lin’s unexpected rise with the New York Knicks turned him into a global phenomenon during a magical NBA stretch.

7. Boise State vs. Oklahoma (2007 Fiesta Bowl)

Jan 1,2007; Glendale, AZ, USA; The Boise State Broncos take the field before playing the Oklahoma Sooners in the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-US Presswire Copyright Rick Scuteri

Trick plays and a gutsy performance gave Boise State a 43-42 overtime victory over powerhouse Oklahoma.

6. Liverpool’s Champions League Comeback (2005)

Trailing 3-0 at halftime, Liverpool stunned AC Milan by winning on penalties after a miraculous second-half comeback.

5. Chicago Cubs Win the World Series (2016)

Oct 22, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; The Chicago Cubs celebrate defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in game six of the 2016 NLCS playoff baseball series at Wrigley Field. Cubs win 5-0 to advance to the World Series. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Breaking a 108-year drought, the Cubs defeated the Cleveland Indians in a thrilling Game 7 to end the Curse of the Billy Goat.

4. Rafael Nadal vs. Roger Federer (2008 Wimbledon)

In what’s often called the greatest tennis match ever, Nadal dethroned Federer in a five-set epic.

3. St. Louis Blues Win 2019 Stanley Cup

Sep 22, 2019; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Blues fans hold up a sign thanking the team for winning the Stanley Cup prior to the start of game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Enterprise Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Last place in January, the Blues turned their season around to claim their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

2. UConn Women’s 111-Game Win Streak Ends (2017)

Jan 22, 2025; Storrs, Connecticut, USA; UConn Huskies forward Aubrey Griffin (44) blocks the shot of Villanova Wildcats guard Jasmine Bascoe (11) in the second half at Harry A. Gampel Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Mississippi State shocked the Huskies with a buzzer-beater in the Final Four, ending their historic run.

1. Miracle on Ice (1980)

Feb 22, 2020; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Mike Eruzione participates in a ceremonial puck drop before the start of a game between the Vegas Golden Knights and the Florida Panthers at T-Mobile Arena in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the “Miracle on Ice.” Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

While slightly outside the 25-year window, the U.S. Olympic hockey team’s victory over the Soviet Union in Lake Placid remains the ultimate underdog story.

Upsets like these remind us why we love sports. They’re a testament to determination, grit, and the unpredictable beauty of competition. What’s your favorite upset? Let us know!

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