Sports is full of surprises and history has proved it. That’s why it’s so fun to watch and even more fun if you win big on your sports betting picks.
Here are some of the biggest underdog victories in history:
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1. Leicester City’s Historic Premier League Triumph, 2016
Leicester City’s stunning Premier League victory in 2016 exemplifies the magic of sports. With odds of 5000-1 against them, the Foxes achieved their first-ever title in 132 years of existence.
How did they achieve this?
The small-market team capitalized on off-years for football giants like Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, and Arsenal, emerging as the most unexpected champions in English football history.
Remarkably, the previous season, Leicester barely avoided relegation. Yet, with mostly the same squad—under a new manager—they defied all expectations, transforming from relegation candidates to Premier League champions within a year.
2. Greece’s European Championship Victory, 2004
Greece entered the 2004 European Championships with minimal expectations but high enthusiasm, marking their return to the tournament after 24 years.
Despite low expectations, the Greek team achieved a series of surprises, starting with defeating the hosts in the group stage. In the quarter-finals, they faced a talented French squad and managed a shock 1-0 win thanks to a goal by Angelos Charisteas.
Riding the wave of this upset, Greece went on to defeat the Czech Republic in the semi-finals and secured a victory over host Portugal in the final, marking one of the most remarkable achievements in European football history.
3. Muhammad Ali’s Comeback Victory, 1974
In 1974, Muhammad Ali delivered one of boxing’s most iconic comebacks by regaining the world heavyweight title. After a three-year hiatus due to his refusal to fight in the Vietnam War, Ali’s comeback was marred by defeats to Joe Frazier and Ken Norton, leaving few believing he could beat the formidable George Foreman, who had previously dominated both fighters.
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However, Ali’s strategic “rope-a-dope” tactics during the “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire allowed him to exhaust Foreman and secure a knockout victory in the eighth round, reclaiming the heavyweight title at age 32 and sending shockwaves through the sports world.
4. Detroit Pistons’ Upset in the 2004 NBA Finals
The 2004 NBA Finals was a classic David vs. Goliath showdown.
On one side were the Los Angeles Lakers, making their fourth Finals appearance in five years with stars Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, and newly acquired veterans Karl Malone and Gary Payton.
On the other side were the Detroit Pistons, lacking a superstar but excelling as a cohesive unit on both offense and defense. After splitting the first two games in Los Angeles, the series shifted to Detroit’s Palace of Auburn Hills.
The Pistons dominated Game 3 with an 88-68 win and continued their strong performance to secure the NBA title, their first since 1990.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates’ World Series Victory, 1960
Entering the 1960 World Series, the New York Yankees were the dominant force, having won 10 out of the previous 12 pennants. They were favored to defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates, having outscored them 55-27 over the series.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, Pirates’ Bill Mazeroski hit one of the most memorable home runs in MLB history—a game-winning shot in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7. This victory secured the championship for the Pirates and inspired baseball dreams across America.
Conclusion
For bettors, wagering on underdogs offers higher odds and payouts. Recognizing when to bet on an underdog requires skill, research, and sometimes a willingness to explore sports outside your usual knowledge.
Utilizing betting bonuses, free bets, and live betting strategies (like cashing out if the underdog seems unlikely to win) can enhance your chances of big wins while managing risk.
