In sports, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of an unexpected underdog victory. Some of the biggest upsets in sports betting history remind us of the unpredictability and excitement that make betting so appealing. Let’s explore these unforgettable moments that took fans by surprise and made history.
1. The Miracle on Ice: USA vs. USSR (1980 Winter Olympics)
One of the biggest upsets in sports history, the “Miracle on Ice,” took place at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. The U.S. men’s hockey team, made up of mostly college players, faced the Soviet Union, a team that had dominated international hockey for years, winning gold in the last four Olympics. The Soviets were not only the most skilled team in the tournament, but they also had a reputation for intimidating their opponents, both on and off the ice. The odds heavily favored the Soviet Union, and most analysts were certain that the U.S. team stood little chance against such an experienced, powerful squad.
But the U.S. team, led by coach Herb Brooks, defied the expectations with a remarkable display of grit, teamwork, and determination. The game remained close, but with an iconic goal by Mike Eruzione, the U.S. took the lead in the final minutes, stunning the world and cementing the game as a moment of pure sports history. The 4-3 victory over the Soviet Union not only earned Team USA the gold medal but also became a symbolic triumph during the Cold War, showcasing the power of the underdog.
For sports bettors who took a chance on Team USA, the payout was massive, and the odds of their victory are still considered one of the most lucrative underdog bets in history. The game remains a testament to the unpredictability of sports and serves as a reminder that even the most dominant teams can be taken down by determination and heart, making it a story that continues to inspire and resonate with fans and bettors alike. For a deeper dive into this historic event, you can check out U.S. hockey team beats the Soviets in the “Miracle on Ice” | February 22, 1980 | HISTORY
2. One of Boxing’s Biggest Upsets: Buster Douglas Knocks Out Mike Tyson (1990)
On February 11, 1990, James “Buster” Douglas took on Mike Tyson in a fight almost everyone thought Tyson would win. At the time, Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion and considered nearly unbeatable. Many sportsbooks even refused to take bets on Douglas because Tyson’s victory seemed inevitable. However, Douglas entered the ring as a 42-to-1 underdog and stunned everyone by knocking Tyson out in the 10th round.
This victory didn’t just shake up boxing; it created ripples in the sports betting community as one of the most unexpected outcomes in history. Bettors who took a chance on Douglas walked away with massive payouts for their unlikely bets.
Douglas’ victory over Tyson was more than just a triumph of skill; it was a masterclass in resilience and determination. Despite Tyson’s overwhelming odds and reputation for devastating knockouts, Douglas proved that anything is possible in sports. Throughout the fight, he showed remarkable poise, withstanding Tyson’s early onslaught and even knocking Tyson down in the eighth round, something no one expected. Tyson’s infamous inability to recover mentally from adversity became apparent, while Douglas, despite being the underdog, stayed composed and executed his strategy perfectly. For sports bettors, this was a reminder that odds don’t always tell the full story, and sometimes the biggest upsets can come from the least likely sources. The Buster Douglas vs. Mike Tyson fight remains a cautionary tale in sports betting, where the unexpected can strike at any time.
3. The Patriots’ Comeback Against the Falcons (Super Bowl LI, 2017)
The New England Patriots’ comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI created waves in the betting world. At one point, the Patriots trailed 28-3, and almost everyone thought Atlanta would cruise to victory. According to various reports from that time, the Falcons’ live odds surged to as high as -10000, meaning bettors would have had to wager $10,000 to win $100, reflecting how overwhelmingly dominant they appeared in the game. However, Tom Brady led the Patriots in a series of remarkable plays, eventually sealing a 34-28 overtime win—the largest comeback in Super Bowl history.
This game is remembered not just as a Patriots victory but as one of the most astonishing turnarounds in NFL history. Those who placed in-game wagers on the Patriots during their comeback celebrated impressive winnings, proving how quickly things can change.
4. The Super Bowl’s Biggest Upset: The New York Jets Upset the Baltimore Colts (Super Bowl III, 1969)
In Super Bowl III, Joe Namath’s New York Jets took on the Baltimore Colts, who were considered heavy favorites. Despite the Colts’ dominance, Namath boldly guaranteed a Jets victory. The Jets’ stunning 16-7 win left fans and bettors in disbelief. Namath’s confidence and the Jets’ historic win transformed this game into a defining moment in NFL history.
This Super Bowl upset didn’t just shock fans; it marked a huge turning point for sports betting. Those who believed in Namath’s prediction walked away with an unexpected payday as the Jets defied the odds and emerged victorious.
5. The Giants End the Patriots’ Perfect Season (Super Bowl XLII, 2008)
In the 2007 season, the New England Patriots entered Super Bowl XLII against the New York Giants with a perfect record, led by Tom Brady. Nearly everyone expected the Patriots to finish the season undefeated. Yet, the Giants had other plans. Led by Eli Manning and a dominate defense. The game’s turning point came with David Tyree’s famous “helmet catch,” which helped set up the game-winning touchdown.
The Giants’ 17-14 win stunned fans and bettors alike, ending New England’s perfect season and handing the Patriots their only loss. Bettors who placed their faith in the Giants celebrated a victory that has since become one of the most talked-about upsets in NFL history.
6. Appalachian State’s Shocking Win Over Michigan
On September 1, 2007, the unranked Appalachian State Mountaineers faced Michigan in front of nearly 110,000 fans at Michigan Stadium. With Michigan ranked in the top five, almost everyone expected a win for Michigan. However, the Mountaineers played a stellar game, blocking a last-second field goal attempt to seal a 34-32 victory.
For the bettors who took a chance on Appalachian State, this victory led to a huge payout. The win emphasized the thrill of betting on underdogs and how anything can happen in a football game.
7. The Miracle Mets’ World Series Victory (1969)
In 1969, the New York Mets achieved one of baseball’s most surprising turnarounds. Known as the “Miracle Mets,” they rose from one of the league’s worst teams to winning the World Series. Against the heavily favored Baltimore Orioles, the Mets’ underdog story captivated fans and bettors alike.
The Mets dominated the series, winning in five games. This upset remains one of baseball’s most iconic moments, rewarding those who believed in the underdog Mets. Their journey showed that in baseball, as in betting, anything is possible.
8. Tennis’s Biggest Upset: Serena Williams Upset by Roberta Vinci (2015 U.S. Open)
In the 2015 U.S. Open, Serena Williams stood on the brink of completing a calendar-year Grand Slam. With wins in the previous three Grand Slam tournaments, Williams was widely expected to dominate the U.S. Open. However, unseeded Italian player Roberta Vinci delivered an unexpected upset by defeating Serena in the semifinals.
This outcome shocked the tennis world and left bettors stunned. For those who backed Vinci, the win provided a substantial payout and marked one of tennis’s biggest upsets.
9. Ronda Rousey Knocked Out by Holly Holm in on of the Biggest Upsets in UFC Title Fight History (2015)
In November 2015, UFC champion Ronda Rousey entered the ring as an undefeated bantamweight, heavily favored to retain her title against Holly Holm. Holm, however, executed a flawless strategy, delivering a head kick that knocked Rousey out in the second round.
This unexpected victory cemented Holm’s place in sports history and sent shockwaves through the betting world. Bettors who placed their faith in Holm celebrated as she claimed one of the sport’s greatest upsets, reminding fans that anything can happen in MMA.
Why the Biggest Upsets Matter in Sports Betting
These unforgettable moments highlight the thrill of sports betting and how upsets can redefine careers, seasons, and even entire sports. The biggest upsets in sports betting history reveal that in sports, there’s never a “sure thing.” For many fans, it’s these unexpected victories that make sports betting exciting. And with every game, bettors know the next big upset could be just around the corner.
Betting on underdogs can be risky, but the rewards are undeniable. These upsets showcase how unpredictability is at the heart of sports. For fans and bettors alike, it’s this element of surprise that makes sports betting so exciting. Who knows? The next major upset could be just around the corner, ready to shock the world.
Check out our blog from last week where we discuss the best Gambling Movies of all time.
Gambling Movies to Keep You on the Edge: 5 Essential Picks – UA Twitch
