EVERY so often, sport delivers a storyline that seems ripped from fiction.
Heavy favorites collapse, unknowns rise to glory, and fans witness outcomes nobody thought possible. These moments live on not because they were expected, but because they stunned the world.
An upset happens when the underdog beats the odds, but the biggest upsets go further — they redefine what we think is possible in sport. From global tournaments to individual showdowns, here are ten unforgettable upsets that shook the foundations of competition.
1. Holly Holm Defeats Ronda Rousey – UFC 193, 2015
Ronda Rousey was the face of mixed martial arts, unbeaten and seemingly untouchable. Her dominance in the women’s bantamweight division made her a global star. Holly Holm, a former boxing champion, entered the octagon as a heavy underdog with little chance of survival.
What unfolded was a striking clinic. Holm neutralized Rousey’s judo and delivered a devastating head kick in the second round to score a knockout victory. The upset sent shockwaves through MMA, ending Rousey’s reign and proving that no champion is invincible.
2. Croatia Reaches the World Cup Final, 2018
In international football, few predicted Croatia would go beyond the group stage, let alone reach the final in Russia. With a population of under 4 million, Croatia faced giants like Argentina, England, and hosts Russia on their path.
Led by Luka Modrić and a determined squad, they beat England in the semifinals to secure a historic final appearance against France. Although they finished runners-up, their run remains one of the most remarkable underdog stories in modern football.
3. Appalachian State Beats Michigan – College Football, 2007
The University of Michigan Wolverines, ranked fifth nationally, opened their season against Appalachian State, a lower-division team. The game was expected to be a warm-up for Michigan.
Instead, Appalachian State stunned the crowd at the Big House, winning 34–32 thanks to a blocked field goal in the final seconds. It was the first time a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) team beat a ranked Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent, instantly becoming a college football legend.
4. Italy Beats England – Euro 2020 Final (Played in 2021)
England entered the European Championship final at Wembley Stadium with home advantage and immense public support. Many expected them to finally lift their first major trophy since 1966.
Italy, however, had other ideas. After conceding early, they equalized and held their nerve in a penalty shootout. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma’s saves secured the title, silencing the English crowd and proving that tournament experience can outshine momentum.
5. The New York Giants End the Patriots’ Perfect Season – Super Bowl XLII, 2008
The New England Patriots were chasing perfection, entering the Super Bowl with an 18–0 record. Standing in their way were the New York Giants, who had barely scraped into the playoffs.
In one of the most dramatic finishes in NFL history, Eli Manning escaped pressure to complete the “Helmet Catch” to David Tyree. The Giants went on to win 17–14, ending New England’s dream of an undefeated season. The upset is often called the greatest in Super Bowl history.
6. Michael Chang Wins the French Open, 1989
At just 17 years old, Michael Chang faced a daunting task at Roland Garros. Battling world No. 1 Ivan Lendl in the fourth round, Chang fought through exhaustion, cramps, and overwhelming odds.
Using daring tactics — including an underhand serve — he triumphed in a five-set thriller. Chang went on to win the French Open, becoming the youngest men’s singles Grand Slam champion. His victory showed how fearlessness and creativity can topple established champions.
7. Iceland Beats England – Euro 2016
With a population of only 330,000, Iceland’s football team had already made headlines by qualifying for Euro 2016. Facing England in the round of 16, few gave them a chance.
Yet Iceland’s disciplined play and fearless approach stunned England 2–1. The upset led to the resignation of England’s manager and cemented Iceland as the ultimate football Cinderella story.
8. Golden State Warriors Upset Dallas Mavericks – NBA Playoffs, 2007
The Dallas Mavericks finished the regular season with 67 wins, led by MVP Dirk Nowitzki. Their first-round opponent, the eighth-seeded Golden State Warriors, had barely qualified for the postseason.
Under coach Don Nelson, the Warriors used small-ball lineups and relentless pace to overwhelm Dallas. They won the series 4–2, marking the first time an eighth seed had beaten a top seed in a seven-game NBA playoff format.
9. Serena Williams Beaten by Roberta Vinci – US Open, 2015
Serena Williams was chasing a calendar Grand Slam at the 2015 US Open, having already won the Australian, French, and Wimbledon titles. With the semifinal against unseeded Italian Roberta Vinci, most expected a straightforward win.
Instead, Vinci played the match of her life, using variety and composure to win 2–6, 6–4, 6–4. The upset denied Serena a historic achievement and remains one of the biggest surprises in tennis history.
10. Kenya Wins the 2003 Cricket World Cup Semifinal Spot
Cricket’s World Cup is usually dominated by powerhouses like Australia, India, and England. In 2003, Kenya defied all expectations by reaching the semifinals, defeating Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe along the way.
Their spirited performances shocked the cricketing world and showcased the potential of emerging nations in the sport. Though they fell short of the final, Kenya’s journey remains one of cricket’s great underdog tales.
Conclusion
From football and tennis to MMA and basketball, these moments highlight why fans are drawn to sport: the certainty of unpredictability. Champions can fall, outsiders can rise, and every game offers the possibility of history being rewritten.
The biggest upsets remind us that competition is never decided on paper. They are turning points that inspire belief in athletes and fans alike, showing that in sport, the impossible is always within reach.
About the author
James Anderson
James Anderson is a Betting & Gaming Writer at The Sun. He is an expert in sports betting and online casinos, and joined the company in November 2020 to work closely with leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to curate content in all areas of sports betting. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter and Head of Live Blogs/Events at the Daily Express and Daily Star, covering football, cricket, snooker, F1 and horse racing.
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