The Biggest Upsets in Online Sports Betting History
Online sports betting has become increasingly popular over the years, with millions of people placing bets on their favorite teams and players. While many bets result in expected outcomes, there have been some major upsets in online sports betting history that have shocked fans and bookmakers alike. From underdog victories to unexpected comebacks, these upsets have left bettors reeling and sports pundits scratching their heads. Here are some of the biggest upsets in online sports betting history:
1. Leicester City’s Premier League Title Win
One of the most memorable upsets in recent sports history came in the 2015-2016 English Premier League season, when Leicester City defied the odds to win the title. At the beginning of the season, Leicester City were considered 5000-1 outsiders to win the league, with many fans and pundits expecting them to face relegation instead. However, under the guidance of manager Claudio Ranieri, Leicester City went on a remarkable run of form, beating the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur to secure the title. The upset was so unexpected that bookmakers paid out millions of dollars to lucky bettors who had placed bets on Leicester City to win the league.
2. Buster Douglas Knocks Out Mike Tyson
In 1990, heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson was considered unbeatable, with a record of 37 wins and no losses. However, in a shocking upset, underdog Buster Douglas knocked out Tyson in the tenth round of their fight in Tokyo, Japan. Douglas, who was considered a 42-1 underdog, stunned the boxing world with his victory, and the upset remains one of the biggest in boxing history. Many bettors who had placed bets on Douglas to win walked away with hefty payouts, while bookmakers were left counting their losses.
3. Liverpool’s Miracle in Istanbul
In the 2005 UEFA Champions League final, Liverpool found themselves 3-0 down to AC Milan at halftime, with many fans and bettors assuming the game was over. However, in one of the most dramatic comebacks in football history, Liverpool managed to score three goals in the second half to force the game into extra time. They then went on to win the match on penalties, completing a remarkable turnaround and securing their fifth European Cup. The upset was so unexpected that Liverpool fans and bettors alike were left in disbelief, with bookmakers paying out huge sums to those who had bet on a Liverpool victory after they were 3-0 down.
4. Villanova’s NCAA Basketball Championship Win
In the 1985 NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship, eighth-seeded Villanova faced off against heavily favored Georgetown in the final. Despite being considered huge underdogs, Villanova managed to pull off a stunning upset, defeating Georgetown 66-64 to win the championship. The victory remains one of the biggest upsets in college basketball history, with many bettors cashing in on the unexpected result. Villanova’s win cemented their place in NCAA tournament lore and proved that anything can happen in sports.
5. The “Miracle on Ice” at the 1980 Winter Olympics
One of the most iconic upsets in sports history came at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, when the United States ice hockey team defeated the heavily favored Soviet Union team in the semifinals. The Soviet Union had dominated international hockey for years and were considered unbeatable, while the young and inexperienced US team were major underdogs. However, in a thrilling game that became known as the “Miracle on Ice,” the US team pulled off a 4-3 victory, shocking the world and capturing the hearts of sports fans everywhere. The upset remains one of the greatest moments in Olympic history and serves as a reminder that anything can happen in sports.
6. Babe Ruth’s Called Shot
In the 1932 World Series, New York Yankees legend Babe Ruth famously pointed to the outfield before hitting a home run in Game 3 against the Chicago Cubs. While the “called shot” remains a controversial moment in baseball history, it is also considered one of the biggest upsets in sports betting history. Many bettors had placed bets on Ruth to hit a home run in that game, and his gesture and subsequent home run left bookmakers reeling. The called shot is still debated among baseball fans and historians, but there is no denying the impact it had on sports betting at the time.
7. Rulon Gardner’s Upset Victory at the 2000 Olympics
In one of the most unlikely wrestling victories in Olympic history, American wrestler Rulon Gardner defeated Russian legend Aleksandr Karelin in the heavyweight final at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Karelin, who had not lost a match in 13 years and was considered one of the greatest wrestlers of all time, was heavily favored to win the gold medal. However, Gardner managed to secure a shock victory over Karelin, stunning the wrestling world and capturing the hearts of sports fans everywhere. The upset remains one of the most memorable moments in Olympic wrestling history and serves as a reminder that even the most dominant athletes can be beaten.
8. Greece Wins Euro 2004
In one of the biggest upsets slots ph in football history, Greece shocked the world by winning the 2004 UEFA European Championship. The Greek national team, who were considered 150-1 outsiders to win the tournament, defeated powerhouse teams such as France, Portugal, and the Czech Republic to secure their first major international trophy. The victory was unexpected and shocked both fans and bookmakers, with many bettors cashing in on Greece’s unlikely triumph. Greece’s win at Euro 2004 remains one of the most surprising moments in football history and serves as a reminder that underdogs can sometimes come out on top.