Best Upsets in Esports Finals
Esports has become a massive global phenomenon, attracting millions of fans and viewers who tune in to watch their favorite teams and players compete on the biggest stages. Over the past two decades, competitive gaming has evolved from small LAN events to full-scale international tournaments with prize pools worth millions of dollars. Yet, no matter how big the stage or how skilled the competitors, one thing remains certain — nothing excites fans more than a shocking upset.
An upset in esports represents the triumph of the underdog, a moment when a team or player defies all odds and defeats a seemingly unbeatable opponent. These moments not only create legends but also remind fans why esports are so thrilling — because anything can happen. In this blog, we will take a deep dive into some of the most unforgettable upsets in esports finals across different games, exploring what made each one so special and how they shaped the future of competitive gaming.
The Essence of an Esports Upset
Before diving into specific matches, it is important to understand why upsets are so impactful in esports. Unlike traditional sports, esports often evolve rapidly. A single patch, character rework, or balance change can shift the entire competitive landscape. Teams that adapt faster to these changes can suddenly outshine even the most dominant squads.
Additionally, esports rely heavily on precision, reaction time, and mental fortitude. A single misclick or mistimed ability can alter the course of a match. The pressure of performing in a grand final, often watched by millions, can weigh heavily on even the most experienced players. This combination of skill, strategy, and psychology makes every esports final unpredictable — and when the underdog wins, the shockwaves resonate for years.
Now, let’s explore some of the greatest upsets that have ever occurred in esports finals across titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike, Overwatch, and more.
1. OG vs PSG.LGD – The International 2018 (Dota 2)
In the world of Dota 2, few stories are as legendary as OG’s miraculous run at The International 2018. Heading into the tournament, OG was not considered a top contender. They had lost key players, barely qualified through the open qualifiers, and were written off by most analysts. PSG.LGD, on the other hand, were the heavy favorites — a team packed with mechanical genius and tactical brilliance.
The grand final between OG and PSG.LGD was a true roller coaster. OG found themselves trailing multiple times during the series, yet they consistently found ways to bounce back. Their star player, Topson, who was playing his first-ever International, delivered unpredictable performances that left LGD baffled.
What made this upset so remarkable was the sheer determination and teamwork OG displayed. Against all odds, they won 3–2, claiming the championship and one of the largest prize pools in esports history. It wasn’t just an upset — it was a story of perseverance, trust, and the magic of believing when no one else does.
2. Cloud9 vs FaZe Clan – ELEAGUE Boston Major 2018 (CS:GO)
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has seen its fair share of shocking results, but none quite like the ELEAGUE Boston Major final in 2018. No North American team had ever won a CS:GO Major, and expectations were low for Cloud9. They faced FaZe Clan, a star-studded European roster widely regarded as one of the most skilled lineups in the world.
Cloud9’s journey through the tournament was already impressive, but what happened in the grand final became the stuff of legend. The match went to a thrilling third map, Inferno, which featured one of the most intense overtimes in Major history. With Stewie2K’s iconic hold in overtime and Tarik’s calm leadership, Cloud9 pulled off the impossible.
Their victory not only marked the first Major win for North America but also symbolized the power of momentum and home crowd support. It was an emotional, unforgettable upset that remains etched in the memories of CS:GO fans worldwide.
3. Samsung Galaxy vs SK Telecom T1 – League of Legends World Championship 2017
In League of Legends, few teams have ever been as dominant as SK Telecom T1. Led by the legendary player Faker, SKT had won multiple World Championships and were considered nearly untouchable. When they faced Samsung Galaxy in the 2017 finals, almost everyone expected another SKT victory.
However, Samsung Galaxy had other plans. They came prepared with impeccable strategy, disciplined play, and flawless execution. Over the course of three games, they completely dismantled SKT, winning 3–0 in a shocking sweep. The world watched as Faker, often seen as invincible, was brought to tears — a testament to how much the loss meant.
This upset marked the end of SKT’s era of absolute dominance and the beginning of a more competitive landscape in League of Legends. It showed that even the greatest champions can fall, and it inspired other teams to aim higher and challenge the throne.
4. Fnatic vs NaVi – DreamHack Winter 2013 (CS:GO)
Before Cloud9’s historic victory, another unforgettable upset shook the CS:GO world. In 2013, Fnatic entered DreamHack Winter as relative underdogs. NaVi and VeryGames were considered favorites, while Fnatic’s young lineup was still finding its footing.
However, Fnatic displayed incredible composure throughout the tournament, defeating powerhouse teams and making their way to the final. In the grand showdown against Ninjas in Pyjamas (NiP), one of the most dominant teams in early CS:GO history, Fnatic managed to pull off a massive upset by defeating them 2–1.
This victory set the stage for Fnatic’s future as one of CS:GO’s greatest dynasties and proved that new talent could rise to the top under immense pressure.
5. Team Liquid vs OG – The International 2019 (Dota 2)
While OG’s 2018 victory was already legendary, their follow-up in 2019 added another unbelievable chapter. This time, OG entered The International as defending champions, but they were far from the favorites. Many believed that repeating as champions was impossible in such a volatile game.
Team Liquid, a powerhouse lineup themselves, looked dominant throughout the lower bracket and entered the grand final with momentum. However, OG shocked the world again with their aggressive, unorthodox playstyle. They outsmarted Liquid at every turn, winning 3–1 and becoming the first-ever two-time International champions.
Though this was not a traditional underdog upset, it was still one of the greatest surprises in esports — a team defying history itself to achieve the impossible.
6. EnvyUs vs FNATIC – Call of Duty Championship 2016
In Call of Duty esports, the 2016 Championship final between EnvyUs and FNATIC was one of the most thrilling upsets in the scene’s history. FNATIC had been dominating the European scene, while EnvyUs had struggled with consistency throughout the season.
However, when it mattered most, EnvyUs came alive. With their chemistry, communication, and confidence, they overcame all odds to win the world title. The final match displayed brilliant strategies and clutch plays, proving that resilience and teamwork can overcome even the strongest individual opponents.
7. San Francisco Shock vs Vancouver Titans – Overwatch League Grand Finals 2019
In the inaugural Overwatch League seasons, the Vancouver Titans seemed unstoppable. With their aggressive coordination and synergy, they were expected to cruise to a championship win. However, in the 2019 Grand Finals, the San Francisco Shock completely dismantled that narrative.
The Shock, known for their disciplined preparation and deep roster, executed perfect strategies that neutralized the Titans’ strengths. They swept the series 4–0, an absolute shock to fans and analysts who predicted a close contest. This victory established the Shock as one of the most dominant organizations in Overwatch history and proved that preparation and adaptability could defeat even the most talented teams.
8. EVO 2017 – Tokido vs Punk (Street Fighter V)
In the fighting game community, EVO is the biggest stage of all. In 2017, the Street Fighter V final between Punk and Tokido became one of the most dramatic upsets ever. Punk, a young American prodigy, had dominated the tournament, sending opponents home with ease. Everyone expected him to take the crown.
However, Tokido, a veteran Japanese player, displayed incredible mental resilience and experience. After losing to Punk earlier in the tournament, he made it back to the finals and adapted perfectly. With composure and precision, Tokido defeated Punk in a stunning turnaround to claim the championship.
The moment Tokido lifted the trophy and bowed respectfully to the crowd became iconic, representing the timeless lesson that experience and mental fortitude can overcome youthful talent and momentum.
9. DRX vs T1 – League of Legends World Championship 2022
Few upsets in modern esports history are as emotional and cinematic as DRX’s miracle run at Worlds 2022. DRX was a team that barely qualified for the tournament. No one expected them to make it past the group stage, let alone reach the finals. Their opponents? T1 — the most iconic team in League of Legends history, led once again by Faker.
Throughout the tournament, DRX played with unmatched heart and unity. Each member contributed in clutch moments, from Deft’s inspirational leadership to Zeka’s breakout performances. In the grand final, DRX went toe-to-toe with T1 in a five-game epic. Against all expectations, they triumphed 3–2, completing one of the most beautiful underdog stories in esports history.
This upset wasn’t just about gameplay — it was about perseverance, redemption, and passion. It reminded fans worldwide that no matter how impossible the odds seem, true determination can create miracles.
10. Cinderella Stories and Their Impact on Esports
Upsets like these do more than entertain; they define esports culture. They give fans hope, inspire future players, and remind everyone that competition is about more than just skill — it’s about heart, teamwork, and belief.
When an underdog wins, it shakes up the meta, changes how teams approach preparation, and sometimes even alters the entire direction of a game’s esports scene. For example, OG’s 2018 Dota 2 victory inspired countless players to form teams based on trust and synergy rather than just raw talent. Similarly, Cloud9’s CS:GO Major win encouraged North American organizations to invest more heavily in esports.
Upsets also play a critical role in keeping fans emotionally invested. Predictable outcomes can make tournaments feel dull, but when a dark horse rises, it reignites the passion of the community.
The Psychology Behind the Upset
At the heart of every upset lies an incredible psychological battle. The underdog has nothing to lose, which often allows them to play freely and take bold risks. The favorite, however, carries the weight of expectation. That pressure can lead to hesitation or overconfidence — both dangerous in high-stakes environments.
Esports, being fast-paced and mentally demanding, magnifies these psychological effects. A player who feels even slightly off their rhythm can unravel quickly. Meanwhile, a team fueled by belief and momentum can achieve extraordinary results.
This psychological dance makes every upset not only a story of skill but also a tale of mental endurance, emotional resilience, and self-belief.
Conclusion: The Magic of the Unexpected
The best upsets in esports finals remind us why we love competitive gaming. It is not just about mechanics, strategies, or meta. It is about human emotion — the tears of victory, the heartbreak of defeat, and the moments that defy every prediction.
From OG’s fairy-tale run in Dota 2 to DRX’s miracle at Worlds 2022, these stories capture the true essence of esports: unpredictability. They show that in the world of competitive gaming, even the smallest spark of hope can ignite a fire that burns through the greatest odds.
As esports continues to grow, new legends will rise, and more upsets will be written into history. But one thing will never change — the thrill of witnessing the impossible become reality.
