Underdog Stories in Esports Tournaments: When the Least Expected Rise to Glory

Posted on by theesportsworld41

Esports has become a global spectacle, attracting millions of viewers, corporate sponsors, and professional athletes who dedicate their lives to competing at the highest level. But beyond the glitz and the massive prize pools, some of the most memorable moments in competitive gaming history come not from the giants who are expected to win but from the underdogs who defy all odds.

Underdog stories resonate because they embody hope, resilience, and the idea that passion can topple power. Whether it’s a rookie team upsetting world champions or an overlooked player carrying their squad to victory, these moments remind us that esports, like any competitive field, is unpredictable.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into some of the most legendary underdog stories in esports tournaments, exploring how they unfolded, why they mattered, and what they say about the culture of gaming.

Why Underdog Stories Matter in Esports

Sports fans, whether in traditional sports or esports, love an upset. It’s why stories of David vs. Goliath never get old. In esports, underdog victories hold special weight for several reasons:

  1. Breaking the Meta – Top teams often define the strategies (“meta”) that everyone follows. Underdogs can shock the world by finding unconventional ways to beat them.
  2. Community Inspiration – Casual gamers see themselves in these stories. If a lesser-known player can defeat a legend, it inspires the next generation.
  3. Shifting Narratives – Dominant teams and players can make competitions predictable. An underdog victory keeps the scene exciting and dynamic.
  4. Cultural Impact – Upsets are shared across social media, esports broadcasts, and news outlets, helping the industry grow.

Iconic Underdog Stories in Esports

1. OG’s Cinderella Run at Dota 2’s The International 2018

Few underdog stories are as dramatic as OG’s win at The International 2018 (TI8).

  • The Setup: OG wasn’t even expected to qualify. Before TI8, the team had gone through roster turmoil, losing star players like Fly and s4 to Evil Geniuses. Many fans counted them out.
  • The Run: OG entered through the open qualifiers and scraped their way into the group stages. Against powerhouse teams like PSG.LGD, Virtus.pro, and Evil Geniuses, no one gave them a chance.
  • The Victory: Led by captain N0tail and powered by a breakout performance from Topson, an unknown mid-laner from Finland, OG shocked the world. Their teamwork, clutch plays, and unshakable spirit culminated in one of the most dramatic grand finals in esports history, defeating PSG.LGD 3–2.
  • Legacy: OG went on to win TI9 as well, cementing themselves as legends. But their first win remains the quintessential underdog story in Dota 2.

2. Cloud9’s Historic CS:GO Major Win at ELEAGUE Boston 2018

For years, North America struggled to keep up with Europe and Brazil in CS:GO. That changed in 2018.

  • The Setup: Cloud9 entered the Boston Major with little expectation. The roster—Stewie2K, tarik, Skadoodle, autimatic, and RUSH—were considered solid but not championship-caliber.
  • The Run: Against teams like FaZe Clan, SK Gaming, and Astralis, Cloud9 clawed their way through close matches, often winning in overtime nail-biters.
  • The Victory: In the grand final against FaZe Clan, Cloud9 pulled off a legendary comeback on Inferno, sealing the series 2–1. The crowd in Boston erupted, and millions watched online as North America celebrated its first-ever CS:GO Major victory.
  • Legacy: This win is still regarded as one of the most emotional and improbable triumphs in Counter-Strike history.

3. Team Griffin’s Rise in League of Legends

In the world of League of Legends, Korea has long been the home of dominance. Yet, one team came out of nowhere to capture fans’ hearts.

  • The Setup: Team Griffin entered Korea’s LCK as rookies in 2018. With no veteran stars, they were expected to struggle.
  • The Run: Instead, Griffin stunned the league with aggressive gameplay, innovative drafts, and standout performances from players like Chovy and Viper. They made it all the way to the finals in their debut split, pushing veterans like KT Rolster to the edge.
  • The Impact: While Griffin never won an LCK title, their rise disrupted the Korean scene and showed how a fresh, fearless approach could challenge established dynasties.

4. Team EnvyUs at Call of Duty Championships 2016

Call of Duty esports has seen dynasties like OpTic Gaming and FaZe Clan dominate. But in 2016, Team EnvyUs flipped the script.

  • The Setup: EnvyUs was considered a strong contender but not the favorite. Teams like OpTic Gaming were heavily favored to take the crown.
  • The Run: EnvyUs pulled off clutch performances, surviving elimination matches and rallying behind their star player Jkap.
  • The Victory: Against all odds, EnvyUs secured the 2016 Call of Duty World League Championship, proving that resilience and belief can carry a team through.

5. Overwatch World Cup 2018 – Team USA vs. South Korea

South Korea dominated the first years of competitive Overwatch. No one expected anyone to touch them. Then came Team USA.

  • The Setup: South Korea had won every Overwatch World Cup before 2018. Their dominance seemed untouchable.
  • The Shock: Team USA, led by players like Sinatraa and Super, stunned the world by taking down South Korea in the quarterfinals.
  • The Aftermath: Though USA didn’t win the tournament, their victory over South Korea marked a turning point and showed that the Overwatch scene was no longer one-sided.

6. PUBG Mobile: Nova Esports at PMGC 2020

Mobile esports also has its share of underdog stories.

  • The Setup: PUBG Mobile Global Championship 2020 brought together top teams from around the world. Nova Esports wasn’t the favorite; teams from China and Southeast Asia were expected to dominate.
  • The Run: With consistent gameplay and smart rotations, Nova Esports climbed the leaderboard, shocking fans who had overlooked them.
  • The Victory: They clinched the championship and established themselves as a global force in mobile gaming.

7. EVO Moment 37: Daigo Umehara vs. Justin Wong

While not a full tournament win, this iconic fighting game moment embodies the underdog spirit.

  • The Setup: At EVO 2004, Daigo Umehara faced Justin Wong in Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. Justin had Daigo cornered, with just a sliver of health left.
  • The Moment: Justin unleashed Chun-Li’s super move. With perfect timing, Daigo parried every single hit (15 in total) and countered to win the round.
  • The Legacy: Known as “EVO Moment 37,” this remains one of the most legendary sequences in esports, symbolizing how determination and precision can snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

Common Themes in Esports Underdog Stories

When we look across these examples, certain themes emerge:

  • Adaptability: Underdogs often succeed by breaking away from established strategies.
  • Mental Resilience: Facing giants can be intimidating, but underdogs thrive when they stay calm under pressure.
  • Team Spirit: Many underdog stories highlight teamwork over individual skill.
  • Fan Support: Crowds love rooting for the unexpected, and that energy often fuels underdogs.

Why Fans Love Underdogs in Esports

Esports underdog stories connect deeply with fans for several reasons:

  1. Relatability: Most viewers aren’t pro players. Seeing a lesser-known gamer rise gives fans hope.
  2. Emotional Highs: The drama of watching an upset unfold creates unforgettable moments.
  3. Narrative Shifts: Esports thrives on stories. A surprising victory adds depth to the competitive scene.

The Business Side of Underdogs

Underdog stories aren’t just feel-good tales—they’re valuable for the esports industry:

  • Media Attention: Upsets drive headlines and viral clips.
  • Sponsorship Opportunities: Brands love associating with “against all odds” narratives.
  • New Fanbases: Casual viewers often start following a game or team because of an underdog run.

The Future of Underdog Stories in Esports

As esports continues to professionalize, dominant teams and players will always exist. But the nature of competitive gaming ensures that underdogs will keep rising:

  • New Games, New Chances: Emerging esports titles open the door for fresh talent.
  • Youthful Talent Pools: Many young players train harder and earlier, allowing unknowns to rise quickly.
  • Global Expansion: Esports is growing in regions like South Asia, Africa, and the Middle East—fertile ground for future underdog stories.

Conclusion

Underdog stories in esports tournaments remind us why competition is thrilling. From OG’s legendary TI8 run in Dota 2 to Cloud9’s miracle CS:GO Major win, these moments inspire players, thrill fans, and elevate esports as a whole.