Esports has transformed into a multi-billion-dollar industry where not only the games themselves matter, but the stakes surrounding them create unforgettable narratives. Bettors across the world place huge confidence in tournament favorites, yet history has shown that underdogs often rise to create shocking twists. Some of these outcomes have become etched in esports lore, serving as reminders that the competitive gaming world is never truly predictable. Below is a detailed look at the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets, where each moment sent shockwaves through fans and bookmakers alike.
Here Are The Top 10 Biggest Esports Betting Upsets in History:
10. Team Spirit vs. PSG.LGD – The International 2021 (Dota 2)
Team Spirit’s triumph over PSG.LGD at The International 2021 was one of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets ever recorded. PSG.LGD entered TI10 as overwhelming favorites, with a flawless group stage record and the backing of analysts who viewed them as virtually unstoppable. By contrast, Team Spirit had clawed their way from the lower bracket, with very few expecting them to even reach the grand final.
The series itself was a five-game thriller, with Team Spirit taking an early 2–0 lead. PSG.LGD mounted a comeback to level the series 2–2, and most fans expected the Chinese giants to close it out. Yet, Spirit’s resilience, daring drafts, and clutch performances in the final game stunned everyone. Not only did this secure them over $18 million in prize money, but punters who backed Spirit reaped massive rewards. It was proof that even in the most stacked field, underdogs can rewrite destiny.
Table – Team Spirit vs. PSG.LGD (TI10, 2021):
| Event | Game | Result | Odds Impact | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The International 2021 | Best of 5 Final | Team Spirit 3–2 PSG.LGD | Extremely High | One of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets in Dota history |
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9. DRX vs. T1 – League of Legends World Championship 2022
The League of Legends World Championship 2022 final between DRX and T1 epitomized the unpredictability that defines the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets. T1, led by the legendary Faker, were overwhelming favorites, having dominated the bracket with precision and consistency. DRX, on the other hand, were considered miracle workers—starting from the play-ins, few expected them to even reach the semifinals, let alone the grand final.
The match unfolded as a nail-biting five-game series, with DRX relying on veteran presence, unrelenting macro play, and clutch decision-making. Against all odds, they secured a 3–2 victory, stunning the entire esports community. For bettors, this upset was particularly dramatic: the odds had heavily favored T1, making any wager on DRX yield extraordinary returns. This victory didn’t just crown DRX champions; it cemented their place as the face of one of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets in League of Legends history.
Table – DRX vs. T1 (Worlds 2022):
| Event | Game | Result | Odds Impact | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worlds 2022 Final | Best of 5 | DRX 3–2 T1 | Very High | Classic League example of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets |
8. Cloud9 vs. FaZe Clan – ELEAGUE Boston Major 2018 (CS:GO)
Cloud9’s historic victory over FaZe Clan at the ELEAGUE Boston Major is often hailed as one of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets in CS:GO. FaZe entered the grand final as the heavy favorites, boasting a star-studded roster expected to dominate. Conversely, Cloud9 had been seen as a good but inconsistent team, representing North America’s dwindling CS:GO hopes.
The final itself was unforgettable, culminating in double overtime on Inferno, the third and deciding map. Cloud9’s Skadoodle, Stewie2k, and Tarik delivered career-defining performances, backed by roaring North American crowds. Their 2–1 series win wasn’t just a triumph for the region; it was a colossal payday for anyone who bet against the odds. This match remains symbolic of how esports narratives can turn, with Cloud9’s underdog journey perfectly embodying the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets in the sport’s history.
Table – Cloud9 vs. FaZe Clan (ELEAGUE Boston Major 2018):
| Event | Game | Result | Odds Impact | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ELEAGUE Major 2018 | Best of 3 Final | Cloud9 2–1 FaZe Clan | High | Greatest North American upset in CS:GO history |
7. CDEC Gaming vs. LGD Gaming – The International 2015 (Dota 2)
CDEC Gaming’s magical run at The International 2015 produced one of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets when they defeated LGD Gaming in the upper bracket final. CDEC entered the tournament as a wildcard team, with minimal expectations. LGD, on the other hand, were giants of Chinese Dota, boasting veterans and immense strategic depth.
Against this backdrop, CDEC stunned the world with their aggressive, fearless style of play. Their victory sent them to the grand final, shocking both fans and bettors who had underestimated them. Though they ultimately lost to Evil Geniuses in the final, their journey provided punters with incredible payouts throughout TI5. CDEC’s victory against LGD epitomized the underdog spirit, demonstrating how the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets emerge from unexpected performances that no bookmaker or analyst could have predicted.
Table – CDEC Gaming vs. LGD Gaming (TI5, 2015):
| Event | Game | Result | Odds Impact | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The International 2015 | Upper Bracket Final | CDEC def. LGD Gaming | Huge | Historic underdog run to TI5 grand final |
6. Unicorns of Love vs. Team SoloMid – IEM San Jose 2015 (League of Legends)
The Unicorns of Love’s upset against Team SoloMid at IEM San Jose 2015 stands out among the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets due to its sheer unpredictability. TSM were the North American kings, supported by strong odds and fan confidence. In contrast, Unicorns of Love were relatively unknown outside Europe, regarded as quirky outsiders rather than contenders.
What made this upset legendary was UoL’s willingness to experiment with unique champion picks and innovative strategies. They overwhelmed TSM in key fights, dismantling the favorites in spectacular fashion. For bettors, this was both a disaster and a blessing—TSM backers lost heavily, while those who believed in UoL walked away with outsized winnings. The victory gave Unicorns of Love cult status in League esports history, forever etched as one of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets.
Table – Unicorns of Love vs. TSM (IEM San Jose 2015):
| Event | Game | Result | Odds Impact | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEM San Jose 2015 | Knockout Match | Unicorns of Love def. TSM | Very High | League classic among Biggest Esports Betting Upsets |
5. Wildcard Gaming vs. ENCE – IEM Katowice 2024 (CS:GO)
In one of the most recent examples of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets, Wildcard Gaming’s shocking win against ENCE at IEM Katowice 2024 left the CS:GO scene reeling. ENCE were established European veterans, projected to breeze through group play. Wildcard, by contrast, was an unfamiliar North American mix team with little international recognition.
However, when the two teams faced off, Wildcard stunned bookmakers by showcasing sharp individual aim and fearless playmaking. ENCE looked rattled and inconsistent, ultimately falling victim to what became the upset of the tournament. For punters, this match highlighted the dangers of underestimating unknown squads. The huge odds attached to Wildcard made it one of the most rewarding bets in recent memory, cementing it firmly among the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets of modern CS:GO.
Table – Wildcard Gaming vs. ENCE (IEM Katowice 2024):
| Event | Game | Result | Odds Impact | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEM Katowice 2024 | Group Play | Wildcard def. ENCE | Very High | Recent shocker added to Biggest Esports Betting Upsets |
4. Kinguin vs. G2 Esports – DreamHack Open 2018 (CS:GO)
Kinguin’s victory over G2 Esports at DreamHack Open 2018 is remembered as one of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets in Polish CS:GO history. G2, boasting experienced international players, were the favorites to claim the title. Kinguin, though talented, were seen as outsiders with little chance of progressing deep into the tournament.
The match told a different story. Kinguin displayed calculated aggression, clean executions, and sharp shooting that completely nullified G2’s strategies. The result shocked analysts and bookmakers, particularly given G2’s reputation at the time. Punters who placed faith in Kinguin saw incredible returns as high odds cashed in spectacular fashion. This victory remains symbolic of Poland’s underdog spirit, marking one of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets in CS:GO.
Table – Kinguin vs. G2 Esports (DreamHack Open 2018):
| Event | Game | Result | Odds Impact | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DreamHack Open 2018 | Knockout Match | Kinguin def. G2 Esports | High | Polish underdog triumph in CS:GO |
3. Royal Never Give Up vs. Fnatic – IEM Katowice 2016 (League of Legends)
At IEM Katowice 2016, Royal Never Give Up delivered one of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets by defeating Fnatic. Fnatic were tournament favorites, backed by a massive fanbase and lofty expectations from analysts. Royal Never Give Up (RNG), while respected, were considered underdogs against the European powerhouse.
When RNG dismantled Fnatic in a key matchup, the betting world was turned upside down. Fans who expected Fnatic’s dominance were left shocked, while the few who had backed RNG collected significant winnings. The match became a turning point for RNG, proving China’s rising influence in League of Legends. For bettors, it served as a crucial reminder that no team, however storied, is immune to the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets.
Table – RNG vs. Fnatic (IEM Katowice 2016):
| Event | Game | Result | Odds Impact | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IEM Katowice 2016 | Group Match | RNG def. Fnatic | High | Marked China’s rise in LoL esports |
2. EHOME vs. Evil Geniuses – The International 2016 (Dota 2)
At The International 2016, EHOME’s victory over Evil Geniuses became one of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets in Dota 2. Evil Geniuses, the defending champions from TI5, were considered untouchable. EHOME, by contrast, had flown under the radar with little attention from fans or bookmakers.
During the group stage clash, EHOME unveiled an aggressive, fast-paced strategy that completely disrupted EG’s rhythm. This caught the defending champions off guard, leading to one of the most shocking outcomes of the tournament. Bettors who had staked on EHOME reaped massive rewards, as EG had been heavily favored. Though EG went on to recover, the upset stood out as a defining underdog story in TI history, forever remembered as one of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets.
Table – EHOME vs. Evil Geniuses (TI6, 2016):
| Event | Game | Result | Odds Impact | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The International 2016 | Group Stage | EHOME def. Evil Geniuses | Very High | Major betting shock at TI6 |
1. Team EnVyUs vs. Luminosity Gaming – MLG Columbus 2016 (CS:GO)
The greatest among the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets came at MLG Columbus 2016, when Luminosity Gaming stunned reigning champions Team EnVyUs. EnVyUs were expected to cruise through the event with their experienced roster and history of dominance. Luminosity, a Brazilian squad still making a name for themselves, were given little chance by bookmakers or fans.
What followed was a revelation. Luminosity combined explosive firepower with innovative tactics, systematically dismantling EnVyUs. This victory was more than just a tournament result—it marked the arrival of Brazil as a CS:GO powerhouse. Luminosity would later go on to become world champions, cementing their place in esports history. For bettors, the payout from this upset was extraordinary, making it the pinnacle of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets in esports history.
Table – Team EnVyUs vs. Luminosity Gaming (MLG Columbus 2016):
| Event | Game | Result | Odds Impact | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLG Columbus 2016 | Knockout Match | Luminosity def. EnVyUs | Massive | Brazilian CS:GO arrives on world stage |
FAQs
Q1: What makes a match qualify as one of the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets?
A match qualifies when an underdog beats a heavily favored team, often against betting odds that suggest a low chance of victory.
Q2: Which esport has had the most Biggest Esports Betting Upsets?
CS:GO and Dota 2 have produced the most memorable upsets, with major international tournaments providing opportunities for underdog victories that shocked bookmakers.
Q3: Why are the Biggest Esports Betting Upsets so memorable for fans and bettors?
They combine the thrill of unexpected competition with financial drama, as bettors who trusted underdogs earn huge returns while favorites suffer dramatic losses.
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