The Biggest Upsets in Sports Betting: When the Underdogs Had Their Day

This past Thursday, the USA men’s cricket team pulled off one of the biggest upsets in sports history by beating Pakistan in the T20 World Cup. Yes, you heard that right. Cricket, a sport that’s still pretty niche in the U.S., saw its guys take down one of the powerhouses of the game. It got me thinking about some of the biggest upsets in recent history that have sent shockwaves through the sports betting world.

To put it in perspective, this is like a minor league baseball team beating the Boston Red Sox. The U.S. team, full of part-time players with day jobs, outperformed a seasoned Pakistani squad that has a rich history in the sport. This victory not only stunned cricket fans worldwide but also sparked a lot of buzz among sports bettors, as it was completely unexpected.

So, let’s dive in and explore the top five biggest upsets in recent sports betting history. Trust me, these stories will remind you why we love the thrill of the underdog.

Virginia vs. UMBC (2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament)

Needless to say, few bettors were placing their wagers on UMBC.

Alright, let’s talk about one of the biggest upsets in sports betting history that had everyone buzzing. Picture this: the Virginia Cavaliers, a top-seeded team, were expected to cruise through the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Sports bettors everywhere had their money on Virginia, confident that a 1-seed would easily overpower a 16-seed. But then came the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), a team hardly anyone saw coming.

UMBC didn’t just win; they dominated the game, ending with a score of 74-54. This was the first time in NCAA history that a 16-seed knocked out a 1-seed in the tournament. For sports bettors, this was a jaw-dropping moment. Imagine having your bets on a surefire favorite, only to see them get completely outplayed by the underdog. It was a game-changer, literally and figuratively, in the world of sports betting. Since then, only one other team has achieved this, when Fairleigh Dickson beat Purdue in 2023.

Best Bitcoin Betting Sites for NCAA Basketball

If you’re looking for the best Bitcoin betting sites with great odds on NCAA basketball games, here are my current top choices:

• FortuneJack
• BC.Game
• BetFury

So, who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one betting on the next UMBC and turning the sports betting world on its head.

Holly Holm Defeats Ronda Rousey (2015 UFC)

It’s always an upset when a reigning champion gets taken down.

Another of the biggest upsets of all time in sports betting takes back to 2015. Back then, Ronda Rousey was the undefeated champion, a powerhouse in the UFC with a string of dominant victories. Sports bettors were all in on Rousey, seeing her as an unbeatable force. Enter Holly Holm, a former professional boxer and kickboxer, but not someone many thought would topple the queen of MMA.

In one of the most stunning turnarounds, Holm delivered a knockout blow to Rousey in the second round. This wasn’t just a win; it was a decisive, career-defining moment for Holm. For sports bettors, this was a massive upset. Those who placed their bets on Holm, a significant underdog, walked away with substantial winnings, while those who backed Rousey were left in disbelief.

Best Bitcoin Betting Sites for UFC

If you’re looking to place your bets on the next big UFC fight, or any other sport for that matter, check out my top three picks:

• Wild.io
• Cloudbet
• Rocketpot

They offer competitive betting odds, in-depth fight analyses, and a user-friendly experience. 

Leicester City Wins Premier League (2015-2016)

Sometimes betting on the underdog REALLY pays off; especially when the odds are 5,000:1.

Now, let me take you across the pond to one of the most extraordinary stories in sports betting history. Leicester City, a team that narrowly avoided relegation the previous season, started the 2015-2016 Premier League campaign as 5000-1 underdogs. Hardly anyone, including sports bettors, gave them a chance to even finish in the top half of the table, let alone win the league.

Week after week, Leicester defied the odds. With players like Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez stepping up, they delivered stunning performances against the giants of English football. By the end of the season, Leicester City had achieved the unthinkable, lifting the Premier League trophy. For those who took a punt on Leicester at the start of the season, the rewards were astronomical. It was a season that turned the sports betting world on its head.

Best Bitcoin Betting Sites for the Premier League

If you’re inspired by Leicester’s incredible journey and looking to place your own bets on football, check out these top betting sites:

• Stake
• TopCGame
• JustBit

You never know when the next Leicester City might come along and make sports betting history.

New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons (Super Bowl LI, 2017)

In what may have been the best Super Bowl of all time, Tom Brady showed us all exactly why he’s called The GOAT.

We can’t talk about the biggest upsets in sports betting history without acknowledging the 2017 Super Bowl game. Super Bowl LI saw the New England Patriots face off against the Atlanta Falcons. By the third quarter, the Falcons had a commanding 28-3 lead, and most sports bettors had already written off the Patriots. The odds of a comeback seemed impossible, making this game a prime candidate for one of the biggest upsets in sports betting.

But then, the Patriots, led by Tom Brady, pulled off a miracle. They scored 25 unanswered points to tie the game and sent it into overtime. The Patriots won the game 34-28, completing the largest comeback in Super Bowl history. For those brave enough to place live bets on the Patriots during the game, the payout was substantial. It was a reminder that in sports betting, no lead is truly safe until the final whistle blows.

Best Bitcoin Betting Sites for the NFL

If you’re eager to get in on the action for the next NFL season, these betting sites are my current top picks:

• Vave
• Rolletto
• Trust Dice

So, keep an eye on those live betting opportunities. You never know when a game like Super Bowl LI will give you a chance to win big.

Tiger Woods Wins the Masters (2019)

In 2019, Tiger Woods had one of the biggest comeback stories in the history of the US Masters.

Finally, let’s head to Augusta for one of the most heartwarming and unexpected victories in golf history. In 2019, Tiger Woods was not exactly the favorite to win the Masters. Years of injuries and personal struggles had many sports bettors doubting his ability to claim another major title. However, Tiger proved everyone wrong with a performance that will be remembered for generations.

Against all odds, Tiger Woods came from behind on the final day to secure his fifth Masters title and 15th major championship. This victory was particularly sweet for those who had faith in Tiger despite the long odds. Bettors who backed Woods enjoyed significant payouts, turning what seemed like a sentimental bet into a profitable one.

Best Bitcoin Betting Sites for the Masters

My current favorite Bitcoin sports betting sites for golf tournaments, especially the Masters, are: 

• CoinPlay
• Bets.io
• Bons.io

So, don’t shy away from betting on your favorites, even if the odds are long. Tiger’s triumph at the Masters is a perfect example of why sports betting can be so thrilling and rewarding.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to Bitcoin sports betting, remember that there are no sure bets. The biggest upsets in sports history are proof that anything can happen. While it’s thrilling to bet on favorites, there’s a special kind of excitement in backing an underdog and watching them defy the odds.

To make wise decisions when betting on sports, start by learning how to read the odds. Understanding whether you’re dealing with a favorite or an underdog is crucial. Pay attention to factors like team form, player injuries, and historical performance. It’s also helpful to stay updated with expert analyses and predictions, which can give you an edge.

Always manage your bankroll wisely. Set a budget for your bets and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses, and remember that sports betting should be fun and entertaining, not a way to make a quick buck.

For more tips, insights, and the latest updates in the world of sports betting, make sure to bookmark the Bitcoin Casino Kings news page. I’m constantly sharing valuable information to help you make informed bets and enjoy the thrill of the game.

Stay sharp, bet wisely, and enjoy the game!