Shocking Underdog Victories from Recent Esports Tournaments

18 December 2025

Let’s talk about underdog victories. You know, the type of moments that make us jump out of our chairs, yelling “WHAT JUST HAPPENED?” If you’re into esports—and I mean really into it—then you’ve probably witnessed some jaw-dropping moments that left fans stunned, players disoriented, and the casters completely losing their minds.

In a world of meticulously trained pros, million-dollar prize pools, and dedicated fan bases, these David-versus-Goliath esports moments hit us differently. They’re not just wins—they’re stories. They remind us why we love this scene so much. So, strap in because we’re about to dive into the most shocking underdog victories from recent esports tournaments. Spoiler: It’s going to get intense.

The David That Toppled Goliath in Dota 2: Tundra Esports Stealing the Show

Let’s start with the absolute madness that was The International 2022. If you’re a Dota 2 fan, you already know that this tournament is like the Super Bowl of esports. All eyes were on juggernauts like PSG.LGD and Team Secret, organizations with stacked rosters and reputations for dominating the scene.

But guess what? Tundra Esports, a team no one really saw coming, came in and absolutely blew the doors off the tournament. They didn’t just win—they practically bulldozed every team in their path. Tundra wasn’t just an underdog; they were the underdog everyone had written off.

How did they pull it off? With an aggressive playstyle and unconventional picks that left opponents scratching their heads. They broke the meta and rewrote the playbook. Their victory wasn’t just shocking—it was a wake-up call to the entire Dota esports ecosystem.

A Cinderella Story in League of Legends: DRX’s Unbelievable Worlds 2022 Run

If there’s one esports event that knows how to deliver drama, it’s the League of Legends World Championship. But in 2022, DRX went beyond drama—they delivered the fairytale.

DRX wasn’t even supposed to make it to Worlds. They had to claw their way through Korea’s Regional Finals, defying every odd just to land a spot on the big stage. And even then? No one expected them to do much. They were literally the last seed from the LCK, facing off against the likes of T1’s Faker—the unholy king of League—and JD Gaming, a Chinese powerhouse.

But DRX didn’t care about the odds. They fought tooth and nail, going on an unimaginable lower-bracket run, defeating team after team, and eventually standing atop the world. The final match? A heart-stopping 5-game series against T1 that will go down as one of the most incredible finals in LoL history.

If you’re looking for an underdog story for the ages, this is it. Imagine your high school football team beating an NFL squad. That’s what this felt like.

Streak Broken in CS:GO: Outsiders at IEM Rio Major 2022

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive is home to some of the most hyped and skilled teams you’ll ever see. Names like NAVI, FaZe Clan, and G2 dominate headlines. But in the IEM Rio Major 2022, Outsiders decided to shake things up.

Widely considered “out of their league,” Outsiders were not even on the radar as a potential champion. But that didn’t stop them from bulldozing past fan-favorites and top-tier teams. They showed resilience, discipline, and patience in a game that demands split-second reflexes and tactical mastery.

Their grand final against Heroic was nothing short of mesmerizing. They played with the confidence of a team that had nothing to lose, and maybe that’s what gave them the edge. To see the underdog Outsiders hoist the trophy at Rio? It was an "are-you-kidding-me" moment for the books.

The VALORANT Miracle: ZETA Division at VCT Masters Reykjavik 2022

VALORANT’s growing esports scene has been nothing short of spectacular, but let’s be real: It’s tough for smaller regions to shine. Teams from Asia-Pacific often get overshadowed by North America’s 100 Thieves or Europe’s Fnatic. That’s what made ZETA Division’s run at VCT Masters Reykjavik 2022 so darn magical.

These guys were written off before the tournament even started. No one gave them a chance. But instead of bowing out early, ZETA Division shocked the world with a performance that made even the most hardcore doubters eat their words.

They played with heart, precision, and pure adaptability. Their match against DRX (yes, the League of Legends champions) in the lower bracket was absolutely wild, marked by clutch plays and some ice-cold composure. The fact that ZETA finished third—ahead of teams like G2 Esports—is the kind of underdog story that makes fans believe again.

Fortnite’s Dark Horse: Aqua and Nyhrox at Fortnite World Cup Duos 2019

Okay, I know what you’re thinking—Fortnite is just a game for kids doing dance emotes, right? Wrong. When Aqua and Nyhrox took home the Fortnite World Cup Duos trophy in 2019, they did something extraordinary.

These two players weren’t considered elite-level competitors by any stretch of the imagination. They were the dark horse duo, with the odds stacked against them. And yet, in one of the most high-pressure environments in esports history, they not only stayed calm but thrived.

Remember—this was Fortnite World Cup. The stakes? A jaw-dropping $3 million for the winning duo. Aqua and Nyhrox pulled off mechanical brilliance combined with insane decision-making. Their victory didn’t just shock the world; it proved that even in a chaotic game like Fortnite, underdogs can rise to the occasion.

Why Do We Love Underdogs So Much?

We’ve all been there. Whether it’s in life, sports, or even your favorite video game, everyone loves to root for the little guy. Why? Because it’s relatable. We’ve all felt underestimated, overlooked, or out of place at some point. And when someone beats the odds in such an epic way, it feels like a win for all of us.

In esports, underdog victories aren’t just about the players. They’re about the fans, the orgs, and even the games themselves. They show that with grit, determination, and a little bit of chaos, anything is possible.

Final Thoughts

Esports thrives on these breathtaking moments. Whether it’s Tundra slaying titans in Dota 2, DRX rewriting history in League of Legends, or Outsiders defying odds in CS:GO, these shocking underdog victories are proof that esports is unpredictable, beautiful, and utterly thrilling.

So, next time you tune into a major tournament, don’t just look out for the big names or flashy plays. Keep your eyes peeled for that scrappy underdog lurking in the shadows, ready to shock the world. Because, as we’ve seen time and time again, anything is possible in the world of esports.