Upsets occur in esports when a team or player deemed the underdog defeats the heavy favorite. Some of the most iconic upsets in esports history include Samsung Galaxy White’s victory over China’s Team OMG in the 2014 League of Legends World Championship and Alliance’s win over Na’Vi in the 2013 Dota 2 championship. Underdogs often play without pressure, employ unexpected strategies, and benefit from luck. Upsets in esports are a testament to the unpredictable nature of competitive gaming and make it an exciting and thrilling spectacle.
The Biggest Upsets in Esports History: How Underdogs Dominate the Competition
Esports has come a long way in the past few decades, growing from humble beginnings to a billion-dollar industry. Esports is a form of competitive gaming, where professional and amateur players alike compete against each other in video games. Esports competitions often attract millions of viewers, and with that kind of attention, come some of the biggest upsets in sports history.
What is an upset in Esports?
In esports, an upset refers to a match or series in which an underdog team or player defeats a heavy favorite, often against all odds. Upsets happen for a variety of reasons, including strategic mistakes, bad luck, or an unexpected surge of skill from the underdog.
The biggest upsets in Esports history
Here are some of the most iconic upsets in esports history:
Korea destroys China in the 2014 League of Legends World Championship
In the 2014 League of Legends World Championship, China’s Team OMG was heavily favored going into their match against South Korea’s Samsung Galaxy White. Despite this, Samsung won the series 3-0, dominating their Chinese counterparts to take home the title.
Alliance beats Na’Vi in the 2013 Dota 2 championship
The 2013 Dota 2 championship was hotly contested, with many strong teams competing for the title. However, the finals saw Sweden’s Alliance face off against the Ukraine’s Natus Vincere (Na’Vi), and Na’Vi was the clear favorite. Despite this, Alliance came out swinging in the first game, securing a quick victory, and went on to win the series 3-2, taking home the championship.
The Miracle Run of Team Liquid in the 2017 Dota 2 championship
Team Liquid went on an incredible run in the 2017 Dota 2 championship, winning nine games in a row to take home the title. They were the underdogs throughout the tournament, but a strong performance by their mid-laner Miracle propelled them to victory over Chinese powerhouses Newbee and LGD.
Why do upsets happen in Esports?
Upsets in esports, just like in traditional sports, are often the result of a combination of factors. Here are a few of the main reasons why upsets happen in esports:
Underdog teams play without pressure
When a team is heavily favored, they are under a lot of pressure to perform. This pressure can lead to mistakes and nerves, which can then open the door for underdogs to strike.
Unexpected strategies can catch favored teams off guard
Underdogs often employ unorthodox strategies that catch their opponents off guard. These unexpected strategies can give underdogs an early advantage, which then allows them to control the pace of the game and ultimately secure a victory.
Luck plays a role in esports
Luck is a factor in almost all forms of sports, including esports. Sometimes, random events like critical hits or lucky bounces can swing a match in an underdog’s favor.
Conclusion
Upsets are a common occurrence in esports and are a testament to the unpredictable nature of competitive gaming. While top teams are expected to dominate, upstarts can come out of nowhere and take the world by storm. It’s what makes esports such an exciting and thrilling spectacle, and we can’t wait to see what future upsets are in store!