In the world of esports, the spotlight often shines on the big names: the established teams, the legendary players, and the organizations with millions in backing. But hidden beneath this dominance, there are stories of underdogs who defied expectations and shocked the world with their remarkable victories. These stories not only inspire fans but also showcase the unpredictable, thrilling nature of competitive gaming. In this post, we dive into some of the most iconic underdog stories in esports history—moments when the unexpected happened and the “underdog” teams and players rose to prominence.
1. Fnatic’s Cinderella Story at ESL One Katowice 2015
In 2015, the world of Dota 2 was filled with teams that had established themselves as heavyweights in the competitive scene. But it was Fnatic, a team that many considered an afterthought, who made an unforgettable run at the ESL One Katowice tournament.
The Rise of Fnatic
Fnatic had never been regarded as one of the top contenders heading into the event. With relatively little international success, their chances of winning the prestigious tournament seemed slim. They faced off against the giants of Dota 2, including Team Secret, Virtus.pro, and the dominant Chinese teams. Despite these odds, Fnatic’s underdog spirit, incredible teamwork, and an unyielding will to win propelled them through each stage of the tournament.
The true shock came in the grand final, where Fnatic faced off against the almighty Team Secret, a squad with some of the best Dota 2 players in the world at the time. But through sheer will, unparalleled synergy, and clutch plays, Fnatic upset Team Secret and took home the trophy. Their victory at ESL One Katowice remains one of the most famous underdog stories in Dota 2 history, proving that with the right mix of skill, determination, and a bit of luck, anything is possible in esports.
2. Cloud9’s Historic Run at ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018
One of the most electrifying moments in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) history occurred at the ELEAGUE Major: Boston 2018. Cloud9, a team that had long been on the periphery of greatness but never quite reached the summit, made an incredible run to claim the title and achieve the impossible.
Cloud9’s Journey to the Top
Cloud9 entered the ELEAGUE Major as a team with a strong core but facing steep competition. They were considered by many as a mid-tier team—competent, but not quite on the level of teams like Astralis or FaZe Clan. However, Cloud9’s resilience, team chemistry, and standout performances from players like Stewie2k and autimatic were crucial in their journey.
The true underdog magic happened in the grand final, where Cloud9 faced off against the heavily favored FaZe Clan. The match went to an intense, nerve-wracking best-of-three, and Cloud9 came out on top with a 2-1 victory, claiming their first-ever Major Championship in CS:GO. The entire esports world erupted in celebration, as Cloud9 not only dethroned the top dogs but did so in front of a passionate home crowd in Boston. Their victory will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in CS:GO esports, proving that heart, grit, and a unified team spirit can take down even the most formidable giants.
3. OG’s Unbelievable Back-to-Back Dota 2 International Wins (2018 and 2019)
While OG is now one of the most successful and iconic teams in Dota 2 history, their rise to prominence wasn’t an easy one. Before they achieved dominance, they were considered an underdog team that defied the odds with their groundbreaking victories at The International (TI).
OG’s Surprising Victory at TI8
OG’s underdog journey began in 2018 when the team entered The International 2018, a tournament that typically sees elite teams dominating. OG had undergone a tumultuous roster change, and many didn’t believe they could contend with the heavyweights of the Dota 2 scene. But through grit, determination, and an innovative approach to strategy, OG stunned everyone. They became the first team in Dota 2 history to win The International after starting in the open qualifiers, a feat that seemed nearly impossible.
Their ability to pull off unconventional picks, exploit opponent weaknesses, and execute flawless team coordination was a testament to the skill and creativity of the squad. OG’s run to the championship, where they defeated PSG.LGD in a nail-biting 3-2 series, cemented their place in esports lore as the ultimate underdogs.
OG’s Back-to-Back Triumph
The next year, OG’s legacy as an underdog continued. Not many expected them to repeat their success in 2019, especially after some roster changes, but OG’s resilience proved once again to be unstoppable. They entered TI9 with the same hunger and unpredictability that defined their previous victory. After a string of dominant performances, OG once again found themselves in the grand final, this time facing off against Team Liquid. They triumphed 3-1, claiming their second consecutive TI title and proving that they were no longer an underdog but a dynasty.
OG’s back-to-back Dota 2 International victories solidified their legacy as one of the greatest esports teams of all time, but their underdog story is a testament to the power of teamwork, adaptability, and never giving up.
4. G2 Esports’ Cinderella Story at League of Legends Worlds 2018
G2 Esports is known for being one of the powerhouses of the European League of Legends scene, but in 2018, they were still striving for that elusive Worlds Championship title. At the 2018 League of Legends World Championship, G2 Esports embarked on a remarkable underdog journey that shocked the world and showed just how unpredictable the world of esports can be.
G2’s Rise in the 2018 Worlds
The 2018 Worlds tournament saw G2 coming into the tournament as one of the regional favorites, but not necessarily a team that was considered a top-tier contender. They had a strong roster with players like Perkz, Jankos, and Caps, but their inconsistent performance in previous international events made them an unlikely pick for the title.
However, as the tournament progressed, G2 turned heads with their ability to adapt and perform under pressure. They faced tough opposition in the knockout stages, including Royal Never Give Up and KT Rolster, but their team coordination, smart drafting, and clutch moments from players like Perkz helped propel them to the grand final.
In the final, G2 met Invictus Gaming, a team that had been dominating the competition. While Invictus was widely seen as the favorite, G2’s innovative strategies and sheer resilience allowed them to force a tense series that ended with them securing the win in one of the most exciting finals in Worlds history. Although G2 fell short of securing the World Championship in 2018 (losing to Invictus Gaming in the finals), their run to the finals itself was a remarkable underdog story that solidified them as a major force in the international League of Legends scene.
5. Team Liquid’s Comeback at The International 2017
While OG’s victory at TI8 is still fresh in many minds, let’s rewind to 2017, when Team Liquid’s performance at The International was one of the most incredible comeback stories in esports history.
Team Liquid’s Journey to the Title
Team Liquid’s 2017 run at The International was filled with twists and turns. They started the tournament in the lower bracket, a daunting position for any team, especially when facing such top-tier competition. But despite being pushed to the brink of elimination, Team Liquid made a legendary comeback. Led by players like Miracle-, KuroKy, and Matumbaman, they fought their way through the lower bracket with a string of dominant victories, eventually making it to the grand final.
In the final, they faced off against Newbee, a team that had been playing flawlessly throughout the tournament. In a breathtaking best-of-five series, Liquid’s composure, impeccable teamwork, and ability to outplay their opponents led them to victory, crowning them as the champions of TI7. The emotional victory was a testament to Team Liquid’s resilience and the power of a team that refused to give up, even when the odds were stacked against them.
Conclusion: The Heart of Esports Lies in the Underdog Stories
Esports is a realm where anything can happen, and the most exciting and inspiring stories often come from the underdog teams and players who defy all odds to claim victory. From Fnatic’s rise in 2015 to Team Liquid’s improbable run at TI7, these underdog stories remind us why we love esports: they’re unpredictable, thrilling, and full of heart.
As esports continues to evolve in 2025 and beyond, we can expect even more surprising moments that challenge the status quo and make us believe in the power of the underdog. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a hardcore fan, these stories are what make competitive gaming truly special.
