The ESPY Award for Best Upset is an annual award given by ESPN to the team that accomplished the most significant, impressive, or surprising upset during the year in question. This award is one of the most prestigious in the sports world, acknowledging the incredible efforts and achievements of teams that overcome long odds and demonstrate incredible heart and determination.
To be eligible for the Best Upset award, a team must have competed in a regular season or playoff game or series that was held under the jurisdiction of one of the four major sports leagues in the United States and Canada, or collegiately under the auspices of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. This means that the winner of this award must have participated in a high-profile event, often involving two top-tiered teams, where they managed to secure an unlikely victory through hard work, skill, strategy, or just sheer luck.
The ESPY Award for Best Upset was introduced in 2007 and has been awarded annually since then. Past recipients include some of the greatest upsets in sports history, such as the 2004 NBA Finals, where the underdog Detroit Pistons shocked the heavily favored Los Angeles Lakers in five games. Another notable winner was the 2005 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament first round, where the Bucknell Bison defeated the defending national champions Kansas Jayhawks by a single point.
The impact of the Best Upset award extends beyond just acknowledging the achievements of a single team. It serves as a reminder of the beauty of sports, highlighting the excitement of unpredictability and the thrill of following a storybook story. Whether it's the underdog rising up to defeat a favored opponent or a team overcoming adversity to secure a comeback victory, the Best Upset award showcases the resilience and heart of sports, and inspires fans to believe in the impossible., the ESPY Award for Best Upset is an important aspect of sports culture, rewarding teams that showcase incredible perseverance and talent in the face of adversity. Its recognition of upsets that go beyond the usual boundaries of competition underscores the unique and exciting aspect of sports, and ensures that the spirit of sportsmanship and the joy of following a good story remain an integral part of the experience.
