Most sporting leagues around the world have their own version of the same fairy-tale in which a team wins a competition against impossible odds. The only thing worse from a betting perspective is missing out on some of those long shots that we said no to for one reason or another.
This week the Las Vegas Golden Knights joined a select list of sides to blow the odds out of the water and make the Stanley Cup Finals. What are the odds of a new expansion franchise based in the middle of the desert winning ice hockey’s biggest trophy?
While the Golden Knights haven’t taken home the silverware just yet, the temptation to cash out on a long-shot can be tempting.
With the World Cup and State of Origin around the corner, take a look at some of these long shots that defied the odds!
Vegas Golden Knights
The newest side in the NHL in 2018 were at odds of 500-1 to make an impact at the start of the season. This week Las Vegas made history by making the final of the Stanley Cup. The Nevada based franchise have made all the right moves and those who backed them at the start of the season will be hoping that they can get their hands on the trophy and write their name into American sporting folklore.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7gxt0427LY&start_radio=1&list=RDo7gxt0427LY
Leicester City
In the 2014-2015 season, the Foxes were back in the top-flight of English football after an eleven-year absence. Leicester were a side completely composed of players that other clubs had discarded. The odds of Leicester winning the title were greater than Kim Kardashian becoming US president. The Foxes defied odds of 5000-1 to spark one of the greatest stories in sporting history and win the EPL title.
Richmond Tigers
The Tigers are one of the best supported clubs in the AFL and in 2017 they were able to turn around their fortunes. Tigers coach Damian Hardwick was on the verge of getting the sack when he sparked a stunning form reversal that saw his side go from 26-1 to win their first premiership in 37 years.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79-7DqO_bqA
Western Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs broke through for their first premiership title after a 55-year wait. The Bulldogs came from seventh place and against the odds defeated West Coast in Perth and the Giants in Sydney and then defeat the Swans on Grand Final Day at odds of $16 at the start of the season.
Cronulla Sharks
The Sharks were able to defy expectations to bring the National Rugby League title back to the southern shire in 2016. The Sharks were able to defy the Melbourne Storm and win the Grand Final by two-points.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_1H1KJNWlE
South Sydney Rabbitohs
For one of the competitions most successful clubs, the Rabbitohs were at long odds to break their premiership drought in 2014. Under coach Michael Maguire, South Sydney defied expectations to end a 43-year wait to make history and lift the premiership trophy.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-ouHs_w9l8
South Korea World Cup Team
In 2018, South Korea are at odds of 500-1 to win the World Cup in Russia and in 2002 they almost did the impossible. As co-hosts of football’s showcase event with Japan in 2002, the Koreans rode a huge wave of public support to record their best ever finish at the World Cup. Korea were able to defeat some of football’s heavyweights to get within touching distance of the final in Japan.
Prince of Penzance
One of the biggest shocks in Australian racing occurred when Michelle Payne guided the 100-1 shot to a win in the race that stops a nation. Payne became the first female jockey to win the Melbourne Cup when Prince of Penzance crossed the line ahead of Max Dynamite and Criterion at Flemington Racecourse.