Upset (competition)

An upset in competitive events refers to a result where the competitor, team, or outcome widely considered to be the less likely, or disadvantaged, succeeds against the perceived favorite or stronger opponent. The perceived likelihood is often based on factors such as rankings, past performance, seeding, resources, experience, size, or other measurable qualities. An upset implies a significant deviation from expectations and is often met with surprise and excitement, particularly by supporters of the underdog.

The magnitude of an upset is often determined by the degree to which the result was unexpected. For example, a top-ranked team losing to a second-ranked team may not be considered a major upset, whereas a top-ranked team losing to a team ranked much lower would be. The greater the disparity in perceived strength or expected outcome, the larger the upset.

Upsets are a common feature in many forms of competition, including sports (both individual and team), elections, and even business. They can be attributed to a variety of factors, including luck, unexpected changes in strategy or performance, mental fortitude, or the "underdog effect," where the less-favored competitor feels less pressure and can perform more freely.

While upsetting the favorite can be a monumental achievement for the less-favored competitor, it's also important to note that labeling an event as an "upset" is subjective and based on pre-conceived notions of strength and ability. These assessments may not always be accurate, and unforeseen factors often contribute to the actual outcome.