Why We Root for Underdogs (and Sometimes Bet on Them Too)
Betting on the longshot just feels different.
It’s not always the logical move, but there’s a kind of buzz to it that you don’t get from backing the obvious winner. Whether it’s a low-ranked tennis player or a team with zero headlines all season, there’s something satisfying about putting your faith where few others are looking.
Sure, the odds are longer and the payout can be better—but that’s not always the reason. Betting on the team no one expects to win feels like making a quiet sports bet on your own instincts. And when it actually works out? It’s more than just a win—it’s validation. You weren’t just lucky. You saw something others didn’t.
Why We Relate
There’s probably a part of all of us that knows what it feels like to be overlooked. Maybe it was a promotion that never came, a role we didn’t get, or just a time when nobody expected much from us. So when we watch an underdog rise—climb back from behind or hold their ground against a giant—it hits a nerve. We get it. We’ve lived versions of it.
That connection makes the whole experience feel personal. It’s not just about odds or scores anymore. It’s about seeing someone—or something—succeed when no one gave them a real shot.
Betting on Heart, Not Just Stats
Bookmakers set odds based on history, form, injuries, and data. But real life doesn’t always follow the math. Upsets happen. Momentum shifts. Sometimes a team just shows up differently than anyone expected.
That unpredictability is exactly what makes sports worth watching—and betting on underdogs is part of embracing that chaos in a hopeful way.
It’s not about outsmarting the system. It’s about taking a chance when it feels right.
Platforms like Betway and others know this. They often highlight underdog markets during big events because they know what draws people in. It’s not just about the risk—it’s about the story.
It’s Also About Community
One of the more underrated parts of betting on an underdog? The shared ride. When you and your friends all back the longshot, every goal, every rally, every close call becomes a moment. You’re in it together. And if the upset actually happens? It’s unforgettable. Even if it doesn’t, you didn’t really lose much. The thrill of backing a team no one believed in is often worth the price of the ticket.
Final Thought
So why do we bet on underdogs?
Sometimes it’s for the payout. But more often, it’s because we see something that reminds us of ourselves—a fight, a moment, a shot no one thinks you’ll take.
And when it lands, there’s nothing quite like it.
