Why Some Fans Choose to Support Underdog Teams

29 August 2025

When it comes to sports, most fans tend to back the powerhouses — those big-name teams packed with star players, huge budgets, and a history of winning. But then, there are fans who root for the little guys, the ones with slim odds, low expectations, and nothing to lose. They’re not doing it for the glory; they’re in it for something deeper. So, what makes someone cheer for the underdog?

Let’s dive into the psychology, emotion, and sheer passion behind this unique choice.

It's All About Heart, Not Just Trophies

Supporting an underdog team is like choosing soul over stats. Sure, the trophy cabinet might be dusty, and the roster might include more rookies than all-stars — but there’s something undeniably charming about rooting for a team that fights tooth and nail every single game.

Think about it like this: Would you rather watch a movie where the hero has everything handed to them, or one where the protagonist rises from the ashes, against all odds? The same logic applies in sports. Fans of underdogs are invested in the journey — not just the destination.

The Thrill of the Upset

Cinderella stories aren’t just for fairy tales. In sports, unexpected victories are the stuff of legends. Remember Leicester City winning the Premier League in 2016? Nobody believed it could happen — not even the bookmakers. But it did. And it was magical.

Supporting an underdog means you get to be part of those rare, spine-tingling moments when the impossible becomes reality. It’s not just about winning. It’s about shocking the world.

Identity and Rebellion

Let’s be honest. Some people just love going against the grain. In a world where everyone is wearing the jersey of the most successful team, choosing the underdog is an act of rebellion. It’s picking personality over popularity.

Fans often align their identity with their team. When you support an underdog, you’re telling the world: "I’m not like everybody else. I value grit, hustle, and loyalty over easy wins."

And hey, who doesn’t want to be the fan who says, “I was with them when no one else was”?

The Bond Feels Stronger

Here’s the thing about loyalty: it’s tested in tough times. And underdog teams see a lot of tough times. When losses stack up and wins are few and far between, it creates a tighter, more passionate bond between fans and their team.

There’s a certain beauty in sticking with a team through the lows, hoping for the highs. It builds community. Shared suffering becomes shared joy when those small wins finally come.

In fact, ask any underdog fan, and they’ll tell you: the first win after a long losing streak feels like winning a championship.

It’s More Relatable

Let’s face it — most of us are underdogs in some shape or form. We’re not billionaires, we’re not perfect, and we’ve definitely had to hustle for what we have. So when we see a struggling team fighting against the giants, we see ourselves in them.

There’s something deeply human about cheering for someone — or some team — that mirrors our own struggles. We relate to the grind, the setbacks, the determination. Supporting an underdog isn’t just a sports decision; it’s an emotional connection.

Better Stories, Bigger Payoff

Every underdog team carries a story — of overcoming injuries, bouncing back from humiliation, defying the odds. These narratives are richer, more layered, and way more interesting than another “Team X dominates again” headline.

And let’s not forget the payoff. When an underdog finally clinches that game, that series, or that title — the emotional payout is massive. Watching a perennial loser lift a trophy feels like the culmination of a long, heartfelt saga. You’ve been with them since the beginning, and now you get to celebrate a rare but unforgettable victory.

Player Development and Grit Over Glamour

Unlike mega-teams that buy top talent, underdogs often rely on developing youth players or scouting hidden gems. That means fans get to watch athletes grow, evolve, and improve right before their eyes.

There’s something satisfying about seeing that rookie who struggled last season become a reliable starter. You feel like you’ve been part of their journey. It’s like watching your little brother go from riding training wheels to winning the Tour de France.

These teams might not always have the flash, but they’ve got the fight — and fans love that.

Less Pressure, More Fun

Supporting a top-tier team comes with expectations. Every loss feels like a crisis. Every season must end with a trophy, or it’s a failure.

With underdogs? The pressure is off.

Wins feel like bonuses, not requirements. You can sit back, enjoy the game, and celebrate the small stuff — a good play, a tight match, a moral victory. It keeps fandom fun and fresh without the constant weight of “must-win” expectations.

Community Matters More

Big teams often have global fanbases, but that doesn't always translate to tight-knit communities. On the flip side, underdog teams usually have local, die-hard fans who know each other, hang out before games, and form bonds that go beyond the sport.

Supporting an underdog means joining a community where every fan matters. Your voice is heard, your presence is noticed, and your passion is appreciated.

It’s not just being part of a stadium crowd — it’s being part of a family.

Media Overload vs. Focused Passion

Let’s be real. The media loves a winner. Big teams get all the coverage, the prime-time slots, the social media spotlight. But that also leads to overexposure — and for some fans, burnout.

Supporting an underdog means you’re not following what ESPN tells you to like. You’re charting your own path, finding your own heroes, and building your own narrative — one that isn’t dominated by headlines and hot takes.

You get to dig deeper, discover hidden talent, and truly invest in your team without being bombarded by the constant hype train.

The Joy of Being Proven Right

Let’s not forget one big thing: bragging rights.

When you support a team that no one believes in, and they start winning — even just a little — there’s no better feeling. You get to say, “I told you so.” That sweet, righteous vindication? That’s a moment underdog fans live for.

It’s more than just winning. It’s winning your way. And that feels incredible.

Fans Root for the Underdog in Life Too

Here’s the kicker: this phenomenon doesn’t only exist in stadiums. People love underdog stories in movies, books, and real life. Why? Because they inspire us.

Whether it’s Rocky Balboa going the distance, a struggling student acing the final exam, or a startup challenging the corporate giant — we all love to see the little guy fight back.

So when we support underdog teams, we're not just watching sports — we're feeding our own hope and belief that anything is possible.

It's Not Just Fandom; It's a Philosophy

At its core, cheering for an underdog isn’t just a sporting decision — it’s a mindset. It’s about resilience, faith, and believing that past isn’t always prologue. It's saying, “Yeah, the odds are against us… but so what?”

That kind of attitude bleeds into everyday life. It teaches patience, loyalty, and optimism. It’s about enjoying the ride, not just the results.

Final Thoughts

Supporting an underdog team might not come with parades and championship rings every season, but it offers something arguably more valuable — authenticity, heart, and a level of emotional engagement that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Sure, it’s not always easy. There will be heartaches, frustration, and late-game collapses. But when the good times roll around, they mean so much more. Because you stuck with them. Through thick and thin. And that’s where the real magic happens.

So, if you’re someone who backs the team most people overlook, wear it like a badge of honor. You’re not just a fan — you’re a believer.