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Top 10 best championship games since 2000

Championship games are where pressure, preparation, and legacy collide. Since 2000, sports fans have been treated to title games that didn’t just crown a winner — they defined eras, transformed careers, and delivered moments that still give chills years later. The best championship games aren’t always about dominance; they’re about tension, resilience, and the kind of drama that keeps you glued to the screen until the very last second. Whether it’s a fourth-quarter comeback, a buzzer-beater at the horn, a walk-off touchdown in overtime, or a penalty shootout that stops the world, these are the contests that transcend the sport itself.

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What makes a championship game truly unforgettable is the emotional swing. One minute, a dynasty looks inevitable — the next, an underdog flips the script. Legends are either cemented or heartbreakingly denied. From football’s biggest stage to the global spectacle of the World Cup, from hardwood classics to October baseball showdowns, these games remind us why we invest so much emotion into sports. They create shared memories across generations — moments replayed endlessly in highlights, debates, and conversations about greatness.

The Top 10 best championship games since 2000 represent more than thrilling finishes. They capture the raw essence of competition at its highest level, where history is written in real time and every play carries the weight of everything that came before it.

1. Super Bowl LI – 2017 (Patriots vs. Falcons)

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with tackle Nate Solder (77), wide receiver Julian Edelman (11), offensive guard Joe Thuney (62), and center David Andrews (60) after winning Super Bowl LI. The Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 at NRG Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Super Bowl LI delivered the greatest comeback in NFL history. Down 28–3 late in the third quarter, Tom Brady and the Patriots methodically dismantled Atlanta’s defense with precision and poise. The game’s first-ever Super Bowl overtime sealed New England’s 34–28 victory and cemented Brady’s legacy as the ultimate clutch quarterback. It wasn’t just a comeback — it was a psychological shift in what fans believe is possible.

2. 2022 FIFA World Cup Final (Argentina vs. France)

Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi (19) holds up the World Cup trophy as he and his teammates celebrate after winning the 2022 World Cup final against France at Lusail Stadium. Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

This final felt like a Hollywood script brought to life. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé traded brilliance in a dramatic 3–3 battle that had nonstop momentum swings. Mbappé’s hat trick nearly stole the show, but Messi’s composure in extra time and penalties finally delivered Argentina the trophy. It wasn’t just one of the best World Cup finals — it was one of the greatest matches in soccer history.

3. 2025 World Series – Game 7 (Dodgers vs. Blue Jays)

Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Bo Bichette (11) hits a three run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning during game seven of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images

Game 7 of the 2025 World Series had everything you want in baseball — tension, momentum shifts, and late-inning heroics. The Dodgers and Blue Jays traded blows in a game that felt like it could tilt either way with every pitch. Clutch hitting under pressure defined the night, with stars rising when it mattered most. It was the kind of classic that reminds fans why October baseball is unmatched for drama.

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4. 2006 Rose Bowl (Texas vs. USC)

Texas Longhorns safety Matt Melton (18) celebrates defeating the Southern California Trojans during the 2006 Rose Bowl at the Rose Bowl. The Longhorns defeated the Trojans 41-38. Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Network

The 2006 Rose Bowl showcased Vince Young at his absolute peak. Facing a dominant USC team led by Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart, Young delivered one of the most iconic performances in college football history. His game-winning fourth-down touchdown scramble instantly became legendary. It was a heavyweight fight between titans, and it lived up to every ounce of hype.

5. Super Bowl XLII – 2008 (Giants vs. Patriots)

On February 3, 2018, Eli Manning with celebrates David Tyree after a touchdown during Super Bowl XLII Sunday.

Credit: © TYSON TRISH/THE RECORD

The Giants stunned the undefeated Patriots in a game that felt almost mythical. David Tyree’s helmet catch remains one of the most improbable plays ever made on football’s biggest stage. Eli Manning’s late-game composure capped a drive that denied New England a perfect season. It was a reminder that heart and resilience can topple even the most dominant teams.

6. 2018 CFP National Championship (Alabama vs. Georgia)

Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates his game winning touchdown catch against Georgia during the College Football Playoff National Championship game, Jan. 8, 2018 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Alabama defeated Georgia in overtime 26-23. Credit: © Gary Cosby Jr. via Imagn Content Services, LLC

This championship game delivered instant legend status to Tua Tagovailoa. After being benched at halftime, Jalen Hurts gave way to Tua, who threw a walk-off touchdown in overtime. The “2nd and 26” strike to DeVonta Smith is etched into college football lore. It was bold coaching, fearless quarterback play, and championship drama all in one unforgettable night.

7. 2016 NCAA Championship (Villanova vs. North Carolina)

Villanova Wildcats players react to their win over North Carolina Tar Heels in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men’s Final Four at NRG Stadium. Villanova won 77-74. Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Kris Jenkins’ buzzer-beater is one of the purest championship endings in basketball history. After North Carolina tied the game with a clutch three, Villanova calmly executed one final play to perfection. Jenkins’ shot at the horn delivered a 77–74 win and instant immortality. It was March Madness distilled into its most dramatic form.

8. 2016 NBA Finals – Game 7 (Cavaliers vs. Warriors)

Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first quarter in game seven of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James’ chase-down block alone would’ve made this game historic. Cleveland completed a 3–1 comeback against a 73-win Warriors team, something never done before in the Finals. Kyrie Irving’s cold-blooded three over Stephen Curry sealed the title. For the city of Cleveland, it wasn’t just a championship — it was redemption decades in the making.

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9. Super Bowl XLIII – 2009 (Steelers vs. Cardinals)

Super Bowl XLIII (Steelers 27, Cardinals 23): Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Santonio Holmes catches the winning touchdown pass in front of Arizona Cardinals safety Aaron Francisco late in the fourth quarter. Credit: © Matt Cashore / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This game was a rollercoaster from start to finish. James Harrison’s 100-yard interception return before halftime was jaw-dropping, but Arizona roared back behind Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald. With the game on the line, Ben Roethlisberger delivered a pinpoint pass to Santonio Holmes in the corner of the end zone. The toe-tap catch sealed one of the most thrilling finishes in Super Bowl history.

10. 2013 NBA Finals – Game 6 (Heat vs. Spurs)

Miami Heat shooting guard Ray Allen (34) shoots against San Antonio Spurs power forward Tim Duncan (21) during the second half of game six in the 2013 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena. Credit: Kevin C. Cox\Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports

Ray Allen’s corner three saved Miami’s season and became one of the most iconic shots ever. The Spurs were seconds away from celebrating before Allen backpedaled into history. LeBron James’ resilience throughout the comeback pushed the series to a decisive Game 7. It was high-pressure basketball at its absolute peak — where every possession felt like destiny.

Conclusion

Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) holds the golden ball trophy after winning the 2022 World Cup final against France at Lusail Stadium. Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

These championship classics prove that greatness isn’t just about winning — it’s about how the story unfolds. In the end, it’s the drama, the resilience, and the unforgettable moments that make these games timeless.

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