Champions of 2025: A Year of Thrilling Wins and Surprising Underdogs

In 2025, the world of sports delivered a thrilling mix of dominant performances and unexpected victories. The Philadelphia Eagles made a strong comeback in the NFL, defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. Jalen Hurts led the Eagles to their second Super Bowl win, with a standout defensive performance. The Eagles' journey included a snow game victory and a divisional win against their rivals. The NBA saw the Oklahoma City Thunder claim their first title in 17 years. Despite a heartbreaking injury to Tyrese Haliburton, the Thunder's regular season dominance translated into playoff success. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's leadership and a historic 68-14 regular season set the stage for their victory. In baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers made history by becoming the first back-to-back champions since the late 1990s. Their World Series win against the Toronto Blue Jays was a nail-biter, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto earning MVP honors. The Dodgers' creative bullpen strategies and Roki Sasaki's role as closer were key to their success. The Florida Panthers repeated as Stanley Cup champions in the NHL, defeating the Edmonton Oilers again. Sam Reinhart's four-goal performance in the final game sealed their victory. The Panthers' consistent playoff presence and strong defensive play were crucial. College football saw the Ohio State Buckeyes overcome early setbacks to win the national championship. Their defense played a pivotal role in shutting down powerful offenses. The expanded playoff format gave them a second chance, which they seized to prove their dominance.The Las Vegas Aces solidified their dynasty in the WNBA, winning their third title in four years. A'ja Wilson's leadership and a late-season winning streak propelled them to victory. Becky Hammon's coaching excellence continued to shine. In men's college basketball, the Florida Gators had an impressive run, defeating top teams to win the championship. Todd Golden became the youngest coach to win a title in decades. The Gators' balanced attack and clutch performances were key. The UConn Huskies added another title to their impressive resume in women's college basketball. Geno Auriemma's team dominated the tournament, avenging a previous loss to South Carolina. Their consistency and depth were unmatched. Kyle Larson secured his second NASCAR championship in a thrilling finish. A strategic tire change and a late-race comeback secured his victory. Denny Hamlin's strong performance fell just short. Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, won the MLS Cup. Messi's contributions and the team's cohesive play made them champions. Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets retired as winners, adding to the team's legacy. Gotham City made history in the NWSL by winning as the lowest-seeded champion. Their resilience and coach Juan Carlos Amorós' leadership were instrumental. Winning the Concacaf W Champions Cup earlier in the year made their season even more remarkable.