Underdogs Who Stole the Show in All-Star Games

9 November 2025

When we think about All-Star Games, it's easy to focus on the big names—the LeBrons, the Messis, the Griffeys of the world. These players are household names for a reason: they consistently perform at the highest level, and they’ve earned their spots on the All-Star roster many times over. But what about the underdogs? The players who, despite not being the most famous or the most celebrated, managed to turn heads and steal the show?

In this article, we’ll take a stroll down memory lane and relive the moments when unexpected stars lit up All-Star games across various sports. These are the players who weren’t supposed to be the main attraction, yet somehow, they became the story. And if there's one thing we love more than a star-studded spectacle, it's a good underdog story.

Let’s dive into some of the most memorable moments when underdogs stole the show in All-Star Games.

What Makes an Underdog Steal the Show?

Before we jump into the specific players, let’s first break down what it means to be an underdog in an All-Star Game. By definition, an underdog is someone who is expected to lose or perform poorly compared to their competition. In the context of All-Star Games, underdogs come in many forms:

- First-time All-Stars – Players who are making their debut on the big stage, often surrounded by seasoned veterans.
- Unrecognized Talent – Players who might not have the same level of fame as their peers but possess incredible skill.
- Unexpected Performances – Sometimes, a player with a decent reputation can still be seen as an underdog if no one expects them to dominate.

But what makes these moments stand out is when these underdogs not only hold their own but outshine the biggest stars in the game. It’s a combination of skill, timing, and the element of surprise that makes these stories so unforgettable.

1. Allen Iverson (2001 NBA All-Star Game)

When we think of Allen Iverson, we don’t necessarily think of an underdog. The man was a cultural icon and a Hall of Famer. But in the 2001 NBA All-Star Game, Iverson wasn’t expected to dominate the way he did. The Western Conference was stacked with superstars like Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O’Neal, while Iverson’s Eastern Conference squad was considered the weaker team.

However, Iverson had other plans. Down by 21 points with just nine minutes left in the game, Iverson led a furious comeback, scoring 15 of his 25 points in the final quarter. His relentless energy and fearless play earned him the MVP award, and suddenly, the conversation wasn’t about the star-studded Western team but about how Iverson single-handedly turned the tide of the game.

2. John Scott (2016 NHL All-Star Game)

John Scott’s story reads like a Hollywood script. In fact, they even made a movie about it. Scott, a journeyman enforcer, wasn’t exactly known for his goal-scoring prowess. He spent most of his career as a tough guy, protecting his teammates and racking up penalty minutes rather than points. So how did he end up in the 2016 NHL All-Star Game?

Well, it all started when fans, in a joke campaign, voted Scott into the game despite him barely playing that season. The NHL wasn’t thrilled, and there were attempts to dissuade him from participating, but Scott stuck with it.

What happened next was truly unbelievable. Not only did Scott play in the game, but he scored two goals and was named MVP. The fans had the last laugh, and Scott’s All-Star Game performance remains one of the most feel-good underdog stories in sports history.

3. Russell Martin (2007 MLB All-Star Game)

Russell Martin was a relatively unknown player when he was selected for the 2007 MLB All-Star Game. At that time, Martin was the catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers, and while he had a solid reputation, he wasn’t exactly a household name compared to the likes of Derek Jeter or Albert Pujols.

But during that All-Star Game, Martin had a standout performance behind the plate. He caught a stellar game, helping the National League’s pitchers hold the opposing team to just five hits. His defense and leadership were on full display, and while he didn’t win the MVP, his performance earned him recognition as one of the game's top defensive catchers for years to come.

4. Isiah Thomas (1986 NBA All-Star Game)

Isiah Thomas is now regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, but in the 1986 NBA All-Star Game, he wasn’t the player everyone was expecting to shine. Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar were the headliners, and Thomas was seen as a solid player but not necessarily the one to watch that night.

However, Thomas took over the game with his exceptional playmaking and leadership, scoring 30 points and dishing out 10 assists. He was named the game’s MVP, and it was a turning point in his career, solidifying his status as one of the premier players in the league.

5. David Lee (2010 NBA All-Star Game)

David Lee isn’t a name that typically comes up in conversations about NBA All-Star Games, but in 2010, the forward had one of the most surprising performances in All-Star history. Lee was not a flashy player, and his selection to the game was seen as somewhat of a surprise.

But once the game started, Lee made the most of his opportunity. He finished with 12 points and 14 rebounds, playing a pivotal role in the Eastern Conference’s victory. While he didn’t walk away with the MVP award, Lee’s performance showed that even role players can have a major impact on the biggest stage.

6. Bo Jackson (1989 MLB All-Star Game)

Bo Jackson’s athleticism is the stuff of legends. He was a two-sport athlete, excelling in both baseball and football. But in 1989, Jackson was still seen as a raw talent in the MLB, and many questioned whether he could live up to the hype in the All-Star Game.

Well, he didn’t just live up to the hype—he exceeded it. In the first inning of the game, Jackson hit a monstrous 448-foot home run that left the crowd in awe. He followed that up with a stolen base and some stellar defensive plays in the outfield. Jackson’s performance earned him the MVP award, and it cemented his status as one of the most electrifying athletes of all time.

7. Latrell Sprewell (1994 NBA All-Star Game)

Latrell Sprewell’s career was filled with ups and downs, but in the 1994 NBA All-Star Game, he was a bright spot. Despite being a relatively new face in the league, Sprewell was selected to represent the Western Conference. He wasn’t expected to dominate, especially with stars like Hakeem Olajuwon and Charles Barkley on his team.

But Sprewell played like a man on a mission, scoring 20 points and helping lead the West to a blowout victory. His aggressive play and ability to score in bunches made him one of the standout performers of the game, despite being one of the lesser-known players at the time.

8. Devin Booker (2020 NBA All-Star Game)

Devin Booker had been putting up big numbers for the Phoenix Suns for years, but because the team had struggled, he hadn’t received the recognition he deserved. So when Booker was selected as an injury replacement for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, some saw it as a token gesture.

But Booker quickly proved that he belonged. He scored 20 points off the bench and hit several key shots during the game’s most intense moments. Booker’s performance not only helped his team but also earned him respect as one of the league’s rising stars.

9. Jiri Sekac (2015 NHL All-Star Game)

Jiri Sekac might not be a name that most casual hockey fans recognize, but in the 2015 NHL All-Star Game, he made sure people remembered him. Sekac, a rookie at the time, wasn’t expected to do much in a game filled with the league’s top talent.

However, Sekac showcased his speed and playmaking ability, finishing with a goal and an assist. While he didn’t walk away with an MVP award, his unexpected performance put him on the map, and he quickly became a fan favorite for his contributions.

Why Do We Love Underdog Stories?

Let’s be real—there’s something incredibly satisfying about watching an underdog succeed, especially in a game filled with superstars. It’s like watching David take on Goliath and win, but instead of just one battle, it’s a series of moments where the unexpected happens.

Underdogs remind us that anything is possible, that hard work can trump talent, and that sometimes, the brightest stars are the ones we don’t see coming. In a world that often feels predictable, underdog stories inject a sense of magic, surprise, and hope.

Conclusion

All-Star Games are typically dominated by the biggest names in sports, and rightfully so. But every once in a while, an underdog comes along and steals the show, reminding us that the game isn’t just about who’s supposed to win—it’s about who seizes the moment.

Whether it’s Allen Iverson leading a comeback, John Scott defying the odds, or Bo Jackson smashing a home run into the stratosphere, these underdogs have left an indelible mark on the history of All-Star Games. And who knows? The next great underdog story might be just around the corner.