The Longest Championship Games in Sports History
The 2025 World Series featured an unforgettable Game 3 on October 28, showcasing a historic showdown between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays. This remarkable game extended over 18 innings, lasting an impressive 6 hours and 39 minutes.
Freddie Freeman delivered the decisive moment, hitting a walk-off home run that secured a 2-1 series lead for the Dodgers. The match saw both teams combine for a total of 31 hits and a staggering 609 pitches.
The Longest Championship Games in Sports History
This 18-inning encounter marked only the second occasion in World Series history where a game extended to this length. The first was during the 2018 World Series when the Dodgers faced the Boston Red Sox, concluding with a similar nail-biting 18-inning battle.
Notable Long Championship Games Across Leagues
- MLB:
- 2025 World Series Game 3: Dodgers 2, Blue Jays 1 (18 innings)
- 2018 World Series Game 3: Dodgers 3, Red Sox 2 (18 innings)
- NFL:
- 1962 AFL Championship: Dallas Texans 20, Houston Oilers 17 (2 OTs)
- 1958 NFL Championship: Baltimore Colts 23, New York Giants 17 (OT)
- WNBA:
- 2024 WNBA Finals Game 5: New York Liberty 67, Minnesota Lynx 62 (OT)
- 2024 WNBA Finals Game 1: Minnesota Lynx 95, New York Liberty 93 (OT)
- 2021 WNBA Finals Game 2: Phoenix Mercury 91, Chicago Sky 86 (OT)
- 2009 WNBA Finals Game 1: Phoenix Mercury 120, Indiana Fever 116 (OT)
- 2005 WNBA Finals Game 2: Connecticut Sun 77, Sacramento Monarchs 70 (OT)
- 2000 WNBA Finals Game 2: Houston Comets 79, New York Liberty 73 (OT)
- 1998 WNBA Finals Game 2: Houston Comets 74, Phoenix Mercury 69 (OT)
The gripping nature of these extended championship matches demonstrates the endurance and competitive spirit that defines sports. Fans and players alike have witnessed thrilling moments that are etched in sports history, proving that the excitement is often worth the wait.
