When Do Upsets Happen in K-BOAT Racing?

K-BOAT racing is a sport that thrives on anticipation and analysis—every phase of the race, from the start to the turn mark battles, adds to its appeal. Fans often prefer races with predictable outcomes over complex matchups. However, with increasing parity in skill levels and the influence of motor assignments, upsets remain an ever-present possibility. So when do these surprises occur?

1. When the Favorite Wins, But a Dark Horse Places

This scenario played out in Race 15 of Round 21 on Wednesday, 21 May. The lineup, by lane, included Choi Kwang-seong (A1), Lim Hye-ran (B2), Kim Myeong-jin (B1), Lee Joo-young (A2), Kim Jong-muk (B1), and Son Je-min (B1). Choi, starting from lane 1 with the top performance record, was the clear favorite. Lee Joo-young (lane 4) and Son Je-min (lane 6) were considered the main challengers. While Choi did win as expected, it was Kim Myeong-jin from lane 3—ranked fourth in popularity—who took second place. Though his skills were less reliable, the right motor and lane combination gave him the edge and produced an unexpected result.

2. When the Favorite Fails Entirely

In Race 4 on Thursday, 22 May, expectations were high for lane 1’s Jeong Yong-jin (B1). Though his motor wasn’t exceptional, his advantageous starting position made him the presumptive winner. However, Jeong capsized at the first turn due to steering issues and was disqualified. The opening allowed Kim Do-hwi (A1), starting from lane 5, to execute a brilliant Wind-and-Cut maneuver and take first. Kim Seon-ung (B1, lane 2) took second, and pre-race second-favorite Ahn Ji-min (B2) came in third. The payouts reflected the upset: Exacta paid 48x, and Trifecta returned 227.7x. This showed that if a favorite isn’t a truly dominant force, it’s wise to prepare backup picks.

3. In a Balanced Field with No Clear Favorite

Race 2 of Round 16 on Wednesday, 16 April, presented a tightly matched lineup: Park Jun-hyun (B1), Jeong Gyeong-ho (A2), Choi Yeong-jae (B2), Jo Mi-hwa (B1), Kim In-hye (A1), and Seo Hwa-mo (A1). With comparable pre-race times and past results, the match was wide open. Most fans gravitated toward inner lanes, choosing Jeong (lane 2) and Park (lane 1) as anchors. But Jeong had a sluggish 0.45-second start, while Kim In-hye (lane 5) fired off with a rapid 0.16 seconds and executed a perfect Wind Around at the turn. She outdueled Park Jun-hyun in the final stretch, with the race finishing in the order of Kim, Park, and Jeong. The odds? Win bet at 20.9x, Exacta at 55.7x, and Trifecta at 63.8x. In balanced races, anyone can make the podium—so broader combinations are key.

Im Byeong-jun, editor at “Quickboat”, commented:

“We’re seeing more 16th and 17th generation racers aggressively aiming for podiums. Overall skill levels have risen. Even underdogs with solid motors and advantageous lanes deserve a close look.”