Every season, the Sky Bet EFL Championship Play-Off final delivers 90 minutes of dramatic action, to conclude one of football’s most competitive divisions.
Being widely dubbed the “richest game in football” due to the financial rewards awaiting the winner, it’s no surprise that the annual clash is steeped in tension, history, emotion, and years of shocks and surprises to the Championship relegation odds.
As the 2024/2025 Championship campaign nears its end, attention turns to this year’s final, set for Saturday, 24th May 2025. Here, another club will seek their Premier League redemption at Wembley.
As such, now is a good time to look back over the years at some of the most unforgettable moments this fixture has provided —from underdog stories to dramatic goals.
Charlton Athletic vs Sunderland – 1998
Few finals have reached the level of chaotic brilliance achieved by the 1998 matchup between Charlton Athletic and Sunderland.
The thrilling game amounted to a 4-4 draw, which was eventually settled by a 7–6 penalty shootout in Charlton’s favour. This Wembley classic saw Clive Mendonca net a stunning hat-trick, and Michael Gray miss the nail-biting decisive penalty.
The outcome of the game sent Alan Curbishley’s side to the Premier League in one of the most dramatic promotions in history.
Blackpool vs Cardiff City – 2010
Blackpool’s 3–2 win over Cardiff at Wembley in 2010 completed a fairy tale rise for Ian Holloway’s side.
Following a season built on attacking flair and tactical boldness, The Tangerines secured promotion with goals from Charlie Adam, Gary Taylor-Fletcher, and Brett Ormerod.
What made this final so dramatic, was that Blackpool had been written off at the start of the season, making this a symbolic victory for adventurous football in a league often dominated by pragmatism.
Swansea City vs Reading – 2011
Making their first-ever jump to the Premier League in 2011 – and the first for a Welsh side – was Swansea City, who beat Reading 4-2 at Wembley Stadium. This accomplishment was largely thanks to Scott Sinclair’s brilliance.
Although it looked as if Brendan Rodgers’ side had the tie wrapped up after going 3-0 up at half-time, the Royals threatened a comeback with two second-half goals from Sinclair before the hour. Sinclair then went on to seal his hat-trick and Swansea’s place in the top flight from the spot late on.
Swindon Town vs Leicester City –1993
After 53 minutes of action and goals from player-manager Glenn Hoddle, Craig Maskell, and Shaun Taylor, Swindon were 3-0 up – and victory looked almost certain.
However, Leicester kicked into gear and produced a brilliant comeback through goals from Julian Joachim, Steve Walsh, and Steve Thompson. Just when extra-time looked inevitable, a penalty given to Swindon saw Paul Bodin keep his composure and claim victory for his side.
This final served as a turning point for Swindon, giving them a shot in the Premier League for the first time in the club’s 73-year League history.
As the 2024/2025 season builds towards its climax, the stakes for the Sky Bet EFL Championship Final couldn’t be any higher, along with anticipation surrounding the Championship odds. For the clubs involved, the final is more than just a route to the Premier League – it’s a chance to rewrite their future in football.
And if history has taught us anything, it’s that this fixture never disappoints.