World Series History
Every World Series champion from 1903 to the present, plus records, memorable moments, and the greatest Fall Classic performances in baseball history.
The World Series: Baseball's Ultimate Stage
The World Series is the championship series of Major League Baseball, contested annually between the pennant winners of the American League and the National League. As the culminating event of the MLB postseason, the World Series is one of the oldest professional sports championships in North America, with roots going back to 1903.
The series uses a best-of-seven format, meaning the first team to win four games claims the championship. Games alternate between the home parks of each team, with the American League champion hosting Games 1, 2, 6, and 7, while the National League champion hosts Games 3, 4, and 5 — unless the team with the better regular-season record earns home-field advantage through MLB's current format.
Known as the Fall Classic, the World Series has produced some of the most iconic moments in American sports history. The tradition of watching the series has been a cultural touchstone for generations, with games often drawing tens of millions of television viewers.
Recent World Series Champions
| Year | Champion | Games |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Los Angeles Dodgers | 4-2 |
| 2024 | Los Angeles Dodgers | 4-1 |
| 2023 | Texas Rangers | 4-1 |
| 2022 | Houston Astros | 4-2 |
| 2021 | Atlanta Braves | 4-2 |
| 2020 | Los Angeles Dodgers | 4-2 |
| 2019 | Washington Nationals | 4-3 |
| 2018 | Boston Red Sox | 4-1 |
| 2017 | Houston Astros | 4-3 |
| 2016 | Chicago Cubs | 4-3 |
| 2015 | Kansas City Royals | 4-1 |
| 2014 | San Francisco Giants | 4-3 |
All-Time World Series Titles by Franchise
Most Memorable World Series Moments
Bill Mazeroski Walk-Off
Mazeroski's leadoff home run in the bottom of the ninth of Game 7 gave the Pirates the championship over the Yankees — still the only walk-off homer to end a World Series.
Carlton Fisk's Waving Homer
Fisk's iconic 12th-inning walk-off shot in Game 6, with Fisk waving the ball fair, is one of the most replayed moments in baseball history.
Kirk Gibson's Pinch-Hit Home Run
Barely able to walk, Gibson hobbled to the plate as a pinch hitter in Game 1 and hit a two-run walk-off shot off Dennis Eckersley to stun the A's.
The Greatest Series Ever
Twins vs. Braves — five one-run games, three extra-inning games, and three Game 7 decisions. Jack Morris threw a 10-inning shutout in Game 7 for the ages.
Tino and Scott Brosius Tie Games
The Yankees improbably tied Games 4 and 5 with two-out, ninth-inning home runs before losing the series to the Diamondbacks in seven.
Cubs End 108-Year Drought
The Cubs won their first championship since 1908, coming back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Indians to win Game 7 in 10 innings.
World Series Records
Most WS Titles (Team)
New York Yankees
27 championships
Most WS HR (Player)
Mickey Mantle
18 home runs
Most WS Wins (Pitcher)
Whitey Ford
10 wins
Most WS Strikeouts
Whitey Ford
94 strikeouts
Most Consecutive Titles
Yankees (1949-53)
5 titles in a row
Most WS Appearances
New York Yankees
40 appearances
Frequently Asked Questions
What team has won the most World Series championships?
The New York Yankees have won the most World Series titles with 27 championships, far ahead of any other franchise. The Oakland/Philadelphia Athletics are second with 9 titles, followed by the San Francisco/New York Giants with 8 titles.
When was the first World Series played?
The first modern World Series was played in 1903 between the Boston Americans (AL) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (NL). Boston won the best-of-nine series five games to three. There was no World Series in 1904 or 1994.
What is the longest World Series in history?
The World Series has gone to a maximum of seven games on numerous occasions. The 1991 World Series between the Twins and Braves is often cited as the greatest ever, with five games decided by one run and three games going to extra innings.
Who has hit the most home runs in World Series history?
Mickey Mantle holds the all-time World Series record with 18 home runs across 12 appearances with the Yankees. Babe Ruth is second with 15 World Series home runs, followed by Yogi Berra with 12.