Cubs End 108-Year World Series Drought with Extra-Inning Game 7 Win

Chicago's long-suffering baseball fans finally see their team win the championship.

Mar. 17, 2026 at 11:20am

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The Chicago Cubs ended their 108-year World Series championship drought by rallying from a 3-1 series deficit against the Cleveland Indians to force a decisive Game 7. After the Indians tied the game late, the Cubs scored two runs in the 10th inning to secure the historic victory and send their fans into a frenzy outside an empty Wrigley Field.

Why it matters

The Cubs' championship was a momentous occasion for the city of Chicago and its long-suffering baseball fans, who had endured over a century of disappointment and the so-called "Curse of the Billy Goat." The team's triumph was a feel-good story that captivated the nation and provided a sense of closure for a franchise that had come agonizingly close to a title on multiple occasions.

The details

After falling behind 3-1 in the series, the Cubs forced a Game 7 in Cleveland. In a dramatic back-and-forth contest, the Indians tied the game 6-6 in the 8th inning on a two-run home run by Rajai Davis off Cubs closer Aroldis Chapman. A brief rain delay allowed the Cubs to regroup, and they scored two runs in the top of the 10th inning to take the lead. The Cubs then narrowly held on in the bottom of the 10th to secure the championship, ending their 108-year drought.

  • The Cubs entered the 2016 season as the favorites to win the World Series, despite not having done so in 108 years.
  • The Cubs fell behind the Indians 3-1 in the 2016 World Series before rallying to force a decisive Game 7.
  • Game 7 of the 2016 World Series was played on November 2, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio.

The players

Joe Maddon

The manager of the Chicago Cubs, who guided the team to their first World Series championship in over a century.

Aroldis Chapman

The Cubs' closer, who allowed a game-tying home run in the 8th inning of Game 7 before the team rallied to win in extra innings.

Rajai Davis

The Indians' outfielder, who hit the game-tying home run off Aroldis Chapman in the 8th inning of Game 7.

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What they’re saying

“It's crazy how things happen for a reason.”

— Joe Maddon, Cubs Manager (Sporting News)

What’s next

The Cubs' championship victory was a historic moment for the franchise and its long-suffering fans. The team will look to defend their title in the 2017 season as they aim to build a dynasty.

The takeaway

The Cubs' World Series triumph after 108 years of futility was a feel-good story that captivated the nation and provided a sense of closure for a franchise that had come so close to a championship on multiple occasions. The team's resilience and ability to overcome adversity in the playoffs exemplified the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.