first round exit
- eliminationAct of removing entirely
- knockoutIncapacitating final blow
- upsetDisturb, topple, or shock
- bracketSupport or category
- tournamentMulti-round competitive event
underdog · defeat · loss · swept · choke · disappointment · March Madness · playoffs · seed · buzzer · one-and-done · bounce · early · heartbreak · collapse · stunner · disqualified · ousted
tournament progression
first round exitchampionship run
Extended pursuit of victory
going all the way · championship · going the distance · cup winner · dynasty
competitive achievement
first round exitchampion
Top competitor, or advocate
winner · title holder · tournament champion · victor · dynasty
competitive achievement/success
first round exitdynasty
Successive family rulers
champion · glory · triumph · coronation · Cinderella story