This study aimed to investigate whether sadism is related to high competitive performance and whether this relationship is mediated by gamesmanship. Responses to sadism and gamesmanship scales of 339 university students majoring in physical education were analyzed. Results showed that sadism is significantly related to high competitive performance in relative competitions, and that this relationship is mediated by gamesmanship. Our findings suggest that sadism has positive aspects, despite its negative ones. This study contributes to the development of an accurate understanding of sadism.