I knew Gaara was going to win but didn't want to admit. I cheered for Lee the whole way through. Back then when it was important for a ninja to know taijutsu I wanted him to be a star. My Lee love wanted to make believe he'd win but I knew he wouldn't yet I was still sad and disappointed when he lost. Even when I watch it again now I feel the same way every time.
He was cool because he was only a genin but was as strong as a jonin like naruto was (sasuke was a special jonin xd) so it was like the kids ruled their villages
IMO I always knew that gaara was going to win, it was totally inevitable, sad but true.
However, i think i can speak for everyone if i say that we were all truly moved by lee's tenacity.