ESPY Awards
The ESPY Awards—short for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards—are an annual ceremony presented by ESPN, honoring the best individual and team achievements in sports from the previous year.
Established in 1993, the ESPYs are famous for their blend of top-tier athletic recognition and an entertaining, celebrity-filled broadcast.
Each year, fans and professional panels select nominees and vote for their favorites across a wide range of categories, including best athletes, best plays, breakthrough athletes, record-setting performances, humanitarian accomplishments, and more.
The show is known for its vibrant, relaxed atmosphere. It often includes comedic sketches, moving tributes, and a celebration of athletes' off-the-field contributions, particularly through the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| First Ceremony | 1993 |
| Presenter | ESPN, ABC |
| Purpose | Recognize athletic achievement and sportsmanship |
| Location (2025) | Dolby Theatre, Los Angeles |
| Major Charitable Partner | V Foundation for Cancer Research |
| Fan Voting | Online, from shortlist by ESPY Select Nominating Committee |
ESPY Award Winners 2025
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Athlete – Men's Sports | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (NBA, OKC Thunder) |
| Best Athlete – Women's Sports | Simone Biles (Gymnastics) |
| Best Team | Philadelphia Eagles (NFL) |
| Best Championship Performance | Simone Biles (2024 Olympic All-Around) |
| Best Breakthrough Athlete | Ilona Maher (USA Rugby) |
| Best NFL Player | Saquon Barkley (Eagles) |
| Best NBA Player | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder) |
| Best Play | Saquon Barkley's backwards hurdle |
| Best Record-Breaking Performance | Alexander Ovechkin (Hockey) |
| Best MLB Player | Shohei Ohtani (LA Dodgers) |
| Best NHL Player | Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers) |
| Best WNBA Player | Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) |
| Best Boxer | Katie Taylor |
| Best UFC Fighter | Merab Dvalishvili |
| Best Golfer | Scottie Scheffler |
| Best Tennis Player | Coco Gauff |
| Jimmy V Award for Perseverance | Katie Schumacher-Cawley |
| Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award | Sloane Stephens |
| Icon Award | Alex Morgan, Diana Taurasi |
These winners reflect the range and inspiration of global sports, from world-renowned superstars to boundary-breaking young athletes.
ESPY Awards Presenters in 2025
The presenters at this year’s ESPYs included a star-studded array of athletes, celebrities, and media personalities, adding excitement and gravitas to each category reveal:
- Comedian Shane Gillis (Host)
- Oscar nominee Angela Bassett
- Actress Alison Brie
- Athletes: Russell Wilson, Lindsey Vonn, Matthew Stafford, Trinity Rodman, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Caitlin Clark
- Notable Presenters/Performers: Rapper Busta Rhymes, Leslie Jones, Druski, Anthony Ramos
These personalities helped make the 2025 ceremony a true fusion of sports excellence and entertainment.
ESPY 2025 Nominations: Who Was in the Running?
The ESPYs are famous for highlighting the sporting world’s best talent. Major 2025 nominees included superstars and teams from diverse backgrounds and disciplines:
- Men’s Sports: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, Shohei Ohtani
- Women’s Sports: Simone Biles, Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Gabby Thomas, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
- Best Team: Philadelphia Eagles, UConn Huskies, Los Angeles Dodgers, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Breakthrough Athlete: Ilona Maher, JuJu Watkins
- Record-Breaking Performance: Alexander Ovechkin, Coco Gauff
Nominees for special honors:
- Icon Award: Alex Morgan, Diana Taurasi
- Arthur Ashe Award for Courage: Oscar Robertson
- Jimmy V Award for Perseverance: Katie Schumacher-Cawley
Most categories are decided by online fan voting, with the ESPY Select Nominating Committee crafting the shortlists.
FAQ
Question 1: What are the ESPY Awards?
Answer: The ESPY Awards honor the best athletes, teams, and moments in sports from the previous year, as chosen by a mix of fan and expert voting.
Question 2: Who votes for the ESPYs?
Answer: Nominees are chosen by an expert panel (the ESPY Select Nominating Committee), but fans vote online to select the winners, making the awards both prestigious and interactive.
Question 3: How do I watch the ESPYs?
Answer: The 2025 show aired live on ABC and streamed on ESPN+, Hulu, and Disney+, making it accessible to millions across platforms.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article reflects the details of the 2025 ESPY Awards. All categories and winners were announced during the live ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on July 16, 2025. This article may contain updates or new developments based on the official announcements or media coverage. For the most up-to-date information on the ESPYs, including any changes or additions to the winners list, please refer to official sources such as ESPN and the ESPY Awards website.
