The 2025 ESPY Awards took place on July 16 at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrating the most remarkable athletes and teams from the past year. Hosted by comedian Shane Gillis, the event brought together a star-studded lineup of sports figures, who gathered to honor extraordinary performances, unforgettable moments, and inspiring comebacks in the world of sports.
Since their inception in 1993, the ESPY Awards have been an annual tradition organized by ESPN to recognize excellence in athletics. The awards not only highlight outstanding athletes and teams but also celebrate significant moments that resonate both on and off the field. In a twist introduced in 2004, the voting process was expanded to include journalists, sports executives, and ESPN personalities, alongside the public, allowing fans to have a say in the selection of winners.
This year’s ceremony featured a range of prominent athletes, including Shohei Ohtani, who could not attend due to his participation in the MLB All-Star Game, Simone Biles, who once again dazzled at the Paris Olympics, and WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark. Other notable nominees included Saquon Barkley, recognized for his impressive season, and breakout pitcher Paul Skenes.
Here’s a complete list of the 2025 ESPY Awards winners across various categories:
Best Male Athlete
– Josh Allen (NFL – Buffalo Bills)
– Saquon Barkley (NFL – New York Giants)
– Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (NBA – OKC Thunder) WINNER
– Shohei Ohtani (MLB – LA Dodgers)
Best Female Athlete
– Simone Biles (Gymnastics) WINNER
– Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Athletics)
– Gabby Thomas (Athletics)
– A’ja Wilson (WNBA – Las Vegas Aces)
Team of the Year
– Florida Panthers (NHL)
– Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
– New York Liberty (WNBA)
– Ohio State Buckeyes
– Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA)
– Philadelphia Eagles WINNER
– UConn Huskies (NCAA Women)
– USWNT (United States women’s national soccer team)
– North Carolina Tar Heels (Women’s Lacrosse)
Best Revelation
– Paul Skenes (MLB – Pittsburgh Pirates)
– Cooper Flagg (NCAA – Basketball)
– Chloe Humphrey (Lacrosse)
– Ilona Maher (Rugby) WINNER
Best Record Performance
– Geno Auriemma (UConn)
– Caitlin Clark (WNBA)
– Kevin Durant (Olympics)
– Alexander Ovechkin (NHL) WINNER
Best Championship Performance
– Simone Biles (Olympic Games Paris 2024 – 3 golds, 1 silver) WINNER
– Stephen Curry (Team USA)
– Freddie Freeman (World Series – MVP)
– Rory McIlroy (Career Grand Slam)
Comeback of the Year
– Gabe Landeskog (NHL)
– Suni Lee (Gymnastics) WINNER
– Mallory Swanson (USWNT)
– Lindsey Vonn (Skiing)
Play of the Year
– Barkley’s hurdle (Super Bowl) WINNER
– Haliburton three-pointer (NBA Finals)
– Ionescu’s logo three-pointer (WNBA Finals)
– Trinity Rodman’s goal in extra time (Olympics)
Voting for the ESPY Awards opened weeks prior to the event, allowing fans to select their favorites in each category while also considering the insights of sports experts and ESPN figures.
This year’s ESPY Awards not only highlighted the remarkable talents of athletes across various sports but also served as a reminder of the resilience and dedication that defines the world of athletics. As fans reflect on the winners and nominees, the event continues to inspire future generations of athletes to strive for greatness.