Check out the complete list of ESPYS 2025 award winners, including Best Male and Female Athletes, Team of the Year, Breakthrough Athlete, and more. Recap the unforgettable moments from sports’ biggest night.
1. Introduction
The 2025 ESPY Awards delivered yet another unforgettable evening celebrating the year’s top achievements in sports. From incredible comebacks and game-winning plays to emotional tributes and rising stars, the ESPN-hosted ESPYS brought together legends, icons, and breakout athletes under one roof.
Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or a casual viewer, here’s your complete guide to the full list of ESPYS 2025 award winners, with insights, reactions, and what it all means for the world of sports.
2. ESPYS 2025: A Night to Remember
Held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the ESPYS 2025 honored excellence across various categories, recognizing outstanding athletic performances, inspirational moments, and historic achievements. Hosted by comedian and actor Kevin Hart, the ceremony was filled with humor, emotion, and electric energy.
This year’s show highlighted stories of perseverance, unity, and dominance in an era defined by emerging stars and record-breaking feats.
3. Major Award Winners ESPYS 2025
Let’s start with the most prestigious ESPY Awards of the night:
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Male Athlete | Patrick Mahomes (NFL) |
| Best Female Athlete | Caitlin Clark (NCAA Basketball) |
| Best Team | Kansas City Chiefs (NFL) |
| Best Breakthrough Athlete | Victor Wembanyama (NBA) |
| Best Championship Performance | A’ja Wilson – WNBA Finals |
| Best Record-Breaking Performance | Shohei Ohtani – Most HRs by pitcher |
| Best International Athlete | Erling Haaland (Soccer) |
These winners were chosen based on fan votes, professional achievements, and cultural impact over the past year.
4. Individual Sport Categories ESPYS 2025
| Sport | Award | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| NFL | Best NFL Player | Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) |
| NBA | Best NBA Player | Nikola Jokić (Nuggets) |
| MLB | Best MLB Player | Shohei Ohtani (Dodgers) |
| NHL | Best NHL Player | Connor McDavid (Oilers) |
| WNBA | Best WNBA Player | A’ja Wilson (Aces) |
| NCAA Women’s Sports | Best College Athlete | Caitlin Clark (Iowa) |
| NCAA Men’s Sports | Best College Athlete | Caleb Williams (USC Football) |
| Soccer | Best Soccer Player | Erling Haaland (Man City/Norway) |
| Golf | Best Golfer | Scottie Scheffler |
| Tennis | Best Tennis Player | Iga Świątek (WTA) |
| Combat Sports | Best Fighter | Islam Makhachev (UFC) |
| Racing | Best Driver | Max Verstappen (F1) |
5. Team and Performance Categories
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Best Team | Kansas City Chiefs |
| Best Play | Keon Coleman’s one-handed TD catch |
| Best Comeback Athlete | Damar Hamlin (NFL) |
| Best Game | Michigan vs. Washington – CFP Final |
| Best Coach/Manager | Kim Mulkey (LSU Women’s Basketball) |
The Kansas City Chiefs stood out with a dominant season, culminating in a Super Bowl victory and multiple ESPY wins.
6. Inspirational and Special Awards
The ESPYS are known for honoring athletes who have made a difference beyond the field.
| Award | Recipient |
|---|---|
| Arthur Ashe Courage Award | Deion Sanders |
| Jimmy V Award for Perseverance | Kyle Schwarber |
| Pat Tillman Award for Service | Sgt. Anthony Gibbs |
| Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award | Megan Rapinoe |
These awards reflect stories of bravery, philanthropy, and using fame for positive social impact.
7. Most Viral and Memorable Moments
- Caitlin Clark’s acceptance speech brought the audience to tears as she spoke about inspiring young girls in sports.
- Patrick Mahomes, now a two-time ESPY Best Male Athlete winner, thanked his teammates and fans in a heartfelt tribute.
- Damar Hamlin, who returned to football after a near-death collapse in 2023, received a standing ovation when accepting the Best Comeback Athlete award.
- Victor Wembanyama celebrated his breakout NBA year with humility and excitement for the future.
8. Red Carpet Highlights ESPYS 2025
The ESPYS 2025 red carpet was a fusion of sportswear, fashion-forward statements, and iconic looks:
| Athlete | Designer/Look |
|---|---|
| Serena Williams | Custom Balmain |
| Travis Kelce | Classic tux with sneakers |
| Coco Gauff | Metallic silver gown |
| LeBron James | Sleek black suit with diamond chain |
| Naomi Osaka | Bright yellow ensemble |
The red carpet served as a powerful reminder that athletes are fashion icons too.
Conclusion
The 2025 ESPYS delivered everything fans could hope for—glitz, emotion, celebration, and a powerful reminder of the role sports play in shaping society. From record-breaking athletes to those who overcame adversity, the ceremony paid tribute to the wide spectrum of athletic excellence.
Whether it’s Patrick Mahomes’ continued dominance, Caitlin Clark’s meteoric rise, or Damar Hamlin’s miraculous return, the 2025 ESPYS captured the essence of what makes sports so deeply inspiring.
FAQs
Q1: Who won Best Male Athlete at the ESPYS 2025?
Patrick Mahomes won Best Male Athlete for his incredible performance leading the Kansas City Chiefs to another Super Bowl victory.
Q2: Who was named Best Female Athlete?
Caitlin Clark, the star of Iowa’s women’s basketball team, earned Best Female Athlete honors.
Q3: Which team won Best Team of the Year?
The Kansas City Chiefs received the award for Best Team.
Q4: What is the Arthur Ashe Courage Award?
It is a special ESPY award honoring individuals whose contributions transcend sports. This year, it went to Deion Sanders.
Q5: How are ESPYS winners decided?
Winners are chosen through fan voting, expert panels, and based on their athletic achievements over the year.