2025 Epsy Awards Highlights
The 2025 ESPY Awards brought together the biggest names in sports for a night of celebration, reflection, and recognition of the year’s most outstanding achievements. Held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, the annual event honored top athletes, teams, and unforgettable moments from across the sports world. Hosted by Keegan-Michael Key, the show blended humor, emotion, and high-level performance into one of the most anticipated nights on the sports calendar.
Simone Biles Dominates the Night
Simone Biles was one of the most celebrated athletes of the evening, earning both Best Athlete in Women’s Sports and Best Championship Performance. Her powerful return to competition after stepping away to prioritize mental health was one of the defining stories of the past year. Her dominance in gymnastics continued throughout the 2024 Paris Olympics and into the World Championships, where she claimed multiple gold medals. These wins cemented her legacy as one of the most decorated and influential athletes of her generation.
Saquon Barkley Wins Best Play
The Best Play award went to Saquon Barkley for his reverse hurdle touchdown, a moment that immediately became part of NFL highlight reels and fan discussions. Barkley’s unique combination of power, agility, and field awareness was on full display, making it one of the most talked-about plays of the season and an obvious choice for the honor.
Philadelphia Eagles Named Best Team
After a dominant season that included a 17-1 regular season record and a Super Bowl championship, the Philadelphia Eagles were awarded Best Team. Their strong performance on both sides of the ball, along with tight team cohesion and standout coaching, made them the clear standout of the NFL season and a fan favorite during the voting process.
Arthur Ashe Courage Award: Damar Hamlin
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award for his inspiring recovery from cardiac arrest during a game in 2023 and for his continued work advocating for CPR awareness and emergency medical preparedness. His journey from near tragedy to community leadership has had a far-reaching impact both within the NFL and beyond.
Breakthrough Athlete: Caitlin Clark
Caitlin Clark was named Breakthrough Athlete of the Year following a record-setting NCAA career and a strong start in the WNBA. Known for her deep shooting range and court vision, Clark has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in basketball, contributing to surging interest in the women’s game across college and professional levels.
Pat Tillman Award for Service: Dawn Staley
University of South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley received the Pat Tillman Award for Service. In addition to her coaching success, Staley has been a leading advocate for women’s sports, mentoring young athletes and fighting for gender equity both on and off the court. Her commitment to building future generations of leaders in sports earned her one of the night’s most meaningful honors.
Additional Winners and Highlights
Best Male Athlete: Novak Djokovic
Best Comeback Athlete: Zion Williamson
Best Game: Super Bowl LIX (Kansas City Chiefs vs. San Francisco 49ers)
Best College Athlete, Women’s Sports: Paige Bueckers
Best College Athlete, Men’s Sports: Caleb Williams
The 2025 ESPY Awards served as a reminder of how sports can inspire, unite, and challenge society to be better. From unforgettable championship performances to personal resilience and leadership beyond the arena, the evening celebrated both individual excellence and the values that make sports a powerful force around the world.
