Among the largest stars in sports activities and leisure gathered Wednesday night time on the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles for the 2025 ESPYS Introduced by Capital One. Hosted by comic Shane Gillis, the dwell present on ABC celebrated this yr’s strongest tales and achievements in sports activities.
Simone Biles, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Suni Lee, Ilona Maher, Alexander Ovechkin, the Philadelphia Eagles, and Sloane Stephens had been among the many high award winners of the night. Gillis set the tone with a pointy opening monologue, roasting everybody from Aaron Rodgers to Shohei Ohtani.
The night time’s highest honors included shifting tributes and highly effective speeches. Oscar Robertson acquired the Arthur Ashe Award for Braveness for his pivotal function in establishing NBA free company. Introduced by Russell Westbrook, Robertson stated, “It is very important do the fitting factor even when it comes at nice private sacrifice.”
Katie Schumacher-Cawley, head coach of Penn State girls’s volleyball, acquired the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance after main her group to a nationwide title whereas battling breast most cancers. Her heartfelt message inspired others to maintain displaying up and by no means hand over.
David Walters and Erin Regan, two former athletes turned first responders, accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service. Introduced by Angela Bassett, their honor highlighted their bravery throughout certainly one of Los Angeles’ most devastating fires.
Diana Taurasi and Alex Morgan had been each honored with the Icon Award. Morgan thanked the ladies who paved the way in which for athletes like her, whereas Taurasi mirrored on her household’s sacrifice and the grit that formed her journey.
The present additionally included a touching tribute to ESPN’s Lee Corso, that includes Pat McAfee, Desmond Howard, and Kirk Herbstreit. The USC marching band stunned the group with a dwell efficiency in his honor.
Performers included Busta Rhymes, Clipse, and GELO, with a strong In Memoriam tribute led by Tobe Nwigwe and David Michael Wyatt.
The ESPYS continues its custom of supporting the V Basis for Most cancers Analysis. Since 1993, ESPN has helped increase over $265 million for the trigger.
It was an evening of celebration, remembrance, and resilience, proving as soon as once more that sports activities are about greater than video games — they’re in regards to the individuals who play them and the affect they depart behind.