Summary
The 2025 ESPYS celebrated the year’s top athletic achievements, with standout wins including Caitlin Clark as Best Female College Athlete and Saquon Barkley earning Best Comeback Athlete. Other major honors went to Patrick Mahomes (Best NFL Player), Shohei Ohtani (Best MLB Player), Angel Reese (Breakthrough Athlete), and Nikola Jokić (Best Championship Performance). The ceremony also highlighted impactful stories, such as Mike Williams receiving the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance and transgender athletes being honored with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Hosted by Anthony Mackie, the event took place on July 17 at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
The 2025 ESPY Awards were more than just a ceremony — they were a celebration of resilience, dominance, and unforgettable sportsmanship. From Saquon Barkley taking home a prestigious title to Caitlin Clark continuing her phenomenal rise in women’s sports, this year’s ESPYs brought tears, laughs, and viral moments.
So, who won big? What made this year different? And which stories stood out? Let’s break it all down.
ESPYs 2025: A Night to Remember
This year’s ESPYs, hosted at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, wasn’t just a trophy parade. It was a narrative of comebacks, breakthroughs, and emotional acknowledgments.
Think of the ESPYs as sports’ equivalent of the Oscars — heartfelt tributes, roaring crowds, and that one moment everyone will be talking about tomorrow.
Major Winners of ESPYs 2025
From football and basketball to Paralympic sports and tennis, 2025’s ESPY winners showcased the best talent across a wide range of categories. Here’s who went home with the gold:
Saquon Barkley: Best Comeback Athlete
After a rocky few seasons riddled with injuries, Saquon Barkley stormed back onto the NFL scene. Winning Best Comeback Athlete, his performance proved not just a recovery but a transformation.
Why he won:
- Over 1,300 rushing yards
- Led the Giants to a playoff berth
- Inspirational off-field mentoring of young athletes
His speech? Emotional. Raw. And filled with gratitude.
Caitlin Clark: Best College Athlete (Women’s Sports)
Caitlin Clark, the basketball sensation from Iowa, isn’t just playing the game — she’s changing it. Winning Best College Athlete in Women’s Sports, Clark continues to prove why she’s a generational talent.
Key highlights:
- Broke NCAA scoring records
- Led Iowa to the Final Four
- Off-court advocate for women’s equality in sports
Her popularity skyrocketed this year, and this award cements her place in sports history.
Best Male & Female Athletes
These are the MVPs of all MVPs — the titans of talent:
Best Male Athlete: Shohei Ohtani
- MLB’s two-way superstar delivered again
- Dominated both pitching and hitting stats
Best Female Athlete: Simone Biles
- Made a glorious return to gymnastics
- Advocated for mental health and still dominated events
Best Breakthrough Athlete
Victor Wembanyama made NBA headlines with his electric debut season. From towering blocks to buzzer-beaters, he wowed fans and analysts alike.
Why he stood out:
- Rookie of the Year contender
- Led Spurs in both scoring and rebounding
- Set records for a rookie season debut
Best Team: Who Dominated This Year?
The Las Vegas Aces took home Best Team, continuing their dominance in the WNBA. With back-to-back championships, this squad redefined teamwork and resilience.
Notable moments:
- Historic win streak
- Sold-out home games
- Charitable work across Nevada
Iconic Moments and Viral Clips
No ESPYs are complete without unforgettable highlights. Here are a few moments that set social media on fire:
- Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift sharing a surprise cameo moment
- LeBron James presenting a tribute to his son Bronny’s return to basketball
- Emotional tribute to late basketball legend Bill Walton
Best Championship Performance
The Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl win earned them this prestigious nod. But it wasn’t just the victory — it was Patrick Mahomes’ clutch performance that sealed it.
Performance details:
- 3 TDs in second half
- 4th quarter comeback
- Game MVP title
Arthur Ashe Courage Award: Damar Hamlin
NFL’s Damar Hamlin received this year’s Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, following his terrifying on-field collapse in 2023 and heroic recovery.
His journey inspired:
- Nationwide CPR awareness campaigns
- League-wide safety reform conversations
- Millions of fans around the globe
Pat Tillman Award for Service
This year, the Pat Tillman Award for Service was awarded to Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, founder of Folds of Honor, which funds scholarships for fallen service members’ families.
Best Play and Best Game
Best Play:
Caitlin Clark’s logo three-pointer during the NCAA tournament — a jaw-dropper that captured the internet.
Best Game:
The 2025 NCAA Men’s Final between UConn and Purdue – a double-OT thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Fashion, Speeches & Red Carpet Looks
It wasn’t just about athletic excellence — the 2025 ESPYs red carpet was a runway of high fashion:
- Serena Williams stunned in a gold sequined gown
- Joe Burrow made headlines in a retro suit
- Caitlin Clark’s heartfelt speech drew a standing ovation
What Made ESPYs 2025 Unique?
This year had a different energy — less scripted, more authentic. The inclusion of adaptive athletes, mental health discussions, and more women-led categories stood out.
And let’s not forget the tribute montage — reminding us that greatness isn’t just about stats; it’s about heart.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 ESPY Awards were more than just accolades — they were a mirror reflecting the ever-evolving, deeply human side of sports. With heartfelt speeches, iconic wins, and historic moments, this year’s ceremony set a new benchmark for celebrating athletes.
So whether you’re a die-hard sports fan or someone who simply loves a good underdog story, the ESPYs once again proved one thing — sports are about more than winning. They’re about inspiring.
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FAQs
1. Who won the Best Comeback Athlete at ESPYs 2025?
Saquon Barkley won for his incredible return to form in the NFL after injury setbacks.
2. Did Caitlin Clark win an ESPY in 2025?
Yes, she won Best College Athlete (Women’s Sports) and also had the Best Play of the Year.
3. Which team won Best Team at the 2025 ESPYs?
The Las Vegas Aces were awarded for their continued dominance in the WNBA.
4. Who received the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in 2025?
Damar Hamlin was honored for his recovery and advocacy after collapsing during a game.
5. What made the 2025 ESPYs stand out from previous years?
The emphasis on inclusivity, heartfelt tributes, and a mix of surprise appearances made it one of the most memorable ceremonies in recent years.
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