If you tuned into the 2025 ESPYS expecting a predictable night of polite clapping, you probably weren't ready for Shane Gillis. The host definitely brought a vibe that was... let's just say "unfiltered." But between the polarizing monologues and a few genuinely weird red carpet choices, the real story was written by the athletes who dominated the stage at the Dolby Theatre.
Honestly, 2025 felt like a massive changing of the guard in some spots and a total "I'm still here" moment in others.
The Heavy Hitters: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Simone Biles
We have to start with the big ones. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander taking home Best Athlete – Men's Sports is a huge deal. It’s not just about the stats, though leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA title while sweeping the MVP and scoring title is a pretty insane resume. It's the fact that he's the first Canadian to grab this specific trophy. He sounded genuinely humbled on stage, mentioning his "village" and thanking his family. It's cool to see a guy who was once an underdog prospect now sitting at the top of the sports world with a $285-million extension in his pocket.
Then there’s Simone Biles. What else is there to say? She didn't just win; she swept.
She walked away with Best Athlete – Women's Sports and Best Championship Performance. That second one was actually a bit of a shocker for her—she even admitted on stage she didn't expect to win a category against the likes of Steph Curry and Rory McIlroy. Her performance at the Paris Olympics, where she grabbed three golds and a silver, basically silenced any lingering "twisties" talk for good. She’s the GOAT. Period.
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The Winners of the ESPYS: A Full Breakdown
Sometimes it's hard to keep track of every single trophy handed out when the show is three hours long and full of skits. If you missed the broadcast, here is the rundown of who took home hardware in the major categories.
- Best Team: Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
- Best WNBA Player: Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever)
- Best MLB Player: Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Dodgers)
- Best NHL Player: Leon Draisaitl (Edmonton Oilers)
- Best NFL Player: Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Best Breakthrough Athlete: Ilona Maher (Rugby)
- Best Comeback Athlete: Suni Lee (Gymnastics)
- Best Record-Breaking Performance: Alexander Ovechkin (NHL All-Time Goals)
The Best Play award went to Saquon Barkley for that backwards hurdle against the Jaguars. You’ve seen it. I’ve seen it. We’ve all tried to figure out how a human body even does that without snapping an ankle. It was the clear winner in a year full of highlights.
The College Stars and Breakthrough Moments
It was also a massive night for the kids. Cooper Flagg won Best College Athlete – Men's Sports before even playing a regular-season minute for Duke, which tells you everything you need to know about the hype surrounding him. On the women's side, JuJu Watkins from USC took the trophy after a freshman season that basically set the basketball world on fire.
And can we talk about Ilona Maher? Seeing a rugby player win Best Breakthrough Athlete is refreshing. She’s become a social media powerhouse, but her play on the field for Team USA is what earned her that spot. She gave one of the best speeches of the night—authentic, funny, and powerful.
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Heart and Soul: The Special Awards
The ESPYS usually get a bad rap for being too "corporate," but the special honors usually cut through the noise. This year was no different.
Oscar Robertson received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage. Most younger fans know him as the "triple-double guy," but the award was specifically for his fight to establish free agency in the NBA. He was stubborn about his rights when it wasn't popular to be, and seeing Russell Westbrook present it to him felt like a perfect bridge between generations.
Then there was the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. Penn State volleyball coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley took this one home. Leading a team to a national title while undergoing treatment for breast cancer is the definition of tough. Her line about how cancer "didn't take my team" brought the room to its feet.
Who Got Left Out?
Naturally, there are always snubs. Some fans were heated that A'ja Wilson didn't take the top women's spot despite her historic WNBA season. Others felt like the USWNT should have been the Best Team after their Olympic gold.
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One of the weirdest moments? Leon Draisaitl wasn't even there to accept his Best NHL Player award because he was reportedly playing in a beer league hockey game. You sort of have to respect that.
What These Wins Actually Tell Us
The list of 2025 winners shows a clear shift toward individual "brands" as much as team success. Players like Caitlin Clark and Shohei Ohtani are becoming bigger than the leagues they play in. When you look at the winners of the ESPYS, you’re looking at a snapshot of who moved the needle in culture, not just who had the best batting average.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into these performances, there are a few things you should check out:
- Watch the replay of Saquon Barkley’s hurdle in slow motion; it's still confusing.
- Look up Ilona Maher's acceptance speech if you need a boost of confidence.
- Follow the Oklahoma City Thunder's upcoming season to see if Shai can actually top an MVP year.
The 2025 ceremony proved that while the hosting might be hit-or-miss, the actual talent in sports right now is at an all-time high.
Actionable Insight: If you're a sports fan or bettor, pay attention to the "Breakthrough" and "College" winners. Historically, ESPY recognition in these categories is a massive leading indicator of who will dominate the professional landscape for the next five years. Cooper Flagg and JuJu Watkins aren't just names; they are the future of their respective sports.