Simone Biles, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Win Big at 2025 ESPYS Awards

The 2025 ESPYS delivered emotion, surprises, and a few awkward laughs as some of the world’s top athletes and sports icons were honored for their achievements and contributions. Held in Los Angeles at the Dolby Theatre, the ceremony recognized not just athletic greatness but perseverance, service, and cultural impact. From Simone Biles and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earning top honors to moving tributes and fiery speeches, here’s everything that stood out from this year’s unforgettable night.

Who Took Home the Biggest Awards of the Night?

Simone Biles and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander walked away with the top athlete awards, and both wins felt deeply personal and well-earned.

Shai, who just led the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA Championship since 1979, was named Best Male Athlete. He also won league MVP, topped the scoring charts, and now adds ESPY glory to his trophy case. In his heartfelt speech, he thanked his wife, parents, brother, and others behind the scenes: “It takes a village,” he said.

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Simone Biles, fresh off an Olympic comeback for the ages, claimed Best Female Athlete and Best Championship Performance for her stunning results at the Paris Games. She won three gold medals and one silver, helping Team USA secure its first team gymnastics title since 2016. Biles accepted the award with a kiss from her husband, NFL safety Jonathan Owens, and noted how unexpected it was to win in a male-dominated category.

What Made the Other Winners Stand Out This Year?

The Philadelphia Eagles were crowned Best Team, celebrating their Super Bowl victory back in February. They beat out tough competition like the Dodgers, Thunder, and U.S. Women’s National Team.

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Suni Lee won Best Comeback, sharing her journey of overcoming two rare kidney diseases. She brought one of her doctors as her guest, drawing loud cheers from the crowd.

The Arthur Ashe Courage Award went to basketball legend Oscar Robertson, who in the 1970s changed the course of the NBA through a pivotal antitrust lawsuit. Introduced by Russell Westbrook, Robertson reflected on being the first Black president of a sports labor union and urged athletes to stay persistent: “In life, it’s important to be stubborn about what you believe in.”

Diana Taurasi and Alex Morgan received the Icon Award for their lasting impact on women’s sports. In their joint speech, Morgan emphasized the shared mission to improve the game for future generations. Taurasi, recently retired from the WNBA after a 20-year career, inspired the next generation with this: “Outwork them. Be loyal. Bring that damn fire every day.”

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David Walters and Erin Regan accepted the Pat Tillman Award for Service after their work as firefighters during the wildfires in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Walters, a former Olympic gold medalist, and Regan, a former pro soccer player, were honored for choosing public service after sports.

Katie Schumacher-Cawley, head coach of Penn State women’s volleyball, received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance after battling breast cancer while leading her team to an NCAA national title. Her speech was raw and inspiring: “Cancer changed my life but it didn’t take it.”

Cameron Boozer and Jane Hedengren were named Gatorade Players of the Year. Boozer is set to follow in his father Carlos Boozer’s footsteps by playing basketball at Duke. Hedengren, a rising star in track and field, will compete at BYU.

Why Was Shane Gillis’ Hosting So Controversial?

Comedian Shane Gillis hosted the ceremony, and his opening monologue stirred mixed reactions—some laughed, others cringed. Right from the start, he mispronounced Diana Taurasi’s name, calling her “Deanna,” which she visibly disliked. He quickly apologized, but it set the tone for the rest of his set.

Gillis joked about Caitlin Clark, who wasn’t in attendance, saying she might work at a Waffle House after retiring from the WNBA so she can keep “fist-fighting Black women.” The joke drew uncomfortable silence and prompted a wave of online backlash.

He also poked fun at controversial topics like Bill Belichick’s relationship with 24-year-old Jordon Hudson, Epstein’s scandals, and politics—some jokes landed, others didn’t. Before ending his segment, Gillis acknowledged the room’s reaction: “That went about exactly how we all thought it was going to go.”

Looking Ahead: What Made This ESPYS Edition Special?

This year’s ESPYS had something for everyone: sports glory, heartfelt tributes, hard-fought comebacks, and real-world heroism. Whether it was Shai’s historic NBA season, Biles’ Olympic dominance, or Katie Schumacher-Cawley’s grit, the event reminded us of the human stories behind the athletes.

Beyond the stage, the show highlighted how sports can drive social change, honor service, and spotlight resilience. That’s what made the 2025 ESPYS more than just an awards night—it was a celebration of spirit, sacrifice, and triumph.