Recap of the 2023 ESPYS

Angel Reese at the 2023 ESPYS

By: Joshua Martin

The ESPYS are a time where some of the most famous athletes from around the world come together to celebrate the past year in sports. The 31st edition of the annual celebration of the sports world’s elite was once again held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California. 

Some of the more popular awards are Best male athlete, Best female athlete, the prestigious Jimmy V award for Perseverance, the Pat Tillman award for Service and the Arthur Ashe award for Courage.

Alongside the celebration of the championship players, there were musical performances by Lil Wayne and H.E.R.

WEEZY HAS THE #ESPYS JUMPING 👏 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/9qcekwQYIb

— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2023

The Kansas City Chiefs took home the award for best team thanks to their Super Bowl LVII winning effort earlier this year and the team’s quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, once again took home the award for best NFL Player (he won in 2019 after his first MVP season). 

LSU’s superstar forward Angel Reese won Best Breakthrough Athlete. Reese made headlines during the NCAA tournament where her “you cant see me” and “ring me” celebrations took the world by storm. Despite the backlash, her talents propelled her to the top of the list of the best breakthrough athletes.

"Another natty is coming, period." 💅

You heard it at the ESPYS first❗️ pic.twitter.com/A7VxH0Eq41

— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2023

Carmelo Anthony, alongside the famed ‘Banana Boat Crew’ , was honored for his accomplishments on and off the court. 

Shortly after LeBron James  let the world know that he doesn't plan on retiring anytime soon and that he has more to give to the game of basketball.

"Lucky for you guys, that day is not today."

Go off, Bron 😂 pic.twitter.com/4X1Fqs0PqX

— ESPN (@espn) July 13, 2023

Last but not least, The Buffalo Bills training staff was honored with the Pat Tillman Award for Service due to their actions that saved the life of safety Damar Hamlin. An emotional Hamlin introduced the staff that was responsible for saving his life.

Damar Hamlin presenting the Pat Tillman Award for Service to the Bills' training staff at the @ESPYS is pretty awesome. pic.twitter.com/Lbt5B6yTYF

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 13, 2023

Below is the list of complete winners.

Best Athlete, Men’s Sports: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Best Athlete, Women’s Sports: Mikaela Shiffrin, Ski
Best Breakthrough Athlete: Angel Reese, LSU Women’s Basketball
Best Record-Breaking Performance: LeBron James surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for NBA career scoring record
Best Championship Performance: Lionel Messi, Argentina – World Cup Final
Best Comeback Athlete: Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets
Best Play: Justin Jefferson with the Catch of the Century
Best Team: Kansas City Chiefs
Best College Athlete, Men’s Sports: Caleb Williams, USC Football
Best College Athlete, Women’s Sports: Caitlin Clark, Iowa Women’s Basketball
Best Athlete with a Disability: Zach Miller, Snowboarding

Best NFL Player: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Best MLB Player: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels
Best NHL Player: Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
Best NBA Player: Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
Best WNBA Player: A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces
Best Driver: Max Verstappen, F1
Best UFC Fighter: Jon Jones
Best Boxer: Claressa Shields
Best Soccer Player: Lionel Messi, Argentina/PSG
Best Golfer: Scottie Scheffler
Best Tennis Player: Novak Djokovic

SPECIAL AWARDS

Jimmy V Award for Perseverance: Liam Hendriks
Arthur Ashe Award for Courage: U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team
Pat Tillman Award for Service: Buffalo Bills Training Staff

SPORTS HUMANITARIAN AWARDS

Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award: Jrue Holiday (Milwaukee Bucks) and Lauren Holiday (retired U.S. Women’s National Team)

Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award: Jordan Adeyemi, Ashley Badis, Rishan Patel

Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year: San Antonio Spurs

Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award Honorees: Dr. Richard Lapchick

---

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

SHARE TO SOCIAL MEDIA