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ESPY Awards

The ESPY Awards, an acronym for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly, are an annual American ceremony produced by that honors outstanding athletic achievements, memorable sports moments, and inspirational figures in the world of sports. Established in 1993, the event recognizes top performers across professional, collegiate, and levels through categories such as Best Male Athlete, Best Female Athlete, Best Team, and Best Breakthrough Athlete, alongside special honors like the Award for Courage and the Icon Award for lifetime contributions. The ESPYS are typically held in July at a major venue like the in and broadcast live on , with streaming available on ESPN platforms, allowing global audiences to tune in. Fan voting plays a key role, enabling in selecting for many categories via ESPN's online platform, which adds an interactive element to the proceedings. Hosted by celebrities and athletes—such as comedian for the 2025 edition—the ceremony features performances, tributes, and speeches that highlight perseverance and innovation in sports. Beyond celebration, the ESPYS have a significant charitable dimension, raising awareness and funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, co-founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach following his iconic "Don't Give Up" speech at the inaugural 1993 event. Awards like the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance recognize individuals overcoming adversity, such as coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley in 2025, while the Pat Tillman Award honors service to others, underscoring the event's emphasis on courage and community impact. Over three decades, notable recipients have included (Arthur Ashe Award, 1997) for his activism and , a multiple-time Best Female Athlete winner, for her trailblazing career, cementing the ESPYS as a premier platform for sports excellence and social good.

History

Founding

The ESPY Awards, an acronym for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly, were founded by in to celebrate top athletic accomplishments and establish a high-profile comparable to the Oscars in the entertainment industry. The concept originated as part of 's long-term vision to expand beyond traditional sports broadcasting into more glamorous, , an idea discussed since the network's early years. ESPN President and CEO Steve Bornstein spearheaded the initiative, overseeing its development to highlight excellence in sports performance across major disciplines. The awards were structured under 's direct management, with production handled by Entertainment, and featured an initial slate of 32 categories emphasizing significant achievements in professional and amateur athletics. Selections combined expert panel decisions for most honors with public voting via telephone for select categories, ensuring a blend of industry recognition and fan engagement. The first ceremony occurred on March 4, 1993, at the Paramount Theatre within in , drawing celebrities and athletes for a live-on-tape broadcast hosted by comedian . During the event, basketball coach accepted the inaugural and announced the creation of the V Foundation for Cancer Research. Sponsors including and supported the event, which also allocated a portion of proceeds to the Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS, marking an early charitable dimension.

Evolution

The ESPY Awards underwent significant changes in their timing shortly after inception to better synchronize with major sports seasons. The inaugural ceremony occurred on March 4, 1993, followed by the second on February 28, 1994, both held in early-year slots that coincided with winter and early spring athletic events. However, starting with the 2002 edition on July 10, the event shifted to midsummer to align more closely with peak seasons for , , and other outdoor sports, enhancing viewer engagement during a traditionally slower period for major competitions. This adjustment allowed the awards to capture achievements from the prior calendar year more effectively and positioned the ceremony as a summer highlight. The scope of the ESPY Awards expanded considerably in terms of categories and participation mechanisms. Initially featuring 32 categories focused on significant achievements in professional and amateur athletics, such as Best Male Athlete and Best Team, the program grew to over 30 categories by the , incorporating niche areas like action sports, motorsports, and emerging disciplines to reflect the broadening landscape of global athletics. Fan voting, a hallmark since , evolved with the introduction of online balloting via in 2004, which dramatically increased accessibility and turnout—reaching a record 12.1 million votes by 2006 and enabling fans to influence outcomes across most categories alongside expert panels introduced in 2005. Broadcast and production milestones further solidified the event's prominence. The 2001 ceremony marked a transition to live primetime television on at 9 p.m. , elevating its visibility from earlier taped or delayed formats and drawing larger audiences for . In response to the , the 2020 ESPYs adopted a fully format, emphasizing humanitarian efforts over traditional athletic honors, with remote presentations by athletes and a focus on inspiration amid global challenges. This adaptation highlighted the awards' flexibility while maintaining their core mission. Recent iterations have included scheduling tweaks to navigate competing events. The 2024 ceremony shifted to , July 11, diverging from the typical Wednesday slot, while the 2025 event returned to Wednesday, July 16, ensuring optimal primetime placement on . Throughout these developments, the ESPYs' partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research has deepened, contributing to over $265 million raised by 2025 through event proceeds and awareness initiatives.

Charitable Role

Partnership with V Foundation

The partnership between the ESPY Awards and the V Foundation for was established in 1993, when collaborated with the late to found the organization during Valvano's acceptance speech for the at the inaugural ESPYs. This alliance was inspired by 's early support for Valvano's vision of advancing , following his public battle with the disease and his iconic call to "don't give up" during the ceremony. The V Foundation, co-founded by Valvano and , positions the ESPY Awards as its primary fundraising vehicle, leveraging the event's high-profile platform to promote initiatives. Under the agreement, donates a portion of the proceeds from ESPY ticket sales and related activities annually to the foundation, supporting grants for innovative research projects vetted by its Scientific Advisory Committee. Key events include the annual presence of V Foundation representatives at the ESPYs ceremony, where they highlight ongoing research efforts, and the presentation of the Jimmy V Award for , a special honor directly tied to Valvano's legacy and the foundation's mission. Milestones in the partnership include its enduring commitment through the , marked by public announcements reaffirming ESPN's role as a founding partner, such as expanded initiatives like ESPY Week to amplify awareness and support for . This long-term alliance has contributed to the foundation's broader charitable impact, funding over $458 million in grants since inception.

Fundraising Impact

The ESPY Awards have been a major driver of fundraising for since the partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research was established in 1993. Through annual events like ESPY Week, which encompasses auctions, sponsorships, and the ceremony itself, the ESPYS have helped generate substantial contributions, with ESPN's overall support—including the ESPYS—raising more than $265 million for the foundation as of 2025. These efforts prioritize game-changing research initiatives. Funds raised via the ESPYS are allocated entirely to grants, patient care programs, and awareness campaigns, as the V Foundation's endowment covers all administrative costs. In recent years, ESPY-related activities have accounted for 34% of the foundation's total grant funding over its 32-year history, fueling accelerated breakthroughs in . For instance, the 2022 ESPY Week raised $2.87 million, while high-profile sponsorships have supported specialized research; similar spikes from auctions highlight ongoing contributions. The impact of these funds is evident in the V Foundation's awarding of over $458 million across more than 1,423 grants since 1993, funding innovative projects at leading cancer centers. In 2024 alone, a record $44 million supported 76 research teams, many tied to ESPY-backed endowments that enable 100% of donations to reach frontline efforts. Survivor stories underscore this reach: Tim Rohr, a colon cancer survivor, attributes his successful treatment to V Foundation-funded advancements in early detection, stating, "The effect of what they’re able to do for me is just incredible." Beyond direct financial support, the ESPYS have amplified public awareness of , contributing to the V Foundation's growth and its researchers' involvement in over 1,000 clinical trials that have attracted an additional $20 billion in funding. This visibility has helped expand the foundation's capacity, with U.S. cancer survivors reaching approximately 18.6 million as of January 1, 2025, and projected to hit 26 million by 2040, many benefiting from ESPY-supported innovations.

Award Design

Physical Description

The ESPY Award statuette was designed and created by sculptor Lawrence G. Nowlan in 1992. The statuette depicts a silver-plated mounted atop a base, standing 17 inches tall and weighing 6.17 pounds. The sphere features the word "ESPY" inscribed on it, while the winner's name and award category are engraved on the statuette following the ceremony. As of 2025, the awards are provided by The Corporate Presence/Prestige Custom Awards.

Symbolism

The ESPY statuette's design elements embody the core values of athletic excellence and global . The prominent silver , engraved with the "ESPY," serves as the focal point, symbolizing the global unity of sports and encapsulating the expansive "world" of athletic performance across disciplines and nations. This spherical form evokes completeness and interconnectedness, highlighting how individual achievements contribute to the broader tapestry of international competition. The choice of engraving the directly on the reinforces its centrality, with "ESPY" standing for Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly, a designation that underscores the awards' focus on annually honoring peak moments of skill, dedication, and innovation in athletics. The statuette's base provides a foundational structure, symbolizing the grounded roots of athletic pursuits and the stability essential for enduring success in . Crafted to support the elevated sphere, it represents the and required beneath high , drawing from traditional motifs that ground aspiration in tangible effort. In cultural reception, the ESPY has been widely regarded as the "Oscars of ," a honor that elevates winners' legacies and is often prominently displayed in homes, offices, or halls of fame as a testament to career-defining accomplishments. Athletes and teams treat it as a coveted emblem of , akin to industry's top accolades, fostering a sense of shared within the community. The symbolism of the ESPY has evolved significantly since the , increasingly associated with inclusivity following expansions in award categories. Notably, the addition of recognition for athletes with disabilities in 2002 marked a pivotal shift toward broader representation, while subsequent inclusions for Paralympic achievements and diverse underrepresented groups have reinforced the awards' role in promoting and unity across all levels of athletic endeavor. This progression reflects a deepening commitment to celebrating excellence in its multifaceted forms, beyond traditional elite competitions.

Ceremonies

Timing

The inaugural ESPY Awards ceremony was held on March 4, 1993, at in . From 1994 to 2001, the event occurred annually in February, aligning with the conclusion of the previous calendar year's sports achievements and coinciding with major winter events like the NBA and NHL seasons. This early-year timing allowed recognition of accomplishments shortly after they happened but often overlapped with ongoing winter sports coverage. In 2002, ESPN shifted the ceremony to late July, starting with July 10, to better accommodate a broader range of summer sports and reduce conflicts with peak winter programming. The move was influenced by the post-9/11 rescheduling of the , which created scheduling flexibility, and aimed to leverage a lighter sports calendar for greater athlete and fan participation. Since then, the ESPYs have typically taken place on the second Thursday in July, such as July 11, 2024, though exceptions occur; for instance, the 2025 ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, following the MLB Game on July 15. This summer positioning avoids winter sports saturation, synchronizes with cycles and other major summer events when applicable, capitalizes on the MLB All-Star break for heightened visibility, and generates preseason buzz ahead of the NFL campaign starting in September. The prompted a significant adjustment in 2020, when the ESPYs were presented virtually on June 21 to honor the year's humanitarian efforts amid postponed sports seasons. The event returned to an in-person format in 2021 at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in , resuming the standard summer schedule. Ceremonies generally run 2 to 3 hours, broadcast live from 8:00 p.m. , with a pre-show commencing about 2 hours earlier to showcase arrivals and interviews.

Venues

The ESPY Awards ceremonies originated in , with the inaugural 1993 event and the 1994 ceremony held at . From 1995 through 1999, the awards moved to in the same city, accommodating a growing audience for the expanding show. In 2000 and 2001, the event shifted to the in , , marking a brief westward expansion that drew larger crowds with its resort-style setting. Starting in 2002, the ESPYs relocated permanently to , , beginning at the (now the ) for the 2002 through 2007 ceremonies, which facilitated a more Hollywood-oriented production. From 2008 to 2019, the venue changed to the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live (renamed Microsoft Theater in 2015 and in 2021), providing advanced technical capabilities for the televised event. Exceptions to the Los Angeles focus include the 2020 ceremony, conducted virtually amid the to ensure participant safety, and the 2021 event at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in , a temporary return to the East Coast. Since 2022, the awards have been hosted at the , including the 2023, 2024, and 2025 editions, reverting to the original theater for its prestige and infrastructure. These venues generally seat between 2,000 and 3,400 guests, configured with expansive stages for live musical performances, athlete tributes, and award presentations to enhance the ceremony's entertainment value. The choice of Los Angeles-based locations since 2002 prioritizes access to presenters, robust production facilities, and proximity to media hubs, aligning the event with broader industry dynamics.

Hosts

The ESPY Awards have traditionally featured high-profile celebrity hosts since their debut in 1993, when comedian emceed the inaugural ceremony at in . Early years emphasized comedians and actors, such as in 1995 and in 1998, to infuse the event with humor while honoring athletic achievements. Over time, the lineup evolved to include athletes like in 2017 and in 2016, blending insider sports knowledge with entertainment appeal. ESPN selects hosts based on their charisma, comedic timing, and connections to the sports world, aiming to create an engaging atmosphere that resonates with both athletes and viewers. Notable examples include , a tennis icon, hosting in 2024, and comedian emceeing the 2025 event. The role involves delivering an opening monologue to set a lighthearted tone, introducing award segments and presenters, and often participating in skits that poke fun at sports culture and current events. In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend toward greater in hosting choices, with more female athletes and entertainers taking the stage post-2010s, including in 2018 and co-hosts and in 2020. This shift aligns with broader efforts to highlight and inclusivity. Hosts play a key role in boosting the ceremony's appeal, often driving higher engagement; for instance, the 2024 event under Williams saw viewership rise 13% from the previous year.

Broadcast and Viewership

The ESPY Awards have been broadcast on television since their inception in 1993, initially airing exclusively on , the event's founding network, through 2014. This format provided dedicated sports coverage but limited broader accessibility compared to over-the-air networks. In 2015, the ceremony transitioned to , 's sister broadcast network under ownership, marking the first time the ESPYs reached a national linear audience beyond cable subscribers and aiming to expand viewership through wider distribution. The current broadcast format features live telecasts on , with the exception of the 2020 edition, which was presented virtually on due to the . Streaming options have complemented traditional TV since the ABC era, including live availability on for subscribers and post-event highlights distributed on via official ESPN channels. Production incorporates standard elements like commercial interruptions to accommodate sponsors, ensuring the three-hour program aligns with network advertising schedules. Viewership for the ESPYs reached its all-time peak of 7.7 million during the 2015 ABC debut, reflecting the impact of the network shift and high-profile moments such as Caitlyn Jenner's acceptance. Subsequent years saw fluctuations, with audiences in the generally averaging 2 to 3 million viewers, including 2.6 million for the 2024 ceremony—its highest in five years—amid ongoing competition from streaming and fragmented media consumption. Digital expansion has enhanced engagement since around 2010, with ESPN integrating social media promotions, live-tweeting, and fan interactions during broadcasts. The hashtag #ESPYS consistently trends on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) annually, amplifying reach through user-generated content and viral clips from the event. The 2025 ESPYs, held on July 16, continued this format on ABC with ESPN+ streaming.

Year-by-Year Summary

The ESPY Awards began in as ESPN's inaugural ceremony honoring athletic excellence, held at in and hosted by comedian . Michael Jordan claimed the first Best Male Athlete award for his dominant NBA performances, while won Best Female Athlete for her tennis achievements; the were named Best Team following their victory. A defining cultural moment came when received the , delivering an emotional speech on perseverance that raised over $4 million for cancer research in its first year and inspired the ongoing Jimmy V Foundation partnership. In 1994, the event returned to with Miller hosting again; earned Best Male Athlete for his MLB prowess, became the first female jockey to win Best Female Athlete, and the Toronto Blue Jays took Best Team after their title. The ceremony shifted venues to from 1995 to 1999, featuring a rotation of hosts including (1995), (1996), (1997), and (1998). Notable winners included (Best Male Athlete, 1995) for his MVP performance, (1997) for Olympic track dominance, and (1999) amid the chase; the New York Yankees won Best Team in both 1997 and 1999 for their championship runs. Attendance grew steadily, with the 1999 event drawing around 5,000 in-person guests amid rising TV viewership of 5.2 million. The 2000 ESPYs marked a venue change to the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, hosted by Jimmy Smits, where Tiger Woods won Best Male Athlete for his four consecutive PGA victories, Mia Hamm took Best Female Athlete for U.S. soccer stardom, and the U.S. Women's Soccer Team celebrated their World Cup triumph as Best Team. In 2001 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, hosted by Samuel L. Jackson, the New York Yankees were honored as Best Team amid post-9/11 resilience themes. The 2002 ESPYs were held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by Samuel L. Jackson, with Woods securing Best Male Athlete again; the event shifted permanently to Los Angeles. The 2003 and 2004 ceremonies at the Kodak Theatre, hosted by Jamie Foxx, saw Lance Armstrong win Best Male Athlete for his Tour de France successes, while the 2005 event at the same venue, hosted by Matthew Perry, featured the debut of expanded fan voting alongside expert panels, helping highlight upsets like the Boston Red Sox's Best Team win after breaking their curse. Woods secured three straight Best Male Athlete awards (2000-2002) before Armstrong dominated from 2003 to 2006. Viewership peaked at 7.2 million in 2004, reflecting growing cultural impact. The mid-2000s to early 2010s saw the ESPYs settle in at venues like the Kodak Theatre (now Dolby), with hosts including (2008) and (2009-2010). won Best Male Athlete in 2009 for his Olympic swimming records, claimed it in 2010 for skiing dominance, and the ' victory earned Best Team amid post-Katrina inspiration. A major upset occurred in 2007 when edged favorites for Best Male Athlete, while the 2010 ceremony honored Ed with the Award for . Fan influenced outcomes, boosting engagement, though attendance remained around 4,000-5,000 per event. From 2011 to 2022, the ceremonies emphasized inclusivity, with categories such as Best Breakthrough Athlete (established in 1993 and open to all genders) continuing to recognize emerging talents across sports. Hosts shifted to athletes and celebrities, including (2011), (2013), (2015), and (2022) at the . won Best Male Athlete twice (2012-2013) for NBA championships, took Best Female in 2013, and dominated in 2017; the U.S. Women's Soccer Team won Best Team in 2015 and 2019 for successes. Cultural highlights included Caitlyn Jenner's 2015 Award speech on rights and the 2020 virtual format due to , hosted by , , and , which focused on humanitarian efforts and drew 2.8 million viewers despite no live audience. Tom Brady's 2021 Best Male Athlete win post-Tampa Bay capped a dynasty era. The 2023 ESPYs at the proceeded without a traditional host due to the writers' strike, opened by ; won Best Male Athlete for his MVP, took Best Female for skiing milestones, and the claimed Best Team. Caitlin Clark's Best Breakthrough Athlete award highlighted women's college basketball growth, with the event drawing 2.3 million viewers. In 2024, hosted at the , where Mahomes repeated as Best Male Athlete, won Best Female for WNBA dominance, and the team earned Best Team; Clark again won Best Breakthrough, underscoring her impact, amid 2.5 million viewers. The 2025 ceremony, hosted by at the , celebrated Olympic stars post-Paris Games, with winning Best Male Athlete for NBA Finals MVP honors, taking Best Female for gymnastics triumphs, and the as Best Team; Clark secured Best WNBA Player, and the event attracted 2.18 million viewers while honoring recipient .

Award Categories

Overview

The ESPY Awards, formally known as the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, recognize outstanding athletic achievements, memorable moments, and humanitarian contributions in sports through a structured framework of categories that span individual accomplishments, team successes, and broader impacts. These categories are broadly divided into cross-cutting awards, such as Best Play or Best Breakthrough Athlete, which apply across all sports; individual honors, like Best Athlete in Men's or ; and team- or sport-specific recognitions, including Best Team or Best NBA Player. This organization ensures a balanced celebration of diverse sporting excellence while maintaining and representation across disciplines. The nomination and voting process begins with an internal committee of ESPN experts selecting finalists based on performances from the previous calendar year, typically announced in late June following the conclusion of major seasons such as the . For the 2025 ESPYS, nominations opened for public voting on June 26 and closed at 5 p.m. on , just before the . Winners are then determined entirely by online fan voting conducted via ESPN's and , allowing global participation to decide outcomes in all fan-voted categories. In 2025, the ESPYS featured 31 categories, reflecting an emphasis on inclusivity by balancing awards for men's and , as well as emerging and adaptive . Eligibility encompasses professional athletes from major leagues, collegiate competitors, and participants, with the latter integrated since the awards' early years to honor global talent—for instance, through dedicated categories like Best International Athlete introduced in 2006. This broad scope highlights performances at the highest levels while prioritizing equity and diversity in sports recognition.

Current Categories

The ESPY Awards maintain a dynamic set of active categories that celebrate excellence across various dimensions of , including athletic performance, , , and societal impact. As of the 2025 ceremony, these categories encompass general honors for standout individuals and moments, sport-specific recognitions for top performers in major leagues, and special awards for humanitarian and inspirational contributions. Nominees are selected by an ESPN-appointed panel of experts based on statistical achievements, cultural influence, and overall impact during the eligibility period (typically the prior ), while winners are determined exclusively through public online voting conducted via ESPN's website. Cross-cutting categories highlight pivotal moments and broad accomplishments transcending specific sports. The Best Play award recognizes the most electrifying or innovative single athletic moment, evaluated on creativity, execution, and memorability, with fan votes emphasizing viral impact; in 2025, it went to Saquon Barkley's backward hurdle during an game. The Best Championship Performance honors exceptional displays in title-deciding events, focusing on clutch contributions under pressure, such as ' Olympic gymnastics all-around dominance in 2025. The Best Breakthrough Athlete, gender-neutral since 2019, celebrates emerging talents making significant debuts or rapid rises, based on rookie-season stats and team influence; of received it in 2025 for her sevens contributions at the . Individual achievement categories spotlight top performers and milestones. The Best Athlete in Men's Sports and Best Athlete in Women's Sports award the overall male and female standouts across all disciplines, judged on season-long dominance in stats like points, wins, or medals; (NBA) and (gymnastics) won in 2025, respectively. The Best Record-Breaking Performance acknowledges athletes shattering historical benchmarks, prioritizing verifiable feats with lasting , as seen with Alexander Ovechkin's NHL all-time goals record in 2025. The Best Comeback Athlete salutes those overcoming injuries, personal challenges, or career setbacks, assessed by resilience and post-recovery results; Suni Lee earned it in 2025 for her return to elite post-kidney illness. Additionally, the Best Athlete with a recognizes para-athletes excelling in adaptive sports, based on competitive results in events like Paralympics; Noah Elliott won for para-snowboarding in 2025. Sport-specific categories target elite performers in professional and collegiate leagues, with criteria emphasizing league-leading statistics, awards, and contributions to team success. These include Best NFL Player (Saquon Barkley, 2025), Best MLB Player (, 2025), Best NHL Player (, 2025), Best NBA Player (, 2025), Best WNBA Player (, 2025), Best UFC Fighter (, 2025), Best Boxer (, 2025), Best Soccer Player (, 2025), Best Golfer (, 2025), Best Tennis Player (, 2025), Best Driver (, Formula 1, 2025), Best College Athlete in Men's Sports (, basketball, 2025), and Best College Athlete in Women's Sports (, basketball, 2025). The Best Team award goes to the most dominant group effort, factoring in win totals and playoff runs; the claimed it in 2025 for their campaign. Sponsored and special categories address inspirational and off-field impacts. The Pat Tillman Award for Service, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense, honors individuals exemplifying sacrifice and community service beyond athletics; in 2025, it was awarded to LA County firefighters and Erin Regan for their heroic efforts. Other non-competitive honors include the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage for bold advocacy (, 2025), Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award for global change-making (, 2025), Jimmy V Award for Perseverance for battling adversity (Katie Schumacher-Cawley, 2025), Icon Award for career legacies ( and , 2025), Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award for young activists (Rishin Tandon et al., 2025), Gatorade National High School Players of the Year for top scholastic talents (Jane Hedengren and , 2025), and the Capital One Cup for collegiate program dominance ( women and Ohio State men, 2025). These are selected by ESPN committees rather than fan vote, emphasizing narrative depth and verified contributions.

Discontinued Categories

Over the history of the ESPY Awards, several categories have been discontinued or restructured to adapt to evolving sports landscapes, audience interests, and the desire for a more streamlined ceremony. Early iterations featured numerous sport-specific and gender-segregated awards that were later consolidated or eliminated, allowing for broader recognition of achievements across disciplines. This evolution began notably in , when discontinued categories such as , , , , , and Best Soccer Player, while combining Pro Team of the Year and College Team of the Year into a single Best Team category. Another significant change occurred in the mid-2000s with awards for athletes with disabilities. The original Best Disabled Athlete category, awarded from 2002 to 2004 (with winners including in 2002 and in 2004), was discontinued and replaced in 2005 by separate gender-specific honors: Best Male Athlete with a Disability and Best Female Athlete with a Disability. These persisted through 2022, recognizing figures like Mark Barr (male, 2019) and Allysa Seely (female, 2019), but were recombined into a single Best Athlete with a Disability category starting in 2023, with Zach Miller () as the inaugural winner under the unified format. Niche sport-specific categories have also been phased out over time, particularly in recent years, to prioritize major professional leagues and inclusive achievements. For instance, the Best Jockey ESPY Award, which honored standouts like José Ortiz (2022 winner), was discontinued after 2022 and absent from subsequent ceremonies. Similarly, the Best Bowler category, last awarded to in 2022, and the Best Angler award, which concluded with Tammy Richardson's 2006 victory (formerly known as Best Outdoors until 2005), were eliminated as part of broader efforts to focus on high-profile sports like , NBA, and Olympics. These changes reflect a shift toward categories that capture wider cultural impact while maintaining the ESPYs' emphasis on excellence across diverse athletic pursuits.

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