The stage is set for the ESPY Awards 2024, the glitzy ceremony that celebrates the pinnacle of sports excellence, scheduled for July 11. This annual extravaganza, orchestrated by ESPN, will unfold in the star-studded city of Los Angeles, California. Adding to the glamour, legendary tennis icon Serena Williams is set to host the event, promising an evening of dazzling sportsmanship and entertainment.
This year’s lineup of nominees is nothing short of spectacular. Leading the charge is Japanese baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani, whose dual-threat prowess on the field has captivated fans worldwide. Joining him is the indomitable gymnastics superstar Simone Biles, whose gravity-defying performances continue to rewrite the history books. Basketball prodigy Caitlin Clark and defending Best Male Athlete Patrick Mahomes also headline the list, each vying to etch their names in the annals of ESPY glory.
Should Mahomes or Ohtani clinch the Best Male Athlete award again, they will join an elite cadre of multi-time winners, including sports legends like LeBron James, Lance Armstrong, and Tiger Woods. This potential triumph adds an extra layer of anticipation to the evening’s proceedings.
The ESPY Awards, inaugurated in 1993, are not just about competitive accolades. They also honor individuals and moments that embody the spirit of sportsmanship through honorary awards like the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, and the Pat Tillman Award for Service.
Let’s delve into the key categories and their standout nominees:
Best Male Athlete
- Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): The quarterback maestro aims to defend his title with another stellar season.
- Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels / Los Angeles Dodgers): The phenom whose pitching and hitting prowess continue to defy baseball norms.
- Scottie Scheffler (Golf): The rising star on the green with a string of impressive performances.
- Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers): The ice hockey virtuoso known for his lightning speed and scoring ability.
Best Female Athlete
- Caitlin Clark (Iowa Women’s Basketball): The basketball dynamo known for her scoring exploits and clutch performances.
- Coco Gauff (Tennis): The young tennis sensation who has taken the sport by storm.
- Nelly Korda (Golf): The golf prodigy with a series of tournament victories.
- A’ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces): The WNBA star whose dominance on the court is unmatched.
Breakthrough Athlete
- Haleigh Bryant (LSU Gymnastics): The gymnastics phenom with an impressive collegiate career.
- C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans): The rookie quarterback making waves in the NFL.
- Juju Watkins (USC Women’s Basketball): The rising star in women’s college basketball.
- Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs): The basketball prodigy with sky-high potential.
Best Team The competition for the Best Team award features an array of standout squads from NCAA basketball, NFL, MLB, WNBA, and other premier leagues, each team demonstrating remarkable prowess and teamwork throughout their respective seasons.
NFL Player of the Year
- Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns): The defensive titan known for his game-changing plays.
- Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): The electrifying quarterback with a dual-threat capability.
- Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): The reigning MVP with another phenomenal season.
- Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers): The versatile running back with a knack for highlight-reel plays.
MLB Player of the Year
- Ronald Acuna Jr. (Atlanta Braves): The dynamic outfielder with a blend of power and speed.
- Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees): The ace pitcher with a dominant presence on the mound.
- Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels): The two-way star redefining baseball excellence.
- Corey Seager (Texas Rangers): The shortstop with a clutch performance and consistent batting.
NBA Player of the Year
- Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks): The playmaking genius with an unmatched skill set.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder): The versatile guard leading his team with poise.
- Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets): The reigning MVP with a unique blend of scoring and playmaking.
- Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics): The scoring machine driving the Celtics’ success.
Best Racing Driver
- Ryan Blaney (NASCAR): The speedster with multiple checkered flags.
- Matt Hagan (NHRA): The drag racing icon with record-breaking runs.
- Alex Palou (IndyCar): The championship contender with a string of podium finishes.
- Max Verstappen (F1): The dominant force in Formula 1 with consecutive titles.
Best UFC Fighter
- Islam Makhachev: The grappling maestro with an unbeaten streak.
- Sean O’Malley: The striking sensation known for his knockout power.
- Alex Pereira: The kickboxing legend turned MMA champion.
- Zhang Weili: The former strawweight champion with a relentless fighting style.
Best Boxer
- Terence Crawford: The pound-for-pound king with an unblemished record.
- Seniesa Estrada: The undefeated women’s boxing star.
- Naoya Inoue: The Japanese phenom known for his knockout prowess.
- Oleksandr Usyk: The heavyweight champion with a masterful technique.
Best Soccer Player
- Aitana Bonmatí (Spain): The midfield maestro driving her team to glory.
- Naomi Girma (USWNT): The defensive stalwart with a commanding presence.
- Vinicius Junior (Brazil/Real Madrid): The electrifying winger with a flair for the dramatic.
- Kylian Mbappe (France/Real Madrid): The global superstar with unmatched speed and finishing ability.
Best Tennis Player
- Carlos Alcaraz: The teenage sensation taking the tennis world by storm.
- Novak Djokovic: The grand slam record-holder with a relentless drive.
- Coco Gauff: The young American prodigy with a meteoric rise.
- Iga Swiatek: The Polish powerhouse with a dominant run in women’s tennis.
As the countdown to July 11 continues, the sports world holds its breath, eager to see which of these remarkable athletes and teams will ascend to the pinnacle of recognition at the ESPY Awards 2024. The night promises to be a celebration of extraordinary achievements and inspiring stories that transcend the world of sports.
