Simone Biles Wins Big As The 2025 ESPYs Celebrate Sports’ Brightest Stars
The 2025 ESPY Awards brought the worlds of sports and entertainment together for a night of celebration, recognition, and reflection at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theater. Hosted by comedian Shane Gillis, […] The post Simone Biles Wins Big As The 2025 ESPYs Celebrate Sports’ Brightest Stars appeared first on Essence.
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Simone Biles at the 2025 ESPY Awards held at the Dolby Theatre on July 16, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/ via Getty Images) 
By Okla Jones ·Updated July 17, 2025 < /> Getting your Trinity Audio player ready… The 2025 ESPY Awards brought the worlds of sports and entertainment together for a night of celebration, recognition, and reflection at Los Angeles’ Dolby Theater. Hosted by comedian Shane Gillis, the star-studded event honored the athletes and moments that defined the past year—and for many, it was a night to remember.
The evening’s biggest winners included Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Olympic gymnastics icon Simone Biles, who were named Best Athlete in Men’s and Women’s Sports, respectively. Gilgeous-Alexander earned his trophy on the heels of a remarkable NBA season, where he led the Thunder to a championship title while also claiming MVP honors and the league’s scoring title.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 16: (L-R) Simone Biles accepts the Best Championship Performance Award from Busta Rhymes and Flau’jae Johnson onstage during the 2025 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 16, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) Biles continues to defy limits and redefine greatness. After a dominant return to the Olympics in Paris—where she won three gold medals and one silver—Biles received two of the night’s top honors: Best Championship Performance and Best Athlete, Women’s Sports. The 28-year-old gymnastics legend is now a seven-time ESPY Award winner.
“The recognition means more than you guys know,” Biles told the audience. “I would like to thank the people who have stood with me on this journey—my teammates, my competitors, my coaches, family and fans who have lifted me up every step of the way.”
Biles also took a moment to acknowledge the strength behind her success. “Having a strong support system that understands your dreams, who are willing to show up for you—not just when you’re winning, but when you’re struggling too—is really important,” she said.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 16: (L-R) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander accepts the Best Athlete, Men’s Sports Award from Leslie Jones onstage during the 2025 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 16, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) In addition to Biles and Gilgeous-Alexander, the night honored several other Black athletes whose impact continues to stretch far beyond the scoreboard. Philadelphia Eagles star Saquon Barkley took home Best Play for his jaw-dropping touchdown run, while USC’s HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – JULY 16: (L-R) Oscar Robertson accepts the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage from Russell Westbrook onstage during the 2025 ESPY Awards at Dolby Theatre on July 16, 2025 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
The emotional tribute to Robertson was one of several heartfelt moments throughout the night. ESPN’s College GameDayanalyst Lee Corso was also recognized for his decades-long career in sports broadcasting, with former colleagues Kirk Herbstreit, Pat McAfee, and Desmond Howard joining him onstage for a surprise send-off.
The night’s winners reflected a diverse and dynamic cross-section of the sports world—from veteran legends to emerging stars.
Take a look at the full list of winners below:
2025 ESPYs Winners
Best Championship Performance: Simone Biles, Team USA GymnasticsBest Play: Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia EaglesBest Breakthrough Athlete: Ilona Maher, RugbyBest Athlete, Women’s Sports: Simone Biles, Team USA GymnasticsBest Comeback Athlete: Suni Lee, Team USA GymnasticsBest Athlete, Men’s Sports: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City ThunderBest Record-Breaking Performance: Alexander Ovechkin, Washington CapitalsBest Athlete with a Disability: Noah Elliot, SnowboardingBest Team: Philadelphia EaglesBest WNBA Player: Caitlin ClarkBest College Athlete, Women’s Sports: JuJu Watkins, USC BasketballBest College Athlete, Men’s Sports: Cooper Flagg, Duke BasketballBest MLB Player: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles DodgersBest NHL Player: Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton OilersBest NBA Player: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City ThunderBest Driver: Max Verstappen, F1Best UFC Fighter: Merab DvalishviliBest Boxer: Katie TaylorBest Soccer Player: Christian Pulisic, AC Milan, USBest Golfer: Scottie SchefflerBest Tennis Player: Coco GauffGatorade Best Female Player of the Year: Jane Hendengren, Cross Country, Track and FieldGatorade best Male Player of the Year: Cameron Boozer, BasketballSpecial Awards
Jimmy V Award for Perseverance: Katie Schumacher-CawleyArthur Ashe Award for Courage: Oscar RobertsonPat Tillman Award for Service: David Walters and Erin Regan TOPICS: black women in sports ESPYS Russell Westbrook Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Simone BilesThe post Simone Biles Wins Big As The 2025 ESPYs Celebrate Sports’ Brightest Stars appeared first on Essence.
