2026 ESPY Awards: A Night of Glamour and Athletic Excellence

The 2026 ESPY Awards, held at the prestigious Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater in New York City, brought together the world's top athletes and entertainers for a night of glamour and recognition. The event, hosted by comedian Marcello Hernàndez, was a celebration of excellence in sports performance, honoring the year's most outstanding achievements in athletics.

The evening's festivities included performances by hip-hop legends De La Soul, Ghostface Killah, Slick Rick, and the Savannah Bananas, an exhibition baseball team known for their entertaining antics. The star-studded presenter lineup featured Olympic medalists Simone Biles, Eileen Gu, and Allyson Felix, who took the stage to award the night's top honors to deserving athletes.

One of the biggest winners of the night was New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson, who took home an impressive three individual ESPYs: Best NBA Player, Best Championship Performance, and Best Athlete in Men's Sports. Brunson's team, the New York Knicks, was also recognized with the coveted Best Team honor. Another standout winner was American figure skater Alysa Liu, who was awarded the Best Breakthrough Athlete trophy for her remarkable comeback story.

Liu's red-carpet look was a showstopper, as she wore a stunning Louis Vuitton gown featuring a plunging cowl neckline and a low back. The beaded cross necklace and her signature striped hair, pulled into an updo, added to her overall elegance. In her touching acceptance speech, Liu shared her personal story of perseverance and determination, inspiring the audience with her remarkable journey.

Other notable red-carpet appearances included Jordyn Woods, who supported her fiancé, Karl-Anthony Towns, in a fringe Oscar de la Renta number, and Eileen Gu, who shimmered in a Guo Pei gown. Simone Biles turned to Saudi Arabian designer Eman Alajlan for her look, while Madison Chock opted for a Christian Siriano mini. The evening's fashion was a testament to the athletes' and celebrities' sense of style and flair.

The ESPY Awards have a long history of recognizing excellence in sports, dating back to 1993. Over the years, the event has evolved to include a wider range of categories and nominees, reflecting the growing diversity and complexity of the sports world. This year's awards ceremony was no exception, with a diverse lineup of winners and presenters from various sports disciplines.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the ESPY Awards also raise awareness and funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, a charitable organization dedicated to finding cures for cancer. The event's charitable component is a reminder of the impact that sports can have beyond the playing field, inspiring athletes and fans alike to make a positive difference in their communities.

As the 2026 ESPY Awards came to a close, the winners and attendees celebrated their achievements and the spirit of athletic excellence that defines the sports world. With its unique blend of glamour, entertainment, and inspiration, the ESPY Awards continue to be a highlight of the sports calendar, recognizing the talented athletes and dedicated individuals who make sports so compelling and rewarding.

The full list of winners and red-carpet looks from the 2026 ESPY Awards can be found below, showcasing the best of the sports world and the fashion that defines it. From the stunning gowns to the heartfelt acceptance speeches, this year's ESPY Awards were an unforgettable celebration of athletic excellence and style.