2026 ESPY Awards Celebrate Athletic Achievements and Impactful Contributions

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The 2026 ESPY Awards took place at the David H. Koch Theater in New York, hosted by Marcello Hernandez from ‘Saturday Night Live.’ The event highlighted remarkable achievements and contributions across various sports.

Jalen Brunson’s Triumphs

Jalen Brunson stood out with multiple ovations throughout the evening. He won ‘Best Championship Performance’ and ‘Best Athlete – Men’s Sports’ for leading the New York Knicks to their first NBA championship since 1973. Brunson’s Finals performance included averages of 32.6 points, 4.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.2 steals. During the regular season, he recorded 26.0 points, 6.8 assists, and 0.8 steals for the Knicks. In his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, and teammates.

Jim Abbott’s Inspirational Achievement

Jim Abbott received the ‘Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.’ Despite being born without a right hand, he played Major League Baseball for a decade. He shared insights on overcoming challenges, emphasizing the sense of belonging sports provided him.

Abbott stated, “Of all the great blessings sports has given me, that sense of belonging is the best.”

Alyssa Liu’s Breakthrough

Alyssa Liu earned the ‘Best Breakthrough Athlete’ after winning a gold medal in figure skating at the Winter Olympics. She reflected on her journey through challenging times and her two-year hiatus from the sport.

Steph Curry’s Humanitarian Efforts

Steph Curry was honored with the ‘Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian’ award. His charity, ‘Eat, Learn, Play,’ has been instrumental in feeding children and providing playgrounds in Oakland. Curry recognized volunteers and emphasized athletes’ ability to make an impact.

Curry encouraged athletes, “Don’t ever forget you have a platform, you have a voice, you have everything you need to make a true impact.”

Outstanding College Athletes

The awards recognized Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza and UCLA basketball player Lauren Betts as ‘Best College Athletes.’ Betts spoke on the significance of mental health in her acceptance speech, underscoring its role in achieving success.

Scott Ruskan’s Dedicated Service

Scott Ruskan received the ‘Pat Tillman Award for Service’ due to his contribution to rescuing 165 Texas flood survivors as a Coast Guard member. He highlighted the collaborative effort involved in the rescue.