Simone Biles was among the biggest winners at the 2025 ESPYs on Wednesday. ESPN’s annual award show recognized the accomplishments of top athletes over the past year, with host Shane Gillis stoking controversy and first responders being celebrated for heroism following the January fires that scorched Los Angeles.

Biles took home the ESPYs for both the Best Athlete in Women’s Sports and Best Championship Performance; while Saquon Barkley got the ESPY for Best Play. SHai Gilgeous-Alexander won Best Athlete in Men’s Sports. JuJu Watkins, Coco Gauff, Caitlin Clark, Shohei Ohtani and Ilona Maher were also among the athletes who won ESPYs last night. “That was very unexpected, especially in a category of all men,” Biles said of her Best Championship Performance win, after beating out Steph Curry, Freddie Freeman and Rory McIlroy.

Host Gillis opened the show with a monologue that drew a mixed reaction from the audience. He took jabs at North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick and Belichick’s 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson. “A bookie is what Bill Belichick reads to his girlfriend before bedtime,” he said. “They read The Very Horny Caterpillar, The Little Engine That Could but Needed a Pill First and of course the classic Goodnight Boobs.” “He won six Super Bowls. He’s dating a hot 24-year-old. Maybe if you guys won six Super Bowls you wouldn’t be sitting next to a fat, ugly dog wife.”

Gillis also made a joke about WNBA star Caitlin Clark that stoked controversy. “When Caitlin Clark retires from the WNBA, she’s going to work at a Waffle House so she can continue doing what she loves most…,” Gillis said. “Fist fighting Black women.” Pusha T and Malice of Clipse performed their classic hit, “Grindin,’” and “Ace Trumpets,” the venomous lead single from their new album, Let God Sort Em Out.

Los Angeles first responders who battled wildfires in early 2025 and former athletes David Walters and Erin Regan received the Pat Tillman Award for Service. NBA legend Oscar Robertson received the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage and Penn State women’s volleyball coach Katie Schumacher-Cawley was honored with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.

Saquon Barkley, Simone Biles Among Big Winners at 2025 ESPYs

The 2025 ESPYs were more than just an awards show — they were a celebration of athletic greatness, perseverance, and unforgettable moments. At the heart of it all? Saquon Barkley and Simone Biles, two titans in their respective sports who lit up the night with powerful speeches and well-deserved honors.

In this article, we’re diving deep into everything that went down — from Barkley’s major win to Biles’ historic ESPY moment, and all the jaw-dropping moments in between. So, buckle up — whether you’re a die-hard sports fanatic or a casual viewer, there’s a lot to unpack.

What Are the ESPYs Anyway?

Let’s start with the basics. The ESPY Awards (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) are like the Oscars, but for athletes. ESPN hosts this annual event to honor the best performances, players, and moments in sports over the past year.

Every July, the sports world pauses to celebrate incredible feats across basketball, football, gymnastics, tennis, and more — and this year was no exception.

Simone Biles Takes Home the Top Honor

Best Female Athlete of the Year

Simone Biles’ comeback in 2024 was nothing short of legendary. After taking time off to prioritize her mental health, she returned to gymnastics with a vengeance — dominating competitions and inspiring millions. So, when she took the stage to accept Best Female Athlete, the crowd erupted.

Biles’ Powerful Speech on Resilience

Her acceptance speech wasn’t just a thank-you list — it was a raw, real moment. She spoke candidly about overcoming doubt, anxiety, and the pressure of being the best.

“I had to learn to trust myself again. And that meant stepping back so I could step forward stronger.” — Simone Biles

Saquon Barkley Wins Big in Football

Best Comeback Athlete

After battling injuries and critics alike, Saquon Barkley roared back to form in 2024. He didn’t just play — he dominated. And for that, he earned the Best Comeback Athlete award.

Barkley’s road to recovery was long and painful, but it paid off in a massive way. His performance for the New York Giants helped reshape their entire offense and reestablished him as one of the league’s most dangerous backs.

A Night to Remember

Saquon was visibly emotional during his speech. He thanked his teammates, his family, and even gave a shout-out to fans who “never stopped believing.”

 A Star-Studded Night Filled With Emotion

Other Major Winners at the 2025 ESPYs

• Best Male Athlete: Patrick Mahomes (NFL)

• Best Team: LSU Women’s Basketball

• Breakthrough Athlete: Caitlin Clark (WNBA)

• Best Game: Super Bowl LIX

Red Carpet Moments

From shimmering gowns to dapper suits, the red carpet was a fashion runway of its own. Simone Biles dazzled in a sleek black-and-gold ensemble that perfectly captured her golden night.

Emotional Highlights That Had Us Tearing Up

The In Memoriam Tribute

The tribute segment honored sports legends we’ve lost in the past year. It was quiet, beautiful, and brought the entire room to a standstill.

The Arthur Ashe Courage Award

This year’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award went to Damar Hamlin, whose remarkable return to football after collapsing on the field in 2023 became a beacon of strength.

Behind the Scenes: What You Didn’t See on TV

Backstage Reactions

Simone Biles shared a tearful hug with her fiancé and teammates. Saquon Barkley was seen laughing with fellow NFL stars and soaking in every second.

Viral Moments You’ll See Everywhere

• Biles doing a backflip in heels backstage? Yep, that happened.

• Barkley dabbing with the kids from Make-A-Wish? Instant classic.

Social Media Blew Up Over the Winners

Fans took to Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to celebrate their faves. Hashtags like #SimoneSupremacy and #BarkleyBack trended all night.

Most-Liked Tweets of the Night

• “Simone Biles is HER. That’s it. That’s the tweet.”

• “Saquon Barkley comeback story needs a documentary.”

Why Simone’s Win Was More Than Just a Trophy

Biles’ victory signified something deeper — a celebration of mental health in sports. Her journey reminded us all that taking care of your mind is just as important as winning medals.

The Shift in Sports Culture

Athletes are no longer staying silent about anxiety, depression, or burnout. And it’s thanks to trailblazers like Biles that change is happening.

Saquon Barkley’s Comeback: A Blueprint for Grit

Barkley’s bounce-back season was a masterclass in resilience and work ethic. While most counted him out, he trained harder, focused deeper, and proved everyone wrong.

Stats That Back It Up

• Over 1,500 rushing yards in 2024

• 12 rushing touchdowns

• 5+ games with 100+ yards

Not bad for a guy they said was “washed,” right?

Athlete Reactions to the ESPYs Wins

What Fellow Stars Said

• “Simone is a superhero in real life.” — Serena Williams

• “Saquon’s comeback was unreal. So proud of him.” — Jalen Hurts

• “This was the most inspiring ESPYs in years.” — Megan Rapinoe

ESPYs 2025: A Cultural Moment, Not Just an Awards Show

These weren’t just trophies. These were symbols of grit, grace, and greatness. The 2025 ESPYs reminded us why we love sports — not just for the highlights, but for the humans behind them.

What’s Next for Simone and Saquon?

• Simone Biles is rumored to be training for the 2025 World Gymnastics Championships, and fans are already buzzing.

• Saquon Barkley enters the 2025 NFL season healthy and hungrier than ever — with eyes on the MVP.

Final Thoughts: A Night to Remember

From the electric atmosphere to the emotional speeches, the 2025 ESPYs gave us moments that’ll live in our heads (and feeds) for a long time. Simone Biles and Saquon Barkley weren’t just winners — they were the heart of the show.

Their stories prove that greatness doesn’t just come from trophies. It comes from falling, rising, and fighting again — stronger than ever.