The nominations for the 2025 ESPY Awards were announced on Thursday. Among the notable sports figures who heard their name called: Shohei Ohtani, Simone Biles, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley, Caitlin Clark, Coco Gauff, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ilona Maher, and Alexander Ovechkin.
Every year, the ESPYs (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards) light up the sports world like fireworks on the Fourth of July. And this year? It’s on another level. With icons like Shohei Ohtani and Simone Biles among the top nominees, the 2025 ESPYs are shaping up to be an unforgettable celebration of power, perseverance, and pure talent. Let’s dive deep into why these two legends — and the entire list of nominees — are getting all the buzz.
Who Are the 2025 ESPY Nominees?
Shohei Ohtani – The Two-Way Wonder Still Rewriting History
Shohei Ohtani isn’t just a name; he’s a revolution. The Japanese superstar is redefining what it means to be a baseball player, excelling as both a pitcher and hitter — something we haven’t seen since Babe Ruth. His 2024 season was stacked with jaw-dropping moments: clutch homers, strikeouts that broke records, and an aura that made fans believe they were watching something truly special.
Simone Biles – The Queen of Comebacks
After a brief hiatus, Simone Biles returned to gymnastics with a vengeance. Not only did she compete — she dominated. Her routines were packed with mind-bending twists and flips that defy gravity. But beyond the medals, her story of resilience, mental health advocacy, and unshakable focus has made her an inspiration worldwide.
What Makes the ESPYs So Special?
Unlike traditional sports awards based on stats alone, the ESPYs highlight the narratives behind the numbers. They celebrate the comebacks, the clutch moments, the human spirit that pushes athletes beyond limits. It’s not just about who won — it’s about how they won.
Spotlight on the Top Categories for 2025
Best Male Athlete – Can Anyone Outshine Ohtani?
Ohtani is the frontrunner here. But he’s up against some stiff competition like:
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Patrick Mahomes (NFL MVP)
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Novak Djokovic (tennis titan)
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Erling Haaland (goal-scoring machine in soccer)
Still, Ohtani’s two-way dominance gives him a unique edge.
Best Female Athlete – Simone Biles’ Year?
Biles has strong contenders like:
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Coco Gauff (tennis phenom)
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Katie Ledecky (swimming queen)
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A’ja Wilson (WNBA standout)
Yet Biles’ story — both on and off the mat — might just clinch it.
Breaking Down Ohtani’s Historic 2024 Season
A Dual Threat Unlike Any Other
Ohtani’s 2024 batting average was stellar, his ERA tight, and his WAR off the charts. Pitching shutouts one night, hitting grand slams the next? That’s not just rare — it’s unheard of.
Record After Record
From most home runs by a pitcher to back-to-back All-Star selections as both DH and SP — Ohtani isn’t just playing baseball. He’s changing it.
Simone Biles’ Road to Redemption and Gold
A Comeback for the Ages
After stepping away during the Tokyo Olympics, many wondered if we’d see Biles compete again. But not only did she return — she reinvented herself, proving that mental strength is just as powerful as physical.
H3: Elevating the Sport
With signature moves named after her and difficulty scores through the roof, Simone doesn’t just do gymnastics. She redefines it.
Other Notable 2025 ESPY Nominees
Best Team – Who Will Take the Crown?
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Kansas City Chiefs
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Denver Nuggets
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LSU Women’s Basketball
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UConn Men’s Basketball
Each of these teams had a season to remember. But will team chemistry or fan popularity decide the winner?
Best Breakthrough Athlete
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Caitlin Clark (college basketball)
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Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
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Anthony Edwards (NBA)
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Emma Raducanu (tennis)
These fresh faces turned heads, broke records, and made us believe in the next generation.
Fan Votes Matter – How You Can Influence the Outcome
Yep, your voice counts. Fans can vote for their favorites on the official ESPYs website. The process is quick, and you can vote daily. Want to see Biles or Ohtani win? Then don’t just cheer — click.
The Power of Storytelling in Sports
Ohtani’s journey from Japan to MLB domination and Biles’ mental health advocacy are more than just sports headlines. They’re powerful narratives that resonate with millions. The ESPYs understand that. They’re not just giving out trophies — they’re honoring legacies.
When and Where to Watch the 2025 ESPYs
Mark your calendars:
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Date: July 16, 2025
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Location: Microsoft Theater, Los Angeles
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Host: Still under wraps, but expect someone charismatic and funny.
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Streaming: Available on ABC and ESPN+
Expect glitz, glamor, and emotional speeches that’ll make you tear up or cheer out loud.
Past Wins of Ohtani and Biles at the ESPYs
Both Ohtani and Biles are no strangers to the ESPYs stage. From “Best MLB Player” to “Best Female Athlete,” their trophy shelves are already stacked. But this year’s nominations feel different — more emotional, more earned, more iconic.
Social Media Reacts – Ohtani and Biles Go Viral
From TikTok highlight reels to Twitter debates, fans can’t get enough of these two legends. Memes, fan art, emotional edits — you name it, they’re all over your feed. The ESPYs only amplify this love.
Why These Awards Still Matter
Sure, it’s easy to say, “It’s just another awards show.” But the truth? The ESPYs matter. They celebrate character, courage, and the moments that make us fall in love with sports all over again.
What Makes an ESPY Winner Legendary?
It’s not just talent — it’s tenacity, resilience, charisma, and impact. Shohei and Simone have all of that in spades. Whether they take home the hardware or not, their legacy is already cemented.
Conclusion: Two Icons, One Unforgettable ESPYs Night
As the lights dim and the spotlight shines on the stage, two athletes will stand out above the rest — Shohei Ohtani and Simone Biles. Their stories are different but share a common thread: greatness earned through grit. The 2025 ESPYs isn’t just another ceremony; it’s a standing ovation to legends who never stopped believing.
