The ESPYs have always been about honoring greatness. But in 2025, they did more than celebrate athletic excellence—they captured culture in motion. PEOPLE’s 2025 ESPYs Photo Booth became the ultimate backstage runway, where Olympic legends, chart-topping artists, and Hollywood royalty stepped in front of the lens and showed the world who they are right now.
From Simone Biles radiating champion energy to Ciara delivering effortless superstar glam, the photo booth wasn’t just a side attraction. It was the moment.
Let’s break down why this year’s ESPYs photo booth mattered, who showed up, and how it turned into one of the most talked-about pop culture moments of 2025.
Why PEOPLE’s ESPYs Photo Booth Is a Big Deal
At first glance, a photo booth sounds simple. Step in. Smile. Snap. Done.
But PEOPLE Magazine doesn’t do “simple.”
More Than Photos—It’s a Cultural Time Capsule
The PEOPLE ESPYs Photo Booth is where sports meets entertainment, where authenticity beats polish, and where stars loosen up just enough to be real. These images live far beyond the awards night. They’re shared, reposted, dissected, and remembered.
Where Legends Let Their Guard Down
Unlike the red carpet, the booth feels relaxed. No pressure. No scripts. Just vibes. And that’s exactly why fans love it.
Simone Biles: Confidence, Grace, and GOAT Energy
The Queen of Gymnastics Owns the Moment
When Simone Biles steps into a room, the energy shifts. The photo booth captured her exactly as fans adore her—confident, joyful, and fully in her power.
She didn’t need theatrics. Her presence alone told a story of resilience, dominance, and evolution.
Why Simone’s Appearance Resonated
-
She represents longevity in elite sports
-
She embodies mental strength as much as physical excellence
-
She bridges athletic greatness with cultural relevance
In short? Simone didn’t just pose. She claimed the space.
Ciara Brings Superstar Glam to the ESPYs
Music, Fashion, and Athletic Culture Collide
Ciara has always lived at the intersection of music, movement, and style. Her appearance in PEOPLE’s 2025 ESPYs Photo Booth was a masterclass in modern celebrity branding.
She looked effortless. Confident. Fully herself.
Why Ciara Fit the ESPYs Perfectly
-
Deep ties to sports culture
-
A legacy built on discipline and performance
-
A fashion-forward presence that commands attention
Ciara didn’t outshine the athletes—she complemented them. And that balance? That’s star power.
The Athletes Who Lit Up the Lens
Rising Stars Meet Household Names
The booth featured a powerful mix of:
-
Olympic champions
-
Breakout rookies
-
Veteran icons nearing legendary status
Each photo felt like a passing of the torch—old guard to new, excellence to excellence.
Authenticity Over Perfection
Some laughed. Some flexed. Some stood quietly, letting their presence speak. And that’s what made the images resonate. They weren’t overproduced. They were human.
Hollywood Meets the Sports World
Celebrities Who Showed Up for the Love of the Game
Actors, musicians, and creators didn’t come to steal the spotlight—they came to celebrate it.
This crossover matters because sports is entertainment now. And the PEOPLE photo booth proved that the boundary between athlete and celebrity is thinner than ever.
Fashion Moments That Stole the Show
Style Without the Red Carpet Pressure
The booth gave stars freedom to experiment. No stiff poses. No forced angles. Just real style.
From tailored suits to sleek gowns to bold streetwear, the fashion moments felt intentional but relaxed—like your best outfit on your best day.
Why These Looks Went Viral
-
Clean lighting
-
Minimal background
-
Maximum personality
The result? Shareable, timeless images that dominated social feeds.
The Power of PEOPLE Magazine’s Visual Storytelling
Why PEOPLE Still Sets the Standard
In an era of endless content, PEOPLE understands one thing better than most: context matters.
These weren’t random photos. They were curated moments that told stories—of success, joy, pride, and community.
Images That Feel Personal
That’s the secret sauce. Fans don’t just see celebrities. They feel connected to them.
Behind the Scenes: Why the Photo Booth Works
Design That Lets Stars Shine
-
Neutral backdrops
-
Soft, flattering light
-
Zero distractions
Everything is built to spotlight the person, not the production.
Comfort Creates Magic
When people feel comfortable, they show up as themselves. That’s when the best photos happen.
Social Media Explosion: Why Fans Couldn’t Look Away
Instant Shareability
These photos were made for Instagram, X, and TikTok. Clean. Bold. Emotion-driven.
Fans Love Unfiltered Moments
No heavy editing. No artificial vibes. Just people being people—even when those people are global icons.
Why the 2025 ESPYs Felt Different
A Celebration of Culture, Not Just Competition
The 2025 ESPYs didn’t just honor wins and records. They honored impact.
Athletes as leaders. Celebrities as allies. Stories as powerful as stats.
What the Photo Booth Says About Sports in 2025
Athletes Are Brands—and Human Beings
Today’s athletes aren’t just competitors. They’re voices, role models, and cultural forces.
The booth captured that duality perfectly.
Why Fans Keep Coming Back to These Photos
Because They Feel Real
No filters. No scripts. No performances. Just moments frozen in time.
And in a world full of noise, that kind of authenticity cuts through everything.
The Lasting Impact of PEOPLE’s 2025 ESPYs Photo Booth
These photos will live on long after the trophies are shelved. They’ll resurface in timelines, retrospectives, and memories.
Because they didn’t just capture who showed up—they captured who mattered in this moment.
Conclusion: More Than a Photo, It Was a Statement
PEOPLE’s 2025 ESPYs Photo Booth wasn’t about posing—it was about presence. From Simone Biles’ quiet power to Ciara’s magnetic glamour, from rising athletes to established icons, every image told a story worth remembering.
This wasn’t just a highlight of the ESPYs. It was a snapshot of culture, confidence, and connection in 2025.
And honestly? We’re still talking about it for a reason.
FAQs
1. Why is PEOPLE’s ESPYs Photo Booth so popular?
Because it captures celebrities and athletes in relaxed, authentic moments that feel personal and real.
2. Who were the biggest stars in the 2025 ESPYs Photo Booth?
Simone Biles and Ciara led the spotlight, alongside top athletes and major entertainment figures.
3. How is the photo booth different from the red carpet?
It’s informal, comfortable, and focused on personality rather than perfection.
4. Why do these photos go viral so easily?
Clean visuals, emotional authenticity, and massive fan interest make them highly shareable.
5. Will PEOPLE continue this tradition at future ESPYs?
Given its success and cultural impact, it’s almost guaranteed.
