The 2022 ESPYs have wrapped up. The event presided at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, California.
And as it is all said and done, many takeaways took place at the event.
Curry shines as host, Warriors rack up trophies
The event was hosted by NBA Finals MVP Stephen Curry. With a wine glass in hand, the 8-time All-Star let loose.
His monologue and segments throughout the evening involved many cameos from his Warriors teammates, as well as past hosts comedian Kevin Hart and NFL HOFer Payton Manning.
He walked away with two awards; the first being for the “Best NBA Player”, and the second for “Best Record-Breaking Performance”, notching the All-Time 3-point record in Madison Square Garden this past season.
Fellow ‘Splash Brother’ Klay Thompson walked away with the Comeback Player Of The Year as well, for his return from ruptured ACL and Achilles injuries in consecutive seasons.
Dub Nation as a whole was represented as well, winning the award for “Best Team.”
Griner honored
The event did not go without mention of Brittney Griner, the WNBA star who was detained this past February by the Russian government. Alongside WNBA stars Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith, Stephen Curry leads a piece speaking on the Mercury star.
Sporting a Griner jersey, Curry stated, “We cannot stop fighting for her. We cannot stop believing for her. And we will not stop hoping for the day when we can welcome her home safely.”
Griner, currently facing up to 11 years in prison, plead guilty to carrying hashish oil, an illegal substance, in her luggage, citing medical reasonings for use.
Dick Vitale wins Jimmy V award
A tradition in honor of the late, great Jim Valvano, commentator Dick Vitale won the honorary Jimmy V award, an award dedicated to “a deserving member of the sporting world who has overcome great obstacles through perseverance and determination.”
Vitale, 83, has had multiple battles with cancer, notably being diagnosed with lymphoma last August. Despite it, he has been able to call several games in between his battle, ultimately shutting it down this past January.
In his acceptance speech, Vitale cited passion as his, as well as the athletic recipe for success.
Shohei Ohtani takes home Best Men’s Athlete
Following a dominant display in the 2021 season and a fantastic start to the 2022 year, Angels pitcher and designated hitter Shohei Ohtani won the award for ‘Best Male Athlete’. The Japanese star was the Associated Press Player Of The Year, AL MVP in 2021, and All-Star in 21’ and 22’, after being a dominant force as a pitcher, as well as a hitter.
Jocelyn Alo beats Thomas, wins Best Female college athlete
Oklahoma Softball star Jocelyn Aco wins Best Female College Athlete, beating out the field, including Pennsylvania swim star Lia Thomas, who was nominated this past week to a polarizing response.
Below are other awards via TheWrap:
Jimmy V Award for Perseverance: Dick Vitale
Arthur Ashe Award for Courage: Vitali Klitschko
Pat Tillman Award for Service: Gretchen Evans
Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
Billie Jean King Youth Leadership Award: Noor Abukaram, Kendall Dudley, Sydney Moore, Alicia Serratos, Lucy Westlake
Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year: Denver Broncos
Sports Humanitarian League of the Year: WNBA
Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award Honorees: Chris Evert, Steve Gleason, Dikembe Mutombo
Best International Athlete, Men’s Soccer: Kylian Mbappé
Best International Athlete, Women’s Soccer: Sam Kerr
Best Olympian, Men’s Sports: Caeleb Dressel, Swimming
Best Olympian, Women’s Sports: Katie Ledecky, Swimming
Best Athlete, Women’s Sports: Katie Ledecky
Best Athlete, Men’s Sports: Shohei Ohtani
Best MLS Player: Carlos Vela
Best Athlete with a Disability, Men’s Sports: Brad Snyder, Paratriathlon
Best Athlete with a Disability, Women’s Sports: Jessica Long, Swimming
Best Athlete, Men’s Action Sports: Eli Tomac, Supercross
Best Athlete, Women’s Action Sports: Eileen Gu, Skiing
Best Championship Performance: Cooper Kupp
Best Breakthrough Athlete: Eileen Gu
Best Record-Breaking Performance: Stephen Curry, 3-point record
Best Play: Megan Rapinoe, Corner Goal
Best Comeback Athlete: Klay Thompson
Best Team: Golden State Warriors
Best NWSL Player: Ashley Hatch
Best College Athlete, Men’s Sports: Bryce Young
Best College Athlete, Women’s Sports: Jocelyn Alo
Best MLB Player: Shohei Ohtani
Best MMA Fighter: Charles Oliveira
Best NBA Player: Stephen Curry
Best WNBA Player: Candace Parker
Best NFL Player: Aaron Rodgers
Best NHL Player: Connor McDavid
Best Athlete, Men’s Golf: Justin Thomas
Best Athlete, Women’s Golf: Nelly Korda
Best Athlete, Men’s Tennis: Rafael Nadal
Best Athlete, Women’s Tennis: Emma Raducanu
Best Bowler: Kyle Troup Best Boxer: Tyson Fury
Best Driver: Kyle Larson, NASCAR
Best Game: Kansas City Chiefs v Buffalo Bills
Best Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Best WWE Moment: Cody Rhodes, Mania return
