Highlights from the 2026 ESPY Awards
The ESPYS took place in New York City on Wednesday night, a time usually noted for being quiet in sports. But this year was different because just before the ceremony, fans witnessed an exciting World Cup semi-final. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, triumphed over England, earning their spot in the finals for the second year in a row. They’ll face Spain this Saturday in New Jersey, not too far from where comedian Marcelo Hernandez opened the event.
Hernandez, known from “Saturday Night Live,” quickly jumped into some light-hearted jabs aimed at personalities like Jake Paul and Tiger Woods. He joked about Mike Tyson, saying, “Mike Tyson stole my watch. Welcome to the ESPYS!”—a playful nod to his boxing-style entrance as he donned a robe with Tyson as part of his entourage.
His monologue, which lasted nearly ten minutes, was lighthearted but sharp. “It’s an honor to be around so many great athletes and Jake Paul,” he quipped, to which Paul responded by laughing and clapping as cameras caught his reactions. Hernandez also took a playful dig at Paul’s record of fighting older opponents.
“Jake, it’s just a joke. Don’t fight me,” Hernandez quipped, and added, “My father and stepfather are here. They’re over 50, but I know you like them. So fight them instead.” Paul continued to enjoy the humor, as Hernandez’s jokes shifted focus to his family in the audience.
Hernandez later transitioned to discussing Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears quarterback, who was announced as the cover star for the upcoming “Madden” video game. “And Tiger Woods will be on the cover of Grand Theft Auto,” he added, referencing Woods’ recent troubles, including a DUI incident in Florida. Woods is currently taking time off golf for treatment.
In a playful twist, Hernandez connected his relationship with 74-year-old Jordon Hudson to a joke about the New York Knicks’ long championship drought. “The Knicks won their first championship since 1973. And to give you a sense of how long ago that was, in 1973, hockey players didn’t wear helmets, basketball didn’t have a 3-point line, and Bill Belichick was the age of his girlfriend now,” he said.
Interestingly enough, the Knicks snagged the ESPY for Best Team later that evening. Jalen Brunson, along with teammates like Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby, came up to accept the award. However, Josh Hart was missing, prompting Brunson to joke, “I want to thank the ESPYS for inviting Josh Hart,” which got some laughs from the crowd.
Earlier, Brunson had also won the ESPY for “Best Championship Performance,” which added to the night’s celebratory mood.
Sadly, former NBA player Jason Collins, who passed away earlier this year after battling glioblastoma, was honored posthumously with the Arthur Ashe Courage Award. Additionally, Jim Abbott received the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, and Scott Laquan was recognized with the Pat Tillman Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Typically held during the summer, the ESPYS convene distinguished athletes and celebrities to celebrate courage, service, and significant achievements in sports over the past year. This year, the event shifted from its usual Los Angeles venue to New York City.
