Last night, sports and entertainment met for the 2017 ESPY Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California to recognize the World’s best Male and Female Athletes.

ESPY Awards 2017

With this year being the 25th year of the show, former quarterback Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos was this year’s host.

In addition to excellence in sports performance, the ESPYS also recognize courage, grit, and performance with the Jimmy V Perseverance Award.

This award is an important part of this ceremony as it is named in honor of college basketball coach, Jim Valvano. This year’s recipient is Jarrius Robertson. Jarrius is a New Orleans Saints fan who has been through two transplants and 13 surgeries. Although Robertson has a long road ahead, he continues to be a fan on game day for the Saints.

ESPY Awards 2017 Recipients

As well as awards handed out to the athletes last night, Michelle Obama was on-hand to present the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Special Olympics Founder, Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

Winners of the awards are tabulated by votes received online. Since the NBA finals recently ended, many of the award recipients were chosen from the NBA so it is no surprise that Russell Westbrook was voted best male athlete.  Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles was chosen as the best female athlete.

2017 ESPY Awards Winners

  • Best Championship Performance – Since the Golden State Warriors just won, the award went to NBA MVP – Kevin Durant
  • Breakthrough Athlete  – This award was given to Dak Prescott
  • Michale Phelps won for Best Record Breaking Performance
  • Best upset went to Mississippi State defeats Connecticut in Women’s NCAA Basketball Final Four
  • Of course, since I’m from the Boston area, I’m happy to see the New England Patriots against the Atlanta Falcons as the Best Game.
  • For the Best Comeback Athlete, Jordy Nelson of the NFL won.
  • Best Play went to Aaron Rogers to Jared Cook v Lamar Jackson hurdles defender.
  • Best Team went to Golden State Warriors.
  • The Best International Athlete is Usain Bolt in Track and Field.
  • The Best NFL Player is Aaron Rogers.
  • For the Best MLB Player, Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels is the winner.
  • The Best NHL Player is Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins.
  • Best Driver is Lewis Hamilton, Formula One Winner.
  • The Best NBA Player is LaBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
  • Best WNBA Player is Candace Parker of the Los Angeles Sparks.
  • The Best Fighter is Demetrious Johnson, MMA Winner
  • In golf, the Best Male Player is Sergio Garcia and the Best Female Player is Ariya Jutanugarn.
  • In tennis, the Best Male Player is Roger Federer and the Best Female Player is Serena Williams.
  • The Best MLS Player is David Villa, New York City FC Winner.
  • The Best Male U.S. Olympic Athlete is Michael Phelps
  • Simone Biles won for Best Female U.S. Olympic Athlete.

Moreover, awards were given out for Best Male and Female Athlete with a Disability, Best Male and Female Athletes in Action Sports, Best Jockey and Best Bowler.

Conclusion

To sum up, the importance of sports in our everyday life is inspirational. In conclusion, there were many memorable moments in this year’s ESPY Awards. Of course, we cannot forget the Chicago Cubs win after 108 years.