2023 ESPY Awards Nominations: Full List of Players & Teams

 

The ESPY Awards, an annual event that recognizes outstanding achievements in sports, is known for honoring remarkable athletes and teams across various categories. As we eagerly anticipate the ESPY Awards 2023, let's explore some of the anticipated nominations that have captured the attention of fans and sports enthusiasts worldwide.

Table of Contents

1. Best Athlete, Men's Sports
2. Best Athlete, Women's Sports
3. Best Breakthrough Athlete
4. Best Record-Breaking Performance
5. Best Championship Performance
6. Best Comeback Athlete
7. Best Play
8. Best Team
9. Best College Athlete, Men's Sports
10. Best College Athlete, Women's Sports
11. Best Athlete with a Disability
12. Best NFL Player
13. Best MLB Player
14. Best NHL Player
15. Best NBA Player
16. Best WNBA Player
17. Best Driver
18. Best UFC Fighter
19. Best Boxer
20. Best Soccer Player
21. Best Golfer
22. Best Tennis Player

Best Male Athlete

The Best Male Athlete category celebrates the exceptional performances and contributions of male athletes in the past year. The following athletes are among the frontrunners for the ESPY Awards 2023 nomination:

1. LeBron James (Basketball): LeBron James has consistently showcased his basketball prowess and leadership skills, making a significant impact on the court.

2. Tom Brady (Football): Tom Brady continues to defy age and set new records in football, leading his team to success and displaying unrivaled skill and determination.

3. Lionel Messi (Soccer): Lionel Messi's finesse, agility, and goal-scoring abilities have solidified his status as one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

4. Shohei Ohtani (Baseball): Shohei Ohtani's remarkable dual-threat performance as both a pitcher and a hitter has captivated baseball fans and garnered widespread recognition.

Best Female Athlete

The Best Female Athlete category celebrates the remarkable achievements of female athletes who have excelled in their respective sports. Here are some athletes who are likely to receive ESPY Awards 2023 nominations:

1. Simone Biles (Gymnastics): Simone Biles' unparalleled athleticism and groundbreaking routines have continued to revolutionize the world of gymnastics.

2. Naomi Osaka (Tennis): Naomi Osaka's dominance on the tennis court, combined with her advocacy for social justice, has made her an influential figure both in and outside of the sports world.

3. Serena Williams (Tennis): Serena Williams' enduring legacy and her unparalleled success in tennis make her a strong contender for a Best Female Athlete nomination.

4. Alex Morgan (Soccer): Alex Morgan's skill, leadership, and goal-scoring abilities have solidified her status as one of the top female soccer players in the world.

BEST BREAKTHROUGH ATHLETE

1. Caitlin Clark, Iowa Women’s Basketball
2. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
3. Angel Reese, LSU Women’s Basketball
4. Julio Rodríguez, Seattle Mariners

BEST RECORD-BREAKING PERFORMANCE

1. Novak Djokovic wins his 23rd Grand Slam title, defeating Casper Ruud in the French Open final.
2. LeBron James surpasses Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for NBA career scoring record.
3. Mikaela Shiffrin breaks the record for the most World Cup victories with her 87th win.
4. Max Verstappen wins the Mexican Grand Prix, breaking the record for most wins in a season.

BEST CHAMPIONSHIP PERFORMANCE

1. Leon Edwards, UFC – defeats Kamaru Usman by 5th-round KO to win UFC welterweight title.
2. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets – 2023 NBA Finals MVP.
3. Lionel Messi, Argentina – 2022 World Cup Final – scored 2 goals and scored in the penalty shootout.
4. Rose Zhang, LPGA – defeated Jennifer Kupcho in a two-hole sudden death playoff, making history.

BEST COMEBACK ATHLETE

1. Jon Jones, UFC – Returns to UFC after a hiatus and disagreement over fighter pay.
2. Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets – Returns after missing last season due to a torn ACL.
3. Alyssa Thomas, Connecticut Sun – Named 2022 WNBA Comeback Player of the Year after recovering from a torn Achilles tendon.
4. Justin Verlander, Current New York Mets / Houston Astros – Named 2022 NL Comeback Player of the Year after returning from Tommy John surgery.

BEST PLAY

1. Michael Block Hole-in-One! (GOLF)
2. Justin Jefferson with the Catch of the Century (NFL)
3. Ally Lemos with the perfect corner to tie the National Championship game (NCAA)
4. Trinity Thomas Perfect 10 Tying the All-Time NCAA Record (NCAA)

BEST TEAM

1. Denver Nuggets, NBA
2. Georgia Bulldogs, NCAA Football
3. Kansas City Chiefs, NFL
4. Las Vegas Aces, WNBA
5. Louisiana State Tigers, NCAA Women’s Basketball
6. Oklahoma Sooners, NCAA Softball
7. Vegas Golden Knights, NHL

BEST COLLEGE ATHLETE, MEN’S SPORTS

1. Zach Edey, Purdue Men’s Basketball
2. Duncan McGuire, Creighton Soccer
3. Brennan O’Neill, Duke Lacrosse
4. Caleb Williams, USC Football

BEST COLLEGE ATHLETE, WOMEN’S SPORTS

1. Jordy Bahl, Oklahoma Softball
2. Caitlin Clark, Iowa Women’s Basketball
3. Izzy Scane, Northwestern Lacrosse
4. Trinity Thomas, Florida Gators Gymnastics

BEST ATHLETE WITH A DISABILITY

1. Erica McKee, Sled Hockey Team
2. Zach Miller, Snowboarding
3. Aaron Pike, Wheelchair Racing & Cross-Country Skiing
4. Susannah Scaroni, Wheelchair Racing

BEST NFL PLAYER

1. Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers
2. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
3. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
4. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs

BEST MLB PLAYER

1. Paul Goldschmidt, St. Louis Cardinals
2. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
3. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels
4. Justin Verlander, Houston Astros

BEST NHL PLAYER

1. Jonathan Marchessault, Vegas Golden Knights
2. Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers
3. David Pastrňák, Boston Bruins
4. Linus Ullmark, Boston Bruins

BEST NBA PLAYER

1. Jimmy Butler, Miami Heat
2. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
3. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets
4. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

BEST WNBA PLAYER

1. Skylar Diggins-Smith, Phoenix Mercury
2. Candace Parker, Chicago Sky (Current Las Vegas Aces)
3. Breanna Stewart, Seattle Storm (Current New York Liberty)
4. A’ja Wilson, Las Vegas Aces

BEST DRIVER

1. Brittany Force, NHRA
2. Kyle Larson, NASCAR
3. Josef Newgarden, IndyCar
4. Max Verstappen, F1

BEST UFC FIGHTER

1. Leon Edwards
2. Jon Jones
3. Islam Makhachev
4. Amanda Nunes

BEST BOXER

1. Gervonta Davis
2. Devin Haney
3. Claressa Shields
4. Shakur Stevenson

BEST SOCCER PLAYER

1. Aitana Bonmatí, Spain/Barcelona
2. Erling Haaland, Norway/Manchester City
3. Lionel Messi, Argentina/PSG
4. Sophia Smith, USWNT/Portland Thorns

BEST GOLFER

1. Wyndham Clark
2. Nelly Korda
3. Jon Rahm
4. Scottie Scheffler

BEST TENNIS PLAYER

1. Carlos Alcaraz
2. Novak Djokovic
3. Aryna Sabalenka
4. Iga Świątek

Conclusion

The ESPY Awards 2023 nominations are highly anticipated, as fans and athletes eagerly await the recognition of outstanding sporting achievements. From remarkable individual performances to exemplary teamwork, the nominees in categories such as Best Male Athlete, Best Female Athlete, and Best Team represent the pinnacle of excellence in the world of sports. As the ESPY Awards draw near, the excitement continues to build, and sports enthusiasts around the globe eagerly await the announcement of the official nominations.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. When will the official ESPY Awards 2023 nominations be announced?

The official ESPY Awards 2023 nominations are typically announced in the months leading up to the ceremony. Keep an eye out for announcements from ESPN and the ESPY Awards organizers.

2. How are the ESPY Awards nominations determined?

The ESPY Awards nominations are typically determined by a combination of fan voting, expert panel evaluations, and input from sports industry professionals.

3. Are there any new categories introduced for the ESPY Awards 2023?

The ESPY Awards may introduce new categories or modify existing ones to reflect the evolving landscape of sports. Stay tuned for official announcements regarding the categories for the ESPY Awards 2023.

4. Where can I watch the ESPY Awards 2023 nominations announcement?

The ESPY Awards 2023 nominations announcement is usually televised or streamed on ESPN or its affiliated networks. Check your local listings or online streaming platforms for specific details.

5. When and where will the ESPY Awards 2023 ceremony take place?

The ESPY Awards 2023 ceremony details, including the date and venue, will be announced closer to the event. Keep an eye out for official announcements from ESPN and the ESPY Awards organizers.