How Voting for the 2025 ESPYS Works

The ESPYS have been doing their thing since 1993, when ESPN decided sports deserved their own red carpet moment; one that wasn’t just about wins and records, but comebacks, viral plays, and emotional gut-punches that hit way harder than stats. The show has switched hosts, shuffled categories, and even moved networks, but the vibe has stayed the same: part award show, part sports mixtape, all heart. 

The best part? It’s more than glitz… over the past 32 years, ESPN and the ESPYS have helped raise more than millions of dollars with their V Foundation for Cancer Research, for a serious real-world impact.

And unlike many awards shows where a shadowy panel of “industry experts” hands out trophies behind the scenes, the ESPYS are all about fan power. No academy, no closed-door voting session, no dramatic recount; just regular people with strong opinions and Wi-Fi. You don’t need a committee badge to have a say here. You just need a favorite.

Here’s How It Actually Works

First up, ESPN’s internal nominating committee picks the finalists; so the starting lineup is set by the network. From there, it’s all you. Voting happens online at ESPN.com/ESPYS, where fans get to pick the winners across every category: Best Athlete, Best Game, Best Team, Best Play, Best Comeback, and more.

Some of this year’s biggest names in the mix? Josh Allen, Simone Biles, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, A’ja Wilson, Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, Joey Logano… the list goes on. Once you vote, that’s it. No daily ballot stuffing, no secret second round. Just a straight-up popularity contest decided by whoever shows up and clicks.

And you’ve got until 5 p.m. ET on July 16 to make your picks (according to ESPN Press Room). That’s the cut-off. Once it hits, votes are locked in, and the trophies are handed out live during the broadcast on ABC and ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET. So yeah, don’t wait until the last second; or you might just miss your chance to crown your faves.

It’s Not Just a Vibe — It’s a Tradition

The ESPYS have always lived in this sweet spot: honoring the wildest, boldest, and most unforgettable moments in sports and letting fans steer the ship. The timing is no accident either. It airs during that rare window in mid-July when none of the major leagues are playing; so all eyes are free to tune in, no team loyalties conflicting with your votes. Smart, right?

And don’t worry; there’s no secret math happening backstage. ESPN publicly lists every nominee and opens up the categories for everyone to see. No tricks. No mystery. Just fandoms going head-to-head in a good old-fashioned online vote.