See How the 2023 ESPYS Captured the Emotional Side of Sports

The 31st installment of the annual awards didn't have a host this year but still presented the inspiring moments it's known for.

Michele Laufik

July 19, 2023

Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce and comedian Heidi Gardner presented the award for Best Comeback to NBA champion Jamal Murray.Photo: Joshua Gateley / ESPN ImagesLOS ANGELES—On July 12, some of the biggest stars in sports and entertainment gathered at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles to celebrate the year’s best moments in sports at The 2023 ESPYS Presented by Capital One. Airing live on ABC, the show featured performances from Lil Wayne, who opened the show with his hit song “A Milli,” and H.E.R., as well as appearances by Chris Paul, Dwyane Wade, Hasan Minhaj, Mikaela Shiffrin, Patrick Mahomes, Tiffany Haddish, Travis Kelce, and more.

For the first time in its history, this year’s ESPYS didn't have a host, a decision made in response to the ongoing Writers Guild of America strike. Instead, a variety of presenters and guests announced the award recipients.

Like previous years, the ESPYS continued to honor inspiring and courageous athletes with the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage, the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, and the Pat Tillman Award for Service, which went to the Buffalo Bills training staff. Bills player Damar Hamlin introduced the staff who helped save his life, and was met with a standing ovation from the crowd. During a Monday Night Football game back in January, Hamlin suffered cardiac arrest after making a tackle. He has since made a full recovery.

The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team received the Arthur Ashe Award of Courage in recognition of their battle for equal pay. And the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance went to Chicago White Sox pitcher Liam Hendriks, who battled non-Hodgkin lymphoma earlier this year before he was declared cancer-free and returned to the field in May.

The ESPYS raises awareness and funds for The V Foundation for Cancer Research, the charity founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano.

This year's awards averaged 2.3 million viewers on ABC, down 7% from last year, marking the lowest-rated and least-watched edition of the event—excluding the COVID-affected years of 2020 and 2021—in a decade.

Keep scrolling to see more from inside the live telecast, the pre- and post-parties, and more...

Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce and comedian Heidi Gardner presented the award for Best Comeback to NBA champion Jamal Murray.

Photo: Joshua Gateley / ESPN Images

Bills player Damar Hamlin introduced the staff who helped save his life, and was met with a standing ovation from the crowd.

Photo: Joshua Gateley / ESPN Images

The Buffalo Bills training personnel embraced Hamlin onstage. Head athletic trainer Nate Breske said, “We’re not used to being in the spotlight. We were just doing our job. But the idea of service is definitely something that is ingrained in our profession and that we take great pride in.”

Photo: Joshua Gateley / ESPN Images

Lil Wayne kicked off the award show with a sports rendition of "A Milli.”

Photo: Joshua Gateley / ESPN Images

Once again, Kilowatt Events took over four lanes of Hollywood Boulevard to build 11,200 square feet of red carpet along the Hollywood Walk of Fame for the award show. During the ESPYS Red Carpet Show presented by Walmart, hosts Christine Williamson and Harry Lyles Jr. talked to athletes and celebrities while Gary Striewski conducted interviews from a side set.

Photo: Courtesy of kilowattevents/Instagram

Pre- and post-events took place at Pendry West Hollywood.

Photo: Daniel Stark / ESPN Images

The athlete lounge, produced by Event Eleven, also took place at the Pendry leading up to the award show.

Photo: Mpu Dinani / ESPN Images

Athletes and celebrities gathered to recognize the nominees and honor winners with a special happy hour on the Pendry’s rooftop bar, Merois, featuring a DJ set by Tendaji.

Photo: Mpu Dinani / ESPN Images