Sports and Glamour on the Red Carpet at the 2026 ESPY Awards

The 2026 ESPY Awards once again brought together the biggest stars from the worlds of sports and entertainment to celebrate the standout performances of the past year. Held in a glamorous setting, the ceremony honored exceptional athletes, championship teams, and inspiring stories that captivated sports fans.

As is the case every year, the red carpet also drew a crowd of celebrities eager to show off their elegance in front of the photographers. Between award presentations, emotional moments, memorable speeches, and high-profile appearances, this year’s event delivered a show that lived up to its reputation. Here’s a look back at the celebrities who turned heads at the 2026 ESPY Awards.

Jutta Leerdam and Jake Paul made a striking appearance on the red carpet at the 2026 ESPY Awards. A Dutch speed skating champion, Leerdam is considered one of the best athletes in her sport, having won several medals at the World Championships and in the World Cup.

By her side, Jake Paul is continuing his transition from the world of social media to professional boxing, where he has fought a series of highly publicized bouts against renowned opponents. Together, they are one of the most-followed couples in sports and entertainment. Their chemistry, international popularity, and social media influence continue to generate intense interest wherever they appear in public.

Mike Tyson is one of the most famous and feared boxers in history. Born in Brooklyn, New York, he became the youngest heavyweight world champion in 1986, at just 20 years old. Nicknamed “Iron Mike,” he made a name for himself thanks to his exceptional punching power, speed, and aggressive style, racking up numerous knockout victories.

His career, however, has been marked by controversies, legal troubles, and athletic setbacks. Despite these challenges, Tyson has remained a major figure in popular culture. Today, he is making frequent media appearances, pursuing business ventures, and hosting podcasts, all while candidly sharing his life story.

Simone Biles is widely regarded as the greatest gymnast in history. A native of Texas, she has revolutionized her sport through performances of exceptional technical difficulty and remarkable consistency at the highest levels of competition. A multiple Olympic and world champion, she holds a record number of medals that attest to her immense talent.

Beyond her athletic achievements, Biles has become an influential voice for athletes’ mental health after choosing to withdraw from several events at the Tokyo Games to protect her well-being. Her courage, authenticity, and resilience have inspired millions of people. Today, she remains a true icon of global sports and a role model for future generations.

Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks Brunson made a stylish appearance at the 2026 ESPY Awards. Married since 2023 after several years together, they are one of the NBA’s most beloved couples. A star point guard for the New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson has established himself as one of the league’s best players thanks to his basketball IQ, leadership, and ability to shine in clutch moments.

A multiple All-Star selection, he has become the face of the Knicks’ resurgence. Ali Marks, a pharmacist by profession, has been by her husband’s side since their high school days. Their chemistry, discretion, and authenticity make them a couple admired both on and off the court.

Lindsey Vonn is one of the greatest alpine skiers in history. An American, she distinguished herself through her speed, courage, and dominance in the downhill and super-G events. Over the course of her career, she won numerous Crystal Globes, several world titles, and an Olympic gold medal in downhill at the 2010 Vancouver Games.

Despite numerous injuries, Vonn has consistently pushed her limits, becoming a symbol of resilience in the sport. Since her retirement, she has remained very active in the media, business, and philanthropic causes. Her charisma, determination, and exceptional record continue to inspire young athletes around the world and cement her status as an undisputed global legend.

Kevin Hart is one of the world’s most popular comedians and actors. Born in Philadelphia, he first made a name for himself on stage with his comedy shows before achieving immense success in film. He has starred in numerous hit comedies, including Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle, Ride Along, Central Intelligence, and The Secret Life of Pets, in which he voices one of the main characters.

Also a producer, host, and entrepreneur, Hart has built a veritable entertainment empire. Known for his infectious energy, self-deprecating sense of humor, and charisma, he remains a key figure in Hollywood and one of the most influential artists of his generation.

Eileen Gu is a world-renowned freestyle skier who has established herself as one of the biggest stars in winter sports. Born in the United States, she represents China in international competition and enjoyed tremendous success at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where she won two gold medals and one silver medal.

A specialist in big air, slopestyle, and halfpipe, she impresses with her creativity, technical mastery, and composure under pressure. Alongside her athletic career, Eileen Gu is pursuing her studies at Stanford University and has a thriving modeling career. Her talent, intelligence, and influence make her a true icon of modern sports.

Terence Crawford is one of the best boxers of his generation. Born in Omaha, Nebraska, he has made a name for himself thanks to his versatility, tactical intelligence, and power. A world champion in several weight classes, he became the first boxer of the “four-belt era” to fully unify two weight divisions. Nicknamed “Bud,” Crawford excels in both the orthodox and southpaw stances, constantly throwing his opponents off balance.

Respected for his composure, discipline, and efficiency, he remains an indispensable figure in the world of boxing. Outside the ring, he actively supports his community and inspires many young athletes through his journey, determination, and exemplary professionalism, cementing his legacy among the undisputed greatest contemporary champions with every victory.

Alysa Liu is an American figure skater known for her precocious talent and elegance on the ice. Born in California, she made a name for herself by becoming the youngest U.S. champion in history at just 13 years old. With her exceptional technical skill, she impressed audiences with her ability to perform high-level jumps from the very beginning of her career.

After surprising the figure skating world by announcing her early retirement, she made a remarkable return to competition, demonstrating renewed maturity and confidence. Her journey, marked by resilience and passion, makes her one of the most inspiring figures in contemporary American figure skating.

Ayesha Curry and Stephen Curry are one of the most influential couples in the worlds of sports and entertainment. Married since 2011, they are the parents of four children and regularly showcase their closeness at major public events. Stephen Curry, star of the Golden State Warriors, is considered the best three-point shooter in NBA history.

A four-time champion, two-time league MVP, and Olympic champion, he has revolutionized modern basketball. For her part, Ayesha Curry is an entrepreneur, author, host, and renowned culinary personality. Together, they are involved in several philanthropic initiatives and inspire millions of people through their family values, generosity, and exceptional success.

Jayson Tatum is one of the NBA’s biggest stars and the Boston Celtics’ franchise player. Selected third overall in the 2017 draft, he quickly established himself as one of the league’s top small forwards thanks to his offensive talent, shooting ability, and defensive versatility. A multiple All-Star, Tatum has played a pivotal role in the Celtics’ recent successes, notably during their 2024 NBA championship run.

Known for his composure, leadership, and ability to perform in clutch situations, he is now considered one of the faces of the league and a role model for the next generation of basketball players.

Kai Trump is the eldest daughter of Donald Trump Jr. and the granddaughter of U.S. President Donald Trump. She is attracting increasing public attention through her appearances at sporting, political, and media events. Passionate about golf from a young age, Kai is considered one of the most promising young players of her generation and competes in several high-level tournaments.

Very active on social media, she regularly shares moments from her life, her training sessions, and her travels, which has earned her growing popularity among young people. Her ease in front of the cameras, her athletic ambition, and her fame make her a figure to watch in the coming years.

Sean Evans is an American host and producer best known as the face of Hot Ones, the First We Feast show that has become a true phenomenon on YouTube. Thanks to his calm demeanor, meticulous preparation, and in-depth questions, he has transformed a simple spicy chicken wing tasting into one of the most respected interview series in the entertainment industry.

His approach puts guests at ease while encouraging them to open up as they’re subjected to increasingly spicy sauces. Over the years, Sean Evans has hosted the biggest stars in film, music, sports, and television, making Hot Ones a global benchmark for original interviews.

Justin Verlander and Kate Upton once again stole the show during their appearance on the red carpet at the 2026 ESPY Awards. The San Francisco Giants’ star pitcher, considered one of the best of his generation, made an elegant pair with the American model and actress. Married since 2017 and parents to a daughter, they are among the most high-profile couples in the worlds of sports and entertainment.

Verlander continues to enjoy an exceptional career marked by several major accolades, while Kate Upton remains an influential figure in fashion and film. Their chemistry, elegance, and popularity continue to make them highly notable guests at major public events.

Folarin Balogun is a professional soccer player who plays as a forward. Born in New York and trained at Arsenal’s prestigious youth academy, he quickly stood out for his speed, positioning, and efficiency in front of the goal. After a highly acclaimed loan stint at Stade de Reims in France, where he emerged as one of Ligue 1’s top scorers, he joined AS Monaco to continue his development.

On the international stage, Balogun represents the United States—a choice that has drawn significant attention given his background in both England and the United States. He is now considered one of the top prospects in American soccer.

Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods once again turned heads with their appearance on the red carpet at the 2026 ESPY Awards. An NBA star, Towns is known for his versatility, his long-range shooting, and his impact on both ends of the court. After several standout seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, he is continuing his career with the New York Knicks, where he remains one of the league’s top big men.

By his side, Jordyn Woods has made a name for herself as a model, entrepreneur, and social media personality. The couple, who have been together for several years, regularly showcase their chemistry at public events. Their elegance, popularity, and influence make them a highly prominent duo in the worlds of sports and media.

Ilona Maher is an American rugby player who has become one of the most popular athletes of her generation. As a member of the U.S. women’s rugby sevens team, she has made a name for herself both for her performance on the field and for her authentic presence on social media. Through her sense of humor, self-confidence, and messages promoting self-acceptance, she inspires millions of people around the world.

Maher actively advocates for more diverse representation of women in sports and challenges many stereotypes related to physical appearance. Her charisma, leadership, and influence extend far beyond the world of rugby, making her a true ambassador for modern women’s sports.

Russell Wilson is one of the most accomplished quarterbacks of his generation in the NFL. Drafted in 2012, he quickly established himself with the Seattle Seahawks, leading the team to a victory in Super Bowl XLVIII and a second consecutive appearance in the championship game. Known for his mobility, accuracy, and leadership, Wilson has been selected to the Pro Bowl multiple times throughout his career.

Off the field, he is also deeply involved in charitable work and is married to singer Ciara, with whom he forms one of the most popular couples in sports and entertainment. His professionalism and resilience continue to inspire many young athletes everywhere.

DJ Khaled was accompanied by his entire family during his high-profile appearance on the red carpet at the 2026 ESPY Awards. The famous producer and entrepreneur posed alongside his wife, Nicole Tuck, as well as their two sons, Asahd Tuck Khaled and Aalam Khaled. Warm, knowing smiles and elegance were on full display, illustrating the important role family plays in the music star’s life.

Very active on social media, DJ Khaled regularly shares moments with his children, whom he considers his greatest source of motivation. This family outing quickly caught the attention of photographers, adding a warm and authentic touch to the evening’s sporting and social event.:::

Chloe Kim and Myles Garrett turned heads during their appearance on the red carpet at the 2026 ESPY Awards. A two-time Olympic champion in snowboarding, Chloe Kim is considered one of the greatest halfpipe specialists, having dominated her discipline thanks to her exceptional talent and spectacular style.

At her side, Myles Garrett has established himself as one of the NFL’s top defensive players with the Cleveland Browns. Known for his power, explosiveness, and ability to unsettle opposing quarterbacks, he has racked up individual honors since his professional debut. Their appearance brought together two elite athletes whose performances, charisma, and popularity extend far beyond the boundaries of their respective sports.

The Miz, whose real name is Mike Mizanin, is an American professional wrestler, actor, and TV host. He first came to the public’s attention on the reality TV show The Real World and went on to build an impressive career in WWE. Known for his charisma, showmanship, and skills on the mic, he has become a multiple-time champion, winning the WWE Championship, the Intercontinental Championship, and the Tag Team Championship, among others.

Outside the ring, The Miz has appeared in several movies, television shows, and entertainment projects, while also hosting his own reality TV series with his wife, Maryse. A true ambassador for WWE, he remains one of the most popular and entertaining personalities in the world of professional wrestling.

Tracy Morgan is an American comedian, actor, and screenwriter known for his boundless energy and unique sense of self-deprecating humor. He first came to the public’s attention on Saturday Night Live and went on to achieve immense success playing Tracy Jordan in the popular series 30 Rock, a role that earned him numerous nominations.

On the big screen, he has provided voice work for several animated films and starred in various hit comedies. His career was marked by a serious car accident in 2014, from which he made a remarkable recovery. Today, Tracy Morgan continues to entertain audiences with his distinctive humor, resilience, and larger-than-life personality.

Mason Gooding is an American actor who is gradually establishing himself as one of Hollywood’s most promising young talents. The son of Oscar-winning actor Cuba Gooding Jr., he has chosen to forge his own path by taking on a variety of roles in film and television. He first caught the public’s attention in the comedy Booksmart before gaining popularity through the horror franchise Scream, in which he plays Chad Meeks-Martin.

He also starred in Love, Victor, a series praised for its sensitive portrayal of relationships and identity. Appreciated for his natural charisma and versatility, Mason Gooding is pursuing a rapidly rising career and is establishing himself as a leading figure among the new generation of American actors.

Quinn Hughes and Jack Hughes are among the biggest stars of the NHL’s new generation. Brothers who were both drafted in the top 10 of their respective drafts, they have established themselves as elite players thanks to their exceptional talent. Quinn, a defenseman for the Minnesota Wild, is known for his speed, vision, and skills as an offensive defenseman.

Jack, a star for the New Jersey Devils, impresses with his creativity, speed, and scoring instinct. Together, they embody the future of American hockey and inspire a new generation of players. Their close bond, both on and off the ice, makes them a duo particularly beloved by fans.

Fat Joe, whose real name is Joseph Antonio Cartagena, is an American rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur from the Bronx, New York. A leading figure in hip-hop since the 1990s, he rose to fame through hit albums and collaborations with several of the industry’s biggest artists, including Jennifer Lopez, Ja Rule, Ashanti, DJ Khaled, and Remy Ma.

Songs like “Lean Back,” “What’s Luv?,” and “All the Way Up” have defined his career and topped the charts. In addition to music, Fat Joe has ventured into business, television, and podcasts. His influence, outspokenness, and longevity make him a respected figure in the entertainment world.

Brandi Rhodes and Cody Rhodes are one of the most influential couples in the world of professional wrestling. A former announcer, television personality, and entrepreneur, Brandi has also held several key roles in the sports entertainment industry. For his part, Cody Rhodes is one of WWE’s biggest stars, where he has won numerous titles after helping to found All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Beloved for their close bond and commitment to their family, they regularly appear together at major media events. Their elegance, popularity, and inspiring journey make them a highly respected duo, both among wrestling fans and the general public around the world.:::

Dwight Howard is a former basketball player considered one of the best centers of his generation. As the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, he quickly established himself with the Orlando Magic thanks to his physical strength, explosiveness, and exceptional defensive skills.

An eight-time All-Star, he was named Defensive Player of the Year three times and led Orlando to the NBA Finals in 2009. In 2020, he added a championship to his resume with the Los Angeles Lakers. Known for his impact around the basket and his charisma, Howard remains a defining figure in the NBA’s recent history.

Cameron Jordan is one of the NFL’s top defensive players and a true icon of the New Orleans Saints. Drafted in the first round in 2011, he has established himself as a dominant defensive end thanks to his strength, consistency, and ability to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. A multiple Pro Bowl selection, Jordan is recognized as much for his leadership as for his professionalism.

Off the field, he is actively involved in his community through his foundation, which supports numerous initiatives aimed at helping young people. His charisma, dedication, and longevity make him one of the most respected and beloved players in the NFL today.

Mathieu Joseph, who was recently signed by the Edmonton Oilers, is a Quebec hockey player known for his speed, intensity, and work ethic. A native of Laval, he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2015 before helping the Florida organization win two Stanley Cups. A versatile forward, he excels both on the penalty kill and in an offensive support role thanks to his constant energy and ability to create space.

Throughout his NHL career, he has established himself as a reliable and well-liked teammate in the locker room. A proud representative of Quebec, Mathieu Joseph continues to showcase his talent, determination, and professionalism at the highest level of hockey.