On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, comedian, actor, and writer Shane Gillis will take center stage as the host of the 33rd annual ESPY Awards, a prestigious event celebrating the pinnacle of sports achievements and unforgettable moments from the past year. The ceremony will be broadcast live from The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, airing at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC and streaming simultaneously on ESPN+. For fans who can’t catch the live broadcast, the show will be available for on-demand viewing the following day on Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+.
The ESPYs, officially known as the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, have long been a highlight of the sports calendar. Co-produced by ESPN and Full Day Productions, with Connor Schell and Dave Chamberlin serving as executive producers for Full Day, the event honors leading performers and performances that have defined the sporting world over the previous year. This year, the ceremony carries the added distinction of being presented by Capital One, underscoring its significance in the sports and entertainment industries.
Shane Gillis, who is no stranger to the spotlight, brings a unique blend of comedic energy and sports enthusiasm to the role of host. Currently on an international stand-up tour spanning nearly 40 cities, Gillis has broken records by performing in 18 arenas, showcasing his growing popularity across North America and beyond. His comedy is known for its sharp wit, boundary-pushing humor, and a relatable, conversational style that has earned him a dedicated fanbase.
In addition to his stand-up success, Gillis stars in the Netflix comedy series "Tires," which returned for its second season in June 2025 and remains firmly entrenched in Netflix’s Top 10. The show, which he co-created, has been praised for its authentic humor and engaging storytelling, further cementing his place in the entertainment world. Beyond television, Gillis co-hosts the wildly popular podcast "Matt and Shane’s Secret Podcast" alongside fellow comedian Matt McCusker. This podcast holds the distinction of being the number one Patreon podcast globally and consistently ranks in the Top 15 on Spotify’s US Comedy Charts, highlighting Gillis’s broad appeal and versatility.
Gillis’s connection to sports runs deeper than his fan status. Before his comedy career took off, he was a collegiate athlete, playing one season of Division I football at Elon University in North Carolina. He was initially recruited as an offensive tackle by the United States Military Academy at West Point but transferred after a short time. This firsthand experience as a college athlete gives him a genuine perspective on sports that few entertainers possess, adding credibility to his role as ESPYs host.
“I’m excited to be at The ESPYS this year,” Gillis said in a recent statement. “I like sports so this should be a good time.” His enthusiasm is shared by ESPN’s vice president and ESPYs executive producer Craig Lazarus, who commented, “Shane is not only one of the top comedians today, but also a huge sports fan, which made him an easy choice to host The ESPYS. We are thrilled to work with him to create an entertaining show celebrating this year’s best moments in sports and are excited to see what he’ll do on stage.”
While Gillis’s career has soared in recent years, it has not been without controversy. In 2019, he was briefly hired as a cast member on Saturday Night Live but was dismissed after old podcast clips surfaced containing offensive language and jokes. Gillis apologized publicly, describing himself as a “comedian who pushes boundaries” and expressing regret for any offense caused. Despite this setback, he has since hosted SNL twice and continued to build a successful career with tours, specials like 2023’s "Shane Gillis: Beautiful Dogs" on Netflix, and his work on "Tires." His ability to navigate controversy while maintaining a strong fanbase speaks to his resilience and evolving comedic voice.
Gillis’s presence as host is expected to bring a fresh, irreverent energy to the ESPYs, a show that has traditionally balanced heartfelt tributes with lighthearted entertainment. His background as both a comedian and former athlete positions him well to connect with the diverse audience of sports fans and entertainment enthusiasts tuning in from around the world.
The 2025 ESPYs will honor the most outstanding athletes, teams, and moments from the past year, continuing a tradition that began in 1993. The event also supports a greater cause, raising awareness and funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, a charity founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano. Over the past 30 years, ESPN’s efforts have helped raise more than $250 million for cancer research, making the ESPYs not only a celebration of sports but also a platform for meaningful impact.
Last year’s ceremony was hosted by tennis legend Serena Williams, and this year’s event promises to uphold that high standard of excellence while injecting new life with Gillis at the helm. With a star-studded lineup expected and a night full of surprises, the ESPYs remain a must-watch event for anyone passionate about sports and culture.
As the date approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be a memorable night at The Dolby Theatre. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan, a comedy aficionado, or both, the 2025 ESPYs hosted by Shane Gillis are set to deliver an entertaining and heartfelt tribute to the athletes and moments that have defined the past year in sports.
