The nominees for the ESPYS' Best Athlete - Men's Sports award delivered historic performances across their respective leagues. Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to an NBA Finals victory, scoring a championship-game high 45 points in Game 5 against the San Antonio Spurs, a mark matched only by Michael Jordan in a title-clinching road game. Brunson averaged 32.6 points in the Finals, with his 163 total points ranking fourth-most in a player's first five Finals games.

Shohei Ohtani, a two-way phenom for the Los Angeles Dodgers, was dominant in the NLCS, striking out 10 over six scoreless innings while also hitting three home runs in a single postseason game. Ohtani secured his fourth MVP award, becoming the first player to win multiple MVPs in both leagues. He also holds the distinction of being the only player in MLB, NBA, NFL, or NHL history to win multiple unanimous MVP awards.

In the NFL, Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams claimed his first MVP award at 37, becoming the oldest player to do so. He led the league with 4,707 passing yards and 46 touchdowns, also guiding the Rams to the league's top scoring offense. Stafford's season was remarkable for throwing just eight interceptions while achieving 45-plus touchdowns, a feat accomplished by only two other players in league history. Lionel Messi continued his MLS dominance, leading Inter Miami CF to their first MLS Cup and winning his second consecutive MVP award with league-leading 29 goals and 19 assists. His 15 playoff goal contributions set a new postseason record.