The 2026 ESPY Awards delivered plenty of memorable moments, from the Savannah Bananas‘ headline-grabbing opening performance to comedian Marcello Hernández’s roast-filled monologue targeting some of the biggest names in sports. But one of the night’s most unexpected viral moments came courtesy of boxing legend Mike Tyson.
While presenting the award for Best Single-Game Performance at the annual ESPN awards show, Tyson appeared genuinely stunned after learning that Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was, in fact, a man.
After announcing Ohtani as the winner of Best Single-Game Performance, Tyson appeared genuinely confused when he learned the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar wasn’t who he thought he was. “And the ESPY Award goes to, check this out, Shohei Ohtani,” Tyson said while presenting the award.
Moments later, after hearing Jake Paul begin reading Ohtani’s acceptance message, Tyson turned and asked, “Shohei’s a guy?”
Paul quickly confirmed the obvious. “Yeah, he’s a guy. He’s a guy,” Paul replied.
The exchange immediately went viral online, with viewers amused by Tyson’s sincere surprise.
Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Performance Earned The ESPY
While Tyson’s reaction stole attention online, Ohtani’s award was hardly controversial. The Dodgers superstar earned the honor for what many baseball fans consider one of the greatest postseason performances ever recorded.
During Game 4 of last year’s NLDS, Ohtani blasted three home runs while striking out 10 batters, becoming the first player in MLB history to dominate both offensively and on the mound to that degree in a playoff game.
The Savannah Bananas Also Became An Unexpected ESPYs Talking Point
Tyson’s viral moment wasn’t the only part of the ESPYs generating discussion online. The show opened with a performance from the Savannah Bananas, the wildly popular exhibition baseball team known for combining athletics with entertainment. While supporters applauded the appearance, critics questioned why ESPN devoted such a prominent segment to the Bananas rather than highlighting Major League Baseball teams.
Among the loudest critics was Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy, who unleashed an expletive-filled rant on social media while watching the performance. “GET THE F-CKING BANANAS OFF MY TV!!!!” Portnoy wrote as he blasted the segment.
Marcello Hernández Didn’t Spare Anyone During His ESPYs Monologue
Elsewhere in the show, host Marcello Hernández took aim at some of the biggest names in sports during his opening monologue. The “Saturday Night Live” star landed some of the night’s biggest laughs by joking about Tiger Woods, Bill Belichick, Jake Paul, Jalen Brunson, and the WNBA.
One of his most talked-about jokes referenced Woods’ highly publicized DUI-related rollover crash, with Hernández quipping that the golf legend looked like he belonged on the cover of the next “Grand Theft Auto” game.
He also poked fun at Belichick’s relationship with Jordon Hudson, joking that when the New York Knicks last won an NBA championship, the coach was roughly the same age his girlfriend is now.
The New York Knicks Were Among The Night’s Biggest Winners
While Tyson’s Ohtani moment generated plenty of laughs, the 2026 ESPYs also celebrated some of the year’s biggest athletic achievements. Olympic gymnastics icon Simone Biles took the stage to present the ESPY for Best Team to the New York Knicks, who captured the NBA championship last month after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games.
Accepting the award on behalf of the team, Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns credited the bond between teammates and the support of the franchise’s passionate fanbase for helping them navigate a championship season.
“I hope this trophy, especially here in New York, getting this trophy shows the word love,” Towns said. “The love of each other and this team is what got us through the humps in December when we were not playing our best basketball. The love of the fans is what got us back [when we were] down 29 at home.”
The Knicks’ dominance extended beyond the Best Team category. Team captain Jalen Brunson won both Best Championship Performance and Best Athlete in Men’s Sports. “I’m at a loss of words,” Brunson said while accepting one of his awards. “It has been a hell of a run to say the least.”
Meanwhile, teammate OG Anunoby earned the ESPY for Best Play thanks to his dramatic tip-in during Game 4 of the NBA Finals, a moment that helped propel New York toward its championship victory. “I think it’s pretty exciting for everyone,” Anunoby said. “I mean I grew up watching this award show, so full circle, crazy to be here.”
