Inside The Warriors

Shohei Ohtani Reacts to Winning Best Male Athlete

Shohei Ohtani beat out Steph Curry, Aaron Rodgers, and Connor McDavid at the ESPYS

Joey Linn

John McCoy/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Los Angeles Angels superstar Shohei Ohtani took home the Best Male Athlete award at the 2022 ESPYS. His competition was Golden State Warriors point guard Steph Curry, Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, and Edmonton Oilers star Connor McDavid. With his dominance both on the mound and at the plate, Ohtani's historic MVP campaign earned him the ESPYS honor.

"Congratulations to my fellow nominees," Ohtani said through a video displayed at the awards show. "It's an honor to be in the same category as all of you. You're the best at what you do. Thank you again. Have a wonderful everything, and enjoy your afterparties."

Having led-off the MLB All-Star game with a single just one day ago, Ohtani's big week continued with the Best Male Athlete award at the ESPYS. Having defeated Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry, who was hosting the event, Ohtani's historic campaign had legitimate competition. That said, what he accomplished during his unanimous MVP season was unprecedented, making the honor very much deserved.

Having taken home Best NBA Player award and Best Record-Breaking Performance award, Steph Curry is certainly not going home from the ESPYS empty handed; however, the 2022 Finals MVP will have to give way to Shohei Ohtani for this one award. The two-way superstar was thankful to be nominated alongside players like Steph, and wished everyone well going forward.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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