The world’s best athletes and biggest stars joined host Danica Patrick for “The 2018 ESPYS,” at the Microsoft Theater at LA Live in Los Angeles. The star-studded event celebrated the best moments from the past year in sports. Among numerous winners and honorees, three very special awards were given out during the ceremony. Jon Stewart presented The Pat Tillman Award for Service to U.S. Marines Sergeant Jake Wood. John Elway and Dan Marino presented the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance to former Buffalo Bills quarterback and fellow Hall of Famer Jim Kelly. Additionally, in recognition of their undisputed bravery, Jennifer Garner presented the Arthur Ashe Courage Award to the hundreds of athletes who spoke in court about the extensive abuse suffered at the hands of the former USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University team doctor.
The Golden Globes weekend was packed with mega parties, gifting suites and events filled with winners, nominees and the brightest stars. Check out our roundup of the hottest people, places and parties at the 2018 ESPYS.
By: Kinya Claiborne, STYLE & SOCIETY
Gift Lounge & Celebrity Poker Tournament Hosted by GBK Productions
GBK hosted a star-studded celebrity gift lounge, and charity poker tournament benefiting Model Citizens Fund to celebrate the ESPY Awards. The event was held in advance of the ESPY’s at MR. C’s Beverly Hills. Athletes, celebrities, influencers and press in attendance enjoyed music and entertainment, food, beverages and some of this year’s hottest items including health & beauty products & services, electronics, spa treatments, clothing & apparel, and jewelry. Guests were gifted with a variety of items including a medical spa gift certificate from Lasky Aesthetics & Laser Center, eyewear from Zenni Optical, children’s cosmetics and hair accessories from TownleyGirl, men’s grooming products from SSANAI and more.
Photo Credit: Jerod Harris
Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Sports Awards
Chloe Kim, Stephen Curry, Serena Williams, Russell Wilson, Kevin Durant, Venus Williams, Lindsey Vonn, Shaun White, host Chris Paul, and more took home coveted orange mohawked blimps at Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Sports 2018, the only show that celebrates the intersection of kids’ culture with their favorite athletes. The slime-filled celebration, hosted by Houston Rockets’ point guard and former NBA All-Star MVP Chris Paul, will premiere Friday, July 20, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT) as a simulcast on Nickelodeon, TeenNick and Nicktoons. Motor-sport pioneer Danica Patrick was honored with the Legend Award at this year’s show, in recognition of her trailblazing achievements and outstanding sportsmanship. Upon receiving her golden mohawked award, Patrick received the ultimate honor, being doused from head to toe in glistening gold slime.
The Bespoke Men’s Club
Kicking off ESPY week, The Bespoke Men’s Club was hosted by current Super Bowl Champions of the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles Malcolm Jenkins and Rodney McLeod. Both Jenkins and McLeod brought their off the field passions into full effect as owners of their own individual fashion boutiques Damari Saville (Jenkins) and Back of House (McLeod) with their ESPY week pop-up event. The Bespoke experience consisted of a gifting suite in Downtown LA’s Fashion District. Bespoke was curated to provide the best in clothing, electronics, and grooming in one Men’s Club experience and the event was just that! Each guest received a Talley & Twine luxury watch as they entered the lounge to commence the experience. Just past the shopping experience, guests were offered complimentary haircuts and grooming services on behalf of Luster’s S-Curl and The Mane Choice. While receiving grooming services, guests were able to get a sneak preview of The Equalizer 2 from Sony Pictures.
$50K Charity Challenge Celebrity Basketball Game
The stars came out for the $50K Charity Challenge Celebrity Basketball Game, presented by Monster Energy Outbreak. The event took over the Pauley Pavilion at UCLA the night before the ESPYs and included such talent as Maria Menounos, Iggy Azalea, Blake Griffin, Floyd Mayweather, Tyga, Kendra Wilkinson, Terrell Owens, and more.
Variety Sports & Entertainment Breakfast
Variety hosted its third annual Sports & Entertainment breakfast at the Beverly Hilton. Speakers included Golden State Warriors champ, Kevin Durant with his business partner Rich Kleiman and Olympian skier Lindsay Vonn. Kevin Durant discussed upcoming entertainment projects at his company Thirty Five Media, including the Fox Sports documentary Q-Ball chronicling the San Quentin basketball league, set for release this fall. He also talked up his own YouTube channel and teased that he is in development on an updated version of Real Sports with Bryant Gumble. Lindsey Vonn discussed her future prospects, post-Olympic career, including a possible collaboration with Dwayne Johnson.
Photo Credit: Michael Buckner/Variety/REX/Shutterstock
Glenlivet Hosts Athletes vs Cancer Celebrity Golf Classic Ahead of ESPYs
ESPY week kicked off with The Glenlivet Celebrity Golf Classic at Braemar Golf and Country Club in Tarzana, CA. Upon arrival guests including Kinya Claiborne, Matt Barnes, Kendra Wilkinson, James Kennedy and Anthony Anderson were treated to signature cocktails from The Glenlivet along with an exclusive Malbon Golf commemorative hat before heading out on to the course they where guided by GolfBuddy rangefinders, fun surprises along the course, and enjoy refreshments from ROAR Organic, High Brew Coffee, Justin’s Organic Peanut Butter Snacks and more. The event raised much-needed funds and awareness for Athletes Vs. Cancer founded by NBA star Matt Barnes whose mission is to provide resources for families and survivors affected by this deadly disease, especially helping with college scholarships to the children of those affected.
Photo Credit: Derron Johnson and Startraksphoto.com/Michael Simon
