Shohei Ohtani wins ESPY for best single-game performance, stuns Mike Tyson

Shohei Ohtani claimed the 2025 ESPY for best single-game performance on July 15, 2026, after Mike Tyson presented the award in Las Vegas. Tyson, 60, fumbled basic facts about Ohtani, including his sport, team, and even gender, despite correctly pronouncing the two-time MVP’s name.

What happened at the ESPYs?

Ohtani wasn’t in attendance to accept the award in person. Instead, Logan Paul co-presented the honor and read a message from the Dodgers star. “Shohei could not be here tonight,” Paul said. “He sends his gratitude and appreciation to ESPN and everyone who voted for him.” Tyson then turned to Paul and asked, “Shohei’s a guy?” before double-checking the pronunciation with his co-presenter.

The award capped a season where Ohtani’s 2025 NLCS Game 4 performance still dominates headlines. On October 18, 2025, he threw six shutout innings as the Dodgers’ starting pitcher against the Milwaukee Brewers, then went 3-for-3 with three home runs at the plate. The 6-0 win clinched the NLCS MVP for Ohtani and cemented his place as one of baseball’s most electric two-way talents.

Why Mike Tyson’s ignorance matters for Ohtani’s legacy

Tyson’s admission highlights how Ohtani’s fame has exploded beyond baseball’s usual circles. The former heavyweight champion last sparred with Ted Barrett in 1997, years before Barrett became a major-league umpire. Tyson’s admission that he doesn’t regularly follow MLB underscores how Ohtani’s on-field dominance has forced even casual sports fans to take notice.

Ohtani’s 2025 NLCS Game 4 outing remains the gold standard for two-way brilliance. He dominated as both pitcher and hitter, striking out six over six innings while blasting three home runs in a single game. The performance didn’t just win a game-it all but locked up MVP hardware and turned casual observers into lifelong fans.

What comes next for Shohei Ohtani?

Ohtani’s 2026 season is already shaping up as another MVP-caliber run. The Dodgers remain World Series favorites, and Ohtani’s bat and arm keep defenses guessing. His next start could arrive as soon as July 19, when Los Angeles hosts the Padres in a prime-time matchup.

The ESPY win adds another trophy to Ohtani’s case for the game’s best player. With his 2025 NLCS heroics still fresh, the stage is set for another October run. Whether he’s on the mound or in the batter’s box, Ohtani’s next highlight could drop any day.