Rory McIlroy is the current BBC Sports Personality of the Year, having won the 2025 award following his historic Grand Slam-completing Masters victory and Ryder Cup success. This prestigious annual event, established in 1954, celebrates the most significant sporting achievements of the year as voted for by the British public. The ceremony is one of the most-watched sporting broadcasts in the United Kingdom, serving as a definitive record of the nation’s athletic heroes across generations. In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the history of the “SPOTY” awards, the selection and voting criteria, a full list of legendary winners, and what to expect from the upcoming 2026 edition.
2025 Award Winners
The 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony took place on December 18, 2025, at MediaCity in Salford, broadcast live on BBC One. Professional golfer Rory McIlroy claimed the main prize, becoming the first golfer to win since Nick Faldo in 1989 after a season where he finally secured his first Masters title. Behind him, rugby union star Ellie Kildunne finished in second place, while Formula 1 driver Lando Norris secured third place following a breakthrough season.
Additional honors were distributed to recognize a broad spectrum of sporting excellence across the globe. Armand “Mondo” Duplantis was named World Sport Star of the Year after setting a new pole vault world record of $6.30m$ and remaining undefeated throughout the season. The European Ryder Cup Team took home the Team of the Year award, and England Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman was crowned Coach of the Year for a second time.
Historical Winners and Legends
The inaugural Sports Personality of the Year award was presented to middle-distance runner Sir Christopher Chataway in 1954. Since then, the trophy has been awarded to icons from nearly every major discipline, including athletics, tennis, Formula 1, and cricket. Andy Murray currently holds the record for the most wins in history, having been voted the winner three times in 2013, 2015, and 2016.
Other notable multi-time winners include Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, and Sir Lewis Hamilton, illustrating the long-standing popularity of motorsport within the British public vote. The 1966 World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore and heavyweight boxing legend Henry Cooper are among the most revered figures to have graced the stage. These winners reflect the shifting cultural importance of different sports in Britain over the last seven decades.
Nomination and Selection Process
The process of selecting the Sports Personality of the Year winner is divided into two distinct phases involving industry experts and the general public. Initially, a judging panel comprised of sports journalists, broadcasters, and former athletes compiles a shortlist of six to eight contenders. This panel looks for athletes who have achieved significant success on the world stage or had a profound impact on their specific sport within the calendar year.
Once the shortlist is announced—typically in early December—the final decision is placed entirely in the hands of the British public. During the live broadcast of the ceremony, viewers can cast their votes via telephone or through the BBC Sport website. For the 2025 edition, the BBC introduced a two-stage voting process where the field was narrowed to the top three mid-show before a final winner was declared.
World Sport Star Award
While the main award is reserved for British athletes or those residing/competing primarily in the UK, the World Sport Star award recognizes international brilliance. Formerly known as the Overseas Sports Personality of the Year, this category has been won by legends such as Muhammad Ali, Usain Bolt, and Roger Federer. Ali notably won the award three times and was named the “Sports Personality of the Century” by the BBC in 1999.
In 2025, the honor went to Armand Duplantis, the Swedish-American pole vaulter who has redefined the limits of his sport. The nominees for this category are often chosen based on their global dominance and ability to transcend the boundaries of their specific discipline. It remains one of the few awards of the night where the achievement is measured on a global scale rather than a domestic one.
Young Sports Personality Award
The Young Sports Personality of the Year award is dedicated to athletes aged 11 to 19 who have demonstrated exceptional promise and achievement. Past winners include future superstars like Wayne Rooney, Tom Daley, and Eleanor Simmonds, many of whom went on to win the main award later in their careers. In 2025, the award was presented to Michelle Agyemang for her breakthrough performances in women’s football.
To be eligible, young athletes must be nominated by their sport’s governing bodies or the Youth Sport Trust. A panel then reduces these nominations to a top three, and the winner is announced during the main December ceremony. This award serves as a vital platform for rising stars, often providing them with their first taste of national recognition and media attention.
Team and Coach Categories
The Team of the Year award celebrates collective excellence and is often dominated by national squads or legendary club sides. In 2025, the European Ryder Cup Team won the prize following their spectacular victory on U.S. soil at Bethpage Black. This award recognizes the synergy and teamwork required to reach the pinnacle of professional sport, often highlighting teams that have captured the nation’s imagination.
The Coach of the Year award is typically given to the individual who has masterminded the success of a major team or individual athlete. Sarina Wiegman secured this title in 2025 after leading the England Lionesses to European glory once again. The selection for these categories is made by the expert panel rather than a public vote, ensuring that technical expertise and strategic brilliance are properly evaluated.
Lifetime Achievement Recognition
One of the most emotional segments of the evening is the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award. This honor is reserved for individuals who have made a massive and lasting impact on the world of sport over many decades. In 2025, French football legend Thierry Henry received the award in recognition of his era-defining career with Arsenal and the French national team.
Previous recipients include Sir Alex Ferguson, David Beckham, and Pele, highlighting the global stature of the individuals selected. The award is a “special” category, meaning it is not necessarily awarded every single year but is reserved for those whose careers are truly historic. It often features a video retrospective and testimonials from former teammates and rivals, providing a moment of reflection during the fast-paced ceremony.
Helen Rollason Award
The Helen Rollason Award is presented for outstanding achievement in the face of adversity. Named after the BBC sports presenter who died of cancer in 1999, the award focuses on the human spirit and the ability of sport to provide hope during difficult times. The 2025 recipients were Sergio Aguiar and David Stancombe, who ran the London Marathon to raise money following the tragic Southport stabbings.
This award is often the most poignant part of the broadcast, moving the focus from elite athletic performance to community impact and personal resilience. Winners are chosen by the BBC Sport production team and the Rollason family. It remains a cornerstone of the event, reminding viewers that the values of sport extend far beyond winning medals or breaking world records.
Unsung Hero Award
The BBC Sports Unsung Hero Award honors the volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes in grassroots sports. From local football coaches to community swimming instructors, this award highlights the foundation upon which British sport is built. While the 2025 award was uniquely withheld for the first time in years, the category usually features regional winners from across the UK who then attend the national final.
Volunteers are nominated by members of their local community, and a winner is chosen for each of the BBC’s English regions and the nations of Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The national winner is someone who has gone above and beyond to provide sporting opportunities for others, often without any financial reward. This award underscores the BBC’s commitment to reflecting all levels of sport, from the playground to the podium.
Venue History and Locations
For the first few decades of its existence, the ceremony was held primarily at BBC Television Centre in London. However, in 2006, the event moved to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham to accommodate a larger live audience. Since then, the show has toured various arenas across the United Kingdom, including Liverpool, Leeds, Glasgow, Belfast, and Aberdeen, making it a truly national event.
Currently, the ceremony often finds a home at MediaCityUK in Salford, the headquarters of BBC Sport. This state-of-the-art facility provides the technical infrastructure required for a complex live broadcast involving hundreds of athletes and thousands of audience members. The choice of venue often influences the local “feel” of the show, with different cities bringing unique energy to the proceedings.
Practical Information and Planning
If you are planning to watch or attend the BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2026, here are the essential details to keep in mind.
Dates: The ceremony traditionally takes place on a Thursday or Sunday in mid-December. For 2026, expect the date to be around December 17 or 20, 2026.
Location: While not yet officially confirmed, the event is likely to return to MediaCity, Salford, or a major arena in a host city like Birmingham or Manchester.
How to Watch: The show is broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. International viewers can often find highlights on the BBC Sport YouTube channel or website.
Tickets: Tickets for the live show usually go on sale in the autumn. They are highly sought after and often sell out within hours of being released through the BBC’s ticketing partner.
Costs: Viewing the broadcast is free for UK TV License holders. Attendance at the live arena event usually costs between £45 and £100 depending on the seat location.
Future Outlook: 2026 and Beyond
The 2026 sporting calendar is packed with events that will likely define the next Sports Personality of the Year shortlist. The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina will provide a major platform for British stars in skeleton, curling, and snowboarding. Athletes like Matt Weston and Mia Brookes are already being touted as potential contenders if they can secure gold on the world stage.
Additionally, 2026 will see major championships in football, athletics, and cricket. The public’s voting habits often lean toward Olympic years, where “fringe” sports get more airtime and create national heroes overnight. As the 72nd edition of the awards approaches, the competition for the iconic silver tripod trophy remains as fierce as ever, continuing its legacy as the most prestigious individual honor in British sport.
FAQs
How is the winner of Sports Personality of the Year decided?
The winner is decided by a public vote during the live TV broadcast. A panel of experts first creates a shortlist of contenders based on their achievements during the year, and viewers then vote for their favorite via phone or the BBC website.
Who won the Sports Personality of the Year in 2025?
The 2025 winner was Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy. He was recognized for completing the career Grand Slam by winning The Masters and leading the European Ryder Cup team to victory.
Who has won the award the most times?
Tennis player Andy Murray is the only person to have won the award three times (2013, 2015, and 2016). Several others, including Lewis Hamilton and Nigel Mansell, have won it twice.
When does the 2026 Sports Personality of the Year take place?
The 2026 ceremony is expected to be held in mid-December 2026. The exact date and venue are typically announced by the BBC in the autumn of the same year.
Can non-British athletes win the main award?
To be eligible for the main award, an athlete must either be British or reside and play a significant amount of their sport in the UK. International athletes are eligible for the World Sport Star of the Year category.
Is there a prize for the winner?
The winner receives the iconic silver four-turret tripod trophy, which was first created in the 1950s. While there is no direct cash prize, the prestige of the award often leads to significant commercial and sponsorship opportunities.
Who are the hosts of the BBC SPOTY awards?
The show is currently hosted by a team of prominent BBC Sport presenters, typically including Clare Balding, Gabby Logan, and Alex Scott. Past hosts include legends like Des Lynam and Sue Barker.
What are the different award categories?
Categories include Sports Personality of the Year, World Sport Star, Team of the Year, Coach of the Year, Young Sports Personality, Unsung Hero, Lifetime Achievement, and the Helen Rollason Award.
Can I vote if I live outside the UK?
Generally, the public vote for the main award is restricted to UK residents only, as it requires a UK telephone number or a BBC account registered with a UK postcode.
Why was the 2025 ceremony significant?
The 2025 ceremony was notable for Rory McIlroy’s win, which ended a long drought for golfers. It also featured a new two-stage voting format during the live broadcast to increase engagement.
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