The Winners of the ESPY Awards of 2012

Since 1993, ESPN has been awarding individuals and teams for their athletic achievement as well as outstanding sports-related performances. That is through the ESPY Award. Unlike any other awards though, you can't expect to grab one of the trophies here if you don't have a solid fan-base and a huge following. Why? It's because the winners are strictly chosen through fan votes. Although ESPN personalities, sports journalists and broadcasters are also voting.

ESPY 2012 Red Carpet

Last week, the awards ceremony were held at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles and the victorious were crowned. Here they are:

Breakthrough Athlete of the Year
Jeremy Lin, former New York Knicks player

Jeremy Lin

Record-Breaking Performance of the Year 

Drew Brees for breaking Dan Marino's NFL regular-season passing yards record.

Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints 

Biggest Upset:
LA Kings 

LA Kings' Dustin Brown, Matt Greene and Dustin Penner accepted the award.

Game of the Year

NFC divisional playoff—San Francisco 49ers 36, New Orleans Saints 32

San Francisco 49ers vs. New Orleans Saints 

Best Moment
Tim Tebow's 80-yard touchdown pass to Demaryius Thomas to beat the Steelers in the NFL playoffs

Tim Tebow and Demaryius Thomas

Arthur Ashe Courage Award
Pat Summitt, Head Coach Emeritus of the Tennessee Lady Vols basketball 

Pat Summit accepted the Arthur Ashe Courage award.

Jimmy V Perseverance Award 
Eric LeGrand, Honorary Buccaneer 

Eric LeGrand

Other Winners:

Best Coach/Manager of the Year
 Tom Coughlin, Coach of the New York Giants

Best International Athlete
Lionel Messi, Striker for Barcelona FC

Best Comeback
Matthew Stafford, Quarterback for the Detroit Lions

Best Team
Miami Heat

Best Male Athlete of the Year
LeBron James, Small Forward for the Miami Heat

Best Female Athlete of the Year
Brittney Griner 

Best Female College Athlete
Brittney Griner

Best Female Tennis Player
Maria Sharapova

Best Male Tennis Player
Novak Djokovic

Best MLB Player
Josh Hamilton, Left Fielder for Texas Rangers

Best NHL Player
Jonathan Quick, Goaltender for the LA Kings

Best Male College Athlete
Robert Griffin III

Best NBA Player
LeBron James, Small Forward for the Miami Heat

Best NFL Player
Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback for the Green Bay Packers

Best Male Action Sports Athlete
Shaun White, Snowboarder and Skateboarder

Best Female Action Sports Athlete
Jamie Anderson. Snowboarder

Best Play
Christian Watford

Best Fighter
Floyd Mayweather, Jr. 

Best Championship Player
LeBron James

Best Jockey
Mario Gutierrez

Best Male Athlete with a Disability
Kyle Maynard

Best Female Athlete with a Disability
Jessica Long

Best Bowler
Sean Rash

Best MLS Player
David Beckham

Best Track and Field Athlete
Walter Dix

Best WNBA Player of the Year
Diana Taurasi 

Best Male Golfer
Bubba Watson

Best Driver
Tony Stewart

That's it. The best of the best in the sporting world - according to voting fans at least. Well, for one, I don't agree that Floyd is the best fighter. I may be biased here but I think Manny Pacquiao is still the best fighter. 

Anyway, such a shame that Lionel Messi, Jonathan Quick and Tony "Smoke" Stewart wasn't there to receive their awards personally. And no Miami Heat, too!

I just have to add this (sorry) - but my favorite NASCAR driver was also there to present an award. Yes, it's JIMMIE JOHNSON of the 48 Lowes Cherolet. (Okay, I'm smiling from ear to ear here.) 

Jimmie Johnson with Tim Tebow at the ESPY 2012 Awards Ceremony

PS. Jimmie looks so small beside Maria Sharapova in one of the red carpet pictures. Ugh.