Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu to Co-Host the Laureus World Sports Awards
Historic Co-Hosting at the Laureus Awards
This year, the Laureus World Sports Awards will feature an unprecedented co-hosting by two of the most prominent athletes, Novak Djokovic and Eileen Gu. This marks a significant milestone in the history of the awards, which will take place at the renowned Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid on April 20.
For the first time, the prestigious ceremony will unite top figures from sports, entertainment, and culture to honor excellence, resilience, and inspiration in athletics. The event will be broadcast worldwide, engaging millions of viewers as fans and athletes interact on social media during the announcement of winners, using the hashtag #OnlyAtLaureus.
Profiles of the Hosts
Novak Djokovic, a five-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year and Olympic Gold Medalist, holds the record for 24 men's Grand Slam singles titles. Eileen Gu, on the other hand, is celebrated as the most accomplished freestyle skier, boasting multiple Olympic and world championships, and was named the 2023 Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year.
Together, they will present the coveted Laureus awards across various categories, including Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, Team of the Year, Breakthrough of the Year, and Comeback of the Year.
The Prestige of the Laureus Awards
The Laureus World Sports Awards are often referred to as 'the Athletes' Awards' due to their unique peer-voting system, where winners are selected by the Laureus World Sports Academy, comprising 69 sporting legends from diverse disciplines. This recognition from fellow athletes adds to the awards' prestige, making them the most sought-after accolades in the sports world.
In its 27th year, the awards have previously seen Hollywood icons like Bill Murray and Samuel L. Jackson as hosts, with Lindsey Vonn being the first athlete to take on the hosting role in 2025.
Excitement from the Hosts
Djokovic expressed his enthusiasm, stating, 'The Laureus World Sports Awards hold a special place in my heart. They celebrate not just excellence in sport, but the power of sport to make a difference.' He reflected on his past experiences at the awards and his excitement to co-host with Gu, whom he admires.
Gu shared her thoughts, saying, 'The Laureus World Sports Awards are incredibly special to athletes, as they celebrate our achievements in a way that resonates with our peers. Winning a Laureus in 2023 was a milestone in my career, and hosting alongside Novak is a true honor.'