The ESPYS brought some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment to New York City on Wednesday night, a day that typically ranks among the slowest on the sports calendar.But this year’s ceremony was preceded by a World Cup semifinal match in Atlanta that was already being described as an instant classic.Lionel Messi and Argentina punched their ticket to a second straight World Cup final with a win over England.
The defending champions will meet Spain on Saturday in nearby New Jersey, just a short trip across the Hudson River from where comedian Marcello Hernández opened the ESPYS.The "Saturday Night Live" star wasted little time taking a few jabs at Jake Paul, Tiger Woods and other sports figures.ESPN'S JOHN BUCCIGROSS NAMES HIS MOUNT RUSHMORE OF ALL-TIME SPORTSCENTER ANCHORSMarcello Hernández speaks onstage during the 2026 ESPY Awards at David H.Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City.
(Mike Coppola/Getty Images)"Mike Tyson ripped my watch off.Welcome to the ESPYS!" Hernández joked after making a boxing-style entrance in a robe with Tyson as part of his entourage."I must say, it's an honor to be here among so many great athletes, and Jake Paul," Hernández began in his roughly 10-minute monologue.Paul appeared to take the joke in stride, laughing and applauding as cameras cut to him in the crowd.
Hernández then stayed on the YouTube star-turned-boxer, needling him over his history of fighting older opponents."Jake, that's just a joke.Don't fight me," Hernández continued.
"My dad and my stepdad are both here.They're over 50, and I know that's how you like them.
So, fight them instead."Paul kept laughing as Hernández’s bit played out, eventually closing with the comedian shifting attention to his father and stepfather, who were shown in the audience.Atmosphere at the 2026 ESPYS at the David H.Koch Theater at Lincoln Square on July 15, 2026, in New York, New York.
(Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)Hernández later used Caleb Wil...