2010 ESPY Awards: Categories, Nominees, Winners, and Analysis

In today's society, it appears as if most of us are interested in a fantasy world—whether that be tracking down our beloved celebrity "role models" on Twitter or anticipating what happens on the latest reality TV show.

Another manner in which we seem to be idly intrigued by are annual award shows such as the Grammys or Academy Awards. For those of us that aren't exactly interested in what the best contemporary folk album was, we're not of out luck.

The world of sports has its own award show called the ESPYs.

For those of you that aren't familiar with the event, it is a ceremony that features the world's best athletes and awards them for their achievements.

Similar to any other award show, there are several categories that fans can vote for. This year, I decided to place my vote, and here are my predictions on who will win.

Best Male Athlete

Nominees

NFL: New Orleans QB Drew Brees
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers SG Kobe Bryant
NBA: Miami Heat SF LeBron James
NASCAR: Hendrick Motorsports Jimmie Johnson
MLB: St. Louis Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols

My Vote: Kobe Bryant

Kobe proved to us why he's still the best player in the NBA by leading the Lakers to back-to-back championships. No disrespect to the others, but this competition is no match for him.

Winner: Drew Brees

Best Female Athlete

Nominees

NCAA Basketball: UConn Huskies F Maya Moore
WNBA: Phoenix Mercury SG Diana Taurasi
Skiing: USA Winter Olympics Lindsey Vonn
Tennis: Serena Williams

My Vote: Serena Williams

Each of these athletes had tremendous years, dominating their respective sports. However, the one that stood out to me the most was Serena Williams, winning both the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

I will say that I wouldn't be surprised to see Vonn ultimately win the award, as voters may admire her overcoming adversity and the fact that she's an Olympian.

Winner: Lindsey Vonn

Best Championship Performance

Nominees

Super Bowl XLIV MVP, New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees
Big Sky Conference Championship, Montana G Anthony Johnson
World Swimming Championships, USA Michael Phelps
Winter Olympics, USA Snowboarder Shaun White

My Vote: Drew Brees

While all four performances were very impressive, I have to cast my vote for Drew Brees, and a quick glance at his stats should justify it. At the game's biggest stage, Brees beat out Peyton Manning and threw two TDs, completed 82.1 percent of his passes, and compiled a 114.5 passer rating.

Winner: Drew Brees

Best Breakthrough Athlete

Nominees

NCAA Women's Basketball: Baylor C Brittney Griner
NFL: Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson
MLB: Washington Nationals P Stephen Strasburg
NCAA Men's Basketball: Kentucky PG John Wall

My Vote: Chris Johnson

To me, this was one of the easiest decisions. Chris Johnson elevated his game to a level that only five other players have ever done in the history of the league by rushing for 2,006 yards.

Winner: Chris Johnson

Best Record-Breaking Performance

Nominees

Track and Field: Usain Bolt 100M and 200M
NFL: Brett Favre Most Consecutive Starts
Tennis: Roger Federer Most Grand Slam Singles Titles
NCAA Women's Basketball: UConn Longest Winning Streak
Tennis: John Isner vs. Nicolas Mahut Longest Professional Tennis Match

My Vote: Brett Favre

Sure, all those accomplishments are impressive. However, starting 285 consecutive regular season games is unbelievable. That, in my mind, is the ultimate indication of endurance and consistency--two of my most admired traits.

Winner: Isner and Mahut

Best Upset

Nominees

MMA: Frankie Edgar over BJ Penn
NCAA Softball: Hawaii over No. 1 Alabama
NCAA Basketball: Northern Iowa over No. 1 Kansas
PGA Championship: Y.E. Yang over Tiger Woods

My Vote: Y.E. Yang

Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to watch a single of these competitions live. However, when I heard that Yang, a relatively unknown golfer, had beat out arguably the greatest ever despite Woods having the lead heading into the final round, I was absolutely stunned.

Winner: Northern Iowa

Best Game

Nominees

MLB: Minnesota Twins vs. Detroit Tigers (AL Central One-Game Tiebreaker)
Winter Olympics: USA vs. Canada (Gold Medal Game)
NCAA Basketball: Duke vs. Butler (Championship Game)

My Vote: USA vs. Canada Hockey

All three games were definitely memorable ones that will leave a lasting image for a long time. However, my favorite one was the USA vs. Canada Olympic Gold Hockey Game. Even though the USA lost, I just think that two nations battling it out to the wire is more enticing than anything.

Winner: USA vs. Canada Hockey

Best Moment

Nominees

Golf: Phil Mickelson Wins Masters
Winter Olympics: Joannie Rochette Wins Bronze Medal
NFL: New Orleans Saints Win Super Bowl XLIV
2010 FIFA World Cup: Landon Donovan Scores Game-Winning Goal Against Algeria

My Vote: Joannie Rochette

The best moments come on the biggest stages, which is why I was contemplating voting for Donovan's goal to keep the U.S. alive in the World Cup. However, for Joannie Rochette to overcome adversity and win a bronze model just days after her mother's death is truly inspirational and will be a moment I always remember.

Winner: Landon Donovan

Best Team

Nominees

NCAA Football: Alabama Crimson Tide
NHL: Chicago Blackhawks
NCAA Women's Basketball: UConn Huskies
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers
NFL: New Orleans Saints
MLB: New York Yankees

Great teams always strive for perfection. The best reach it, which is why I voted for the UConn Women's Basketball Team.

Winner: New Orleans Saints

Castrol Edge Performance Under Pressure Award

Nominees

2010 Winter Olympics: Sidney Crosby Scores Gold Medal Game-Winning Goal
NFL: Brett Favre Beats Green Bay Packers in Return
2010 FIFA World Cup: Landon Donovan Scores Game-Winning Goal Against Algeria
MLB: Stephen Strasburg Debut Start

My Vote: Landon Donovan

When the spotlight is on, it is critical that one performs at his best. To me, the best under pressure award should undoubtedly go to Landon Donovan for scoring a game-winning goal against Algeria.

With the whole world watching on the biggest event in sports, the U.S.A., as a nation, was under tremendous pressure to come through and prove that we could compete with the best. If it weren't for that win, we would have been considered as major failures and wouldn't be given another chance to redeem ourselves for four years.

Winner: Landon Donovan

Best Sports Movie

Nominees

Big Fan
Invictus
The Blind Side
The Damned United
The Karate Kid

My Vote: Invictus

Having only watched the The Blind Side and Invictus, my answer may be a little biased.

Despite winning multiple Academy Awards, I felt that the The Blind Side was a major disappointment, especially compared to the brilliant book it was based on. Even though I loved the Michael Oher story, I have to give the edge to Invictus. Nonetheless, I recommend both films to everyone.

Winner: The Blind Side

Best Coach/Manager

Nominees

NCAA Women's Basketball: UConn Huskies Geno Auriemma
MLB: New York Yankees Joe Girardi
NBA: Los Angeles Lakers Phil Jackson
NCAA Men's Basketball: Duke Blue Devils Mike Krzyzewski
NFL: New Orleans Saints Sean Payton
NCAA Football: Alabama Crimson Tide Nick Saban

My Vote: Phil Jackson

Even though it's tough to argue with perfection, I had to vote for the Zen Master. He's truly a basketball genius.

Winner: Phil Jackson

Best NFL Player

Nominees

New Orleans Saints QB Drew Brees
Minnesota Vikings QB Brett Favre
Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson
Indianapolis Colts QB Peyton Manning
New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis
Green Bay Packers CB Charles Woodson

My Vote: Peyton Manning

Sure, he lost the Super Bowl to Drew Brees. Sure, he didn't make history with his performance this season like Chris Johnson did. However, there's little doubt in my mind that the four-time MVP is still the best player in the NFL.

Winner: Drew Brees

Best MLB Player

Nominees

Kansas City Royals P Zack Greinke
New York Yankees SS Derek Jeter
San Francisco Giants P Tim Lincecum
Minnesota Twins C Joe Mauer
St. Louis Cardinals 1B Albert Pujols

As a Bay Area native, I wanted to vote for pitcher Tim Lincecum. However, the true best MLB player is Albert Pujols, in my opinion.

Winner: Albert Pujols

Best NHL Player

Nominees

Pittsburgh Penguins C Sidney Crosby
Buffalo Sabres G Ryan Miller
Washington Capitals LW Alexander Ovechkin
Vancouver Canucks C Henrik Sedin
Tampa Bay Lightning C Steven Stamkos

My Vote: Henrik Sedin

Since this is the NHL's Best Player Award, I had to take Ryan Miller's stellar Olympic performance out of the equation. Therefore, I placed my vote on Henrik Sedin, the NHL's points leader and Hart Memorial Trophy recipient.

Winner: Sidney Crosby

Best Driver

Nominees

NASCAR: Kyle Busch Motorsports Kyle Bush
NASCAR: Target Chip Ganassi Racing Dario Franchitti
NASCAR: Kevin Harvick Incorporated Ron Hornaday
NASCAR: Hendrick Motorsports Jimmie Johnson
Drag Racing: Tony Schumacher

My Vote: Jimmie Johnson

Johnson won the Sprint Cup Series for the fourth straight year, which made my decision very easy.

Winner: Jimmie Johnson

Best NBA Player

Nominees

Los Angeles Lakers SG Kobe Bryant
Oklahoma City Thunder SF Kevin Durant
Orlando Magic C Dwight Howard
Miami Heat SF LeBron James
Miami Heat SG Dwyane Wade

My Vote: Kobe Bryant

While the other three are great, the real debate comes down to LeBron vs. Kobe. Even though I think LeBron James had a bigger impact on his (former) team and is a more "dominating" player, I firmly believe that Kobe Bryant is the best overall player in the NBA.

Winner: Kobe Bryant

Best WNBA Player

Nominees

Indiana Fever F Tamika Catchings
San Antonio Silver Stars G Becky Hammon
Seattle Storm F Lauren Jackson
Los Angeles Sparks F Candace Parker
Phoenix Mercury G Diana Taurasi

My Vote: Diana Taurasi

This was a tough choice between Parker and Taurasi. However, in the end, I had to go with the player who led her team to their second championship in three years.

Winner: Diana Taurasi

Best Fighter

Nominees

Boxing: Floyd Mayweather
Boxing: Manny Pacquiao
MMA: Georges St. Pierre

My Vote: Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Despite the tremendous talent possessed by all three, I had to give my vote to the beast of perfection. To this day, Mayweather holds an undefeated record of 41-0.

Winner: Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Best Female Golfer

Nominees

Cristie Kerr
Lorena Ochoa
Jiyai Shin

My Vote: Cristie Kerr

This will surely be a tight race. However, I gave the edge to Kerr for winning the 2010 LPGA Championship.

Winner: Lorena Ochoa

Best Male Golfer

Nominees

Ernie Els
Phil Mickelson
Tiger Woods

My Vote: Phil Mickelson

It's unfortunate that Tiger will end his eight-year winning streak due to his infidelities. During his absence, Phil Mickelson capitalized on the opportunity and won the Masters.

Winner: Phil Mickelson

Best Male Tennis Player

Nominees

Roger Federer
Juan Martin del Porto
Rafael Nadal

My Vote: Rafael Nadal

It appears as if we have just witnessed a major power shift amongst the top of the tennis chain. Nadal has won the past two Grand Slam titles, which is why I have him ranked ahead of Roger Federer.

Winner: Roger Federer

Best Female Tennis Player

Nominees

Kim Clijsters
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

My Vote: Serena Williams

Serena Williams won Wimbledon just a few weeks ago, demonstrating to the world why she's the best female tennis player today.

Winner: Serena Williams

Best Male College Athlete

Nominees

NCAA Hockey: Wisconsin Badgers C Blake Geoffrion
NCAA Football: Alabama Crimson Tide RB Mark Ingram
NCAA Basketball: Ohio State Buckeyes SG Evan Turner
NCAA Basketball: Kentucky Wildcats PG John Wall
NCAA Baseball: Florida International Golden Panthers IF Garrett Wittel

My Vote: Mark Ingram

Despite going up against a great group of student-athletes, I had to cast my vote for the Heisman Trophy winner and BCS National Champion

Winner: John Wall

Best Female College Athlete

Nominees

NCAA Basketball: UConn Huskies C Tina Charles
NCAA Volleyball: Penn State Nittany Lions OH Megan Hodge
NCAA Softball: UCLA Bruins P/1B Megan Langenfeld
NCAA Basketball: UConn Huskies F Maya Moore

My Vote: Maya Moore

All four nominees were very accomplished athletes last season. However, one stood out from the pack. Moore averaged over 18 PPG and eight RPG last season for the Huskies. She was an integral part of the team's undefeated record and national championship.

Winner: Maya Moore

Best Male Action Sport Athlete

Nominees

Freestyle Skiing: Bobby Brown
Motocross: Ryan Dungey
Surfing: Mick Fanning
BMX: Garrett Reynolds
Snowboarding: Shaun White

While all of them are great at their respective sports, I gave the nod to Shaun White for earning a gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

Winner: Shaun White

Best Female Action Sport Athlete

Nominees

Snowboarding: Torah Bright
Motocross: Ashley Fiolek
Freestyle Skiing: Jen Hudak
Surfing: Stephanie Gilmore
Freestyle Skiing: Ashleigh McIvor

My Vote: Torah Bright

Bright overcame adversity as she won the gold medal for Australia despite two concussions in prior training and crashing out in her first run at the finals.

Winner: Torah Bright

Best Jockey

Nominees

Calvin Borel
Julien Leparoux
Mike Smith

My Vote: Calvin Borel

While the other two have accomplished respectable feats, none is more significant than Borel's. He has won three of the past four Kentucky Derbies, which is why I voted him the best jockey.

Winner: Calvin Borel

Best Male Athlete with a Disability

Nominees

Sled Hockey: Steve Cash
Swimming: Rudy Garcia-Tolson
Skiing: Andy Soule

My Vote: Rudy Garcia-Tolson

Garcia-Tolson became the first double above-knee amputee to complete an Ironman triathlon, which is truly incredible.

Winner: Steve Cash

Best Female Athlete with a Disability

Nominees

Gymnastics: Linnea Dohring
Skiing: Alana Nichols
Track and Field: Amy Palmiero-Winters
Skiing: Stephani Victor

My Vote: Stephani Victor

Even though she has both of her legs amputated, she managed to persevere and win multiple World Championships and medals at the Olympics.

I would like to say that, despite major obstacles, the mere fact that these people have attempted to achieve such goals is simply amazing. I have nothing but praise for both the disabled men and women on this planet who firmly believe in themselves that they truly are equal and can do whatever they set out to do. I am extremely proud of them and hope they receive the recognition they definitely deserve.

Winner: Amy Palmiero-Winters

Best Bowler

Nominees

Kelly Kulick
Bill O'Neill
Walter Ray Williams Jr.

My Vote: Walter Ray Williams Jr.

Williams Jr. is still the best bowler, to me, as he currently holds the record for most all-time standard PBA Tour career titles with 47.

Winner: Walter Ray Williams Jr.

Best U.S. Men's Olympic Athlete

Nominees

Speedskating: Apolo Anton Ohno
Speedskating: Shani Davis
Figure Skating: Evan Lysacek
Skiing: Bode Miller
Snowboarding: Shaun White

My Vote: Shaun White

White took home a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics and continues to revolutionize the sport of snowboarding.

Winner: Shaun White

Best U.S. Women's Olympic Athlete

Nominees

Skiing: Hannah Kearney
Skiing: Julia Mancuso
Skiing: Lindsey Vonn

My Vote: Lindsey Vonn

Vonn was able to come back from a serious injury and win both a gold and bronze medal.

Winner: Lindsey Vonn

Best MLS Player

Nominees

Colorado Rapids F Conor Casey
FC Dallas F Jeff Cunningham
Los Angeles Galaxy AM Landon Donovan
New England Revolution DM Shalrie Joseph
Seattle Sounders GK Kasey Keller

My Vote: Landon Donovan

While all five are good players, Donovan is by far the best player in the MLS. Hopefully his stellar play in the World Cup will help generate more American interest in the sport.

Winner: Landon Donovan

Best Track and Field Athlete

Nominees

Usain Bolt
Allyson Felix
Sanya Richards

My Vote: Usain Bolt

Just like Bolt's races, is this even a competition? After setting the record for the 100 M dash at 9.58 seconds, he secured his position as the best track and field athlete.

Winner: Usain Bolt

Best Play

Nominees:

Brett Favre TD Pass to Greg Lewis
Colorado Rockies Game Winning Play

My Vote: Brett Favre & Greg Lewis

Brett Favre's last second magic worked like a charm, once again, as he was able to make the game-winning TD throw to beat the 49ers 27-24. The play was truly spectacular.

Winner: Brett Favre & Greg Lewis

Watch It LIVE Tonight!

The 2010 ESPYS are scheduled to premiere LIVE on July 14 at 9 PM ET on ESPN.

It's a great opportunity for us all to sit back and relive those unforgettable sports moments. It's sure to be an exciting event, so you won't want to miss it.