Oscars of Sport! Djokovic, Eileen Gu to host Laureus World Sports Awards

In a historic first for one of sport’s most prestigious global ceremonies, tennis great Novak Djokovic and freestyle skiing champion Eileen Gu will co-host the Laureus World Sports Awards 2026 , marking the first time two active athletes have taken charge of hosting duties.

The glittering ceremony will be held on April 20 at Madrid’s iconic Palacio de Cibeles , bringing together top sporting icons, entertainers, and cultural figures to celebrate excellence, resilience, and inspiration across disciplines. Millions worldwide are expected to tune in as winners are revealed on sport’s grand stage.

The Laureus World Sports Awards , often called the “Oscars of sport” , were first held in 2000 . Created by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, the awards were designed not only to honour sporting excellence but also to highlight the power of sport in driving social change . Winners are chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy , a group of legendary athletes from across the world.

Over the years, the awards have expanded into multiple categories, including Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, Team of the Year, Breakthrough of the Year, Comeback of the Year, Action Sportsperson of the Year, Sportsperson with a Disability, and Sport for Good Award. They recognise achievements across major sports such as football, tennis, athletics, cricket, basketball, swimming, skiing, and more.

Traditionally hosted by Hollywood stars like Bill Murray, Samuel L. Jackson, Andy Garcia and Benedict Cumberbatch, the ceremony has recently shifted toward athlete-led hosting. Olympic skiing legend Lindsey Vonn became the first sportsperson to host in 2025 , paving the way for this year’s historic dual-athlete role.

Djokovic, a five-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year , Olympic gold medallist and holder of 24 Grand Slam singles titles , said the awards celebrate not just success but the impact of sport beyond competition . He also expressed excitement at co-hosting with Gu, calling her an athlete who truly represents the spirit of Laureus.

Gu, one of the most decorated freestyle skiers in history and a Laureus award winner herself, said the ceremony is unique because it is shaped by athletes who understand the journey behind success. She called sharing the stage with Djokovic a “real honour” , praising his global influence and sporting legacy.

With two of the world’s leading sporting figures at the helm, this year’s Laureus Awards promise a blend of glamour, inspiration, and global sporting excellence.