Shane Gillis's opening monologue at the 2025 ESPYs was a test of nerves and humour, with some jokes hitting the mark and others falling flat amid mixed reactions. The comedian's boldest material sparked both laughter and boos, revealing the fine line he walked in his first hosting gig at this major sports awards event.
Gillis's monologue was characterised by a sharp, no-holds-barred style reminiscent of Norm Macdonald, who previously hosted the awards in 1998. He targeted a broad spectrum of subjects, from sports stars to political figures, with jokes that often pushed boundaries. Early in his routine, he made a joke about University of North Carolina football coach Bill Belichick and his much younger girlfriend, Jordon Hudson, which received some of the best laughs of the night.
