Best Breakthrough Athlete ESPY Award List of winners List of winners

| Year_ | Sportsperson | Nationality | Team | Competition_federation_or_league | Sport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 | Gary Sheffield | United States | San Diego Padres | Major League Baseball | Baseball |
| 1994 | Mike Piazza | United States | Los Angeles Dodgers | Major League Baseball | Baseball |
| 1995 | Jeff Bagwell | United States | Houston Astros | Major League Baseball | Baseball |
| 1996 | Hideo Nomo | Japan | Los Angeles Dodgers | Major League Baseball | Baseball |
| 1997 | Tiger Woods | United States | not applicable | PGA Tour | Golf |
| 1998 | Nomar Garciaparra | United States | Boston Red Sox | Major League Baseball | Baseball |
| 1999 | Randy Moss | United States | Minnesota Vikings | National Football League | American football |
| 2000 | Kurt Warner | United States | St. Louis Rams | National Football League | American football |