Watch: ESPY 2009 Awards Winners

- Arthur Ashe Courage Award: President Nelson Mandela
- Jimmy V Award For Perseverance: Don Meyer, Northern State University coach
- Best Comeback: Dara Torres, Olympic swimmer.
- Best Female Athlete: Nastia Liukin, Gymnastics
- Best Male Athlete: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
- Best Moment: US Swim team wins thrilling finish in Olympic relay
- Best Team: Los Angeles Lakers
- Best Coach/Manager: Phil Jackson, Los Angeles Lakers
- Best Game: Steelers vs. Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII
- Best Championship Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
- Best Play: Roethlisberger to Holmes Super Bowl Winning TD
- Best Upset: US Soccer shocks Spain in the Confederations Cup semifinals
- Best Breakthrough Athlete: Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
- Best Record Breaking Performance: Michael Phelps, Olympic Swimming
- Best Sports Movie: The Express: The Ernie Davis Story
- Best Male College Athlete: Tim Tebow, Florida Football
- Best Female College Athlete: Maya Moore, Connecticut Women's Basketball
- Best Male Athlete with a Disability: Jason Lester, Ironman Triathlete
- Best Female Athlete with a Disability: Erin Popovich, Swimming
- Best International Male Athlete: Usain Bolt (Jamaica, Sprinter)
- Best International Female Athlete: Lorena Ochoa (Mexico, Golf)
- Best Baseball Player: Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals
- Best NBA Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Best WNBA Player: Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks
- Best NFL Player: Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
- Best NHL Player: Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Best MLS Player: Landon Donovan, Los Angeles Galaxy
- Best Male Action Sports Athlete: Shaun White, Skateboarding/Snowboarding
- Best Female Action Sports Athlete: Maya Gabeira, Surfing
- Best Bowler: Norm Duke
- Best Driver: Jimmie Johnson
- Best Fighter: Manny Pacquiao, Boxing
- Best Male Golfer: Tiger Woods
- Best Female Golfer: Lorena Ochoa
- Best Jockey: Calvin Borel