Madrid: Tennis legend Novak Djokovic and freestyle skiing star Eileen Gu will co-host the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards, marking the first time two athletes will jointly lead the prestigious ceremony.
The awards will take place on Monday, April 20 at Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid, bringing together leading figures from sport, entertainment and culture to celebrate excellence and achievement on the global stage.
Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious events in the sporting calendar, the Laureus Awards are broadcast worldwide to millions of viewers and generate significant engagement across digital platforms, highlighting memorable moments between athletes under the banner #OnlyAtLaureus.
Djokovic, a record-equalling five-time Laureus World Sportsman of the Year, boasts an illustrious career that includes an Olympic gold medal and a record 24 men’s Grand Slam singles titles. Gu, meanwhile, is the most decorated freestyle skier in history, a multiple Olympic and world champion, and the 2023 Laureus World Action Sportsperson of the Year.
Together, the pair will present honours across major categories, including Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year, Team of the Year, Breakthrough of the Year and Comeback of the Year—awards that are voted for by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy.
The Academy, comprising 69 sporting legends from across disciplines and generations, is responsible for selecting the winners, reinforcing the reputation of the Laureus Awards as “The Athletes’ Awards,” where elite performers are recognised by their peers.
The 2026 edition marks the 27th staging of the event, continuing a legacy of high-profile ceremonies previously hosted by Hollywood figures such as Bill Murray, Andy Garcia, Samuel L. Jackson and Benedict Cumberbatch.
In 2025, alpine skiing icon Lindsey Vonn became the first athlete to host the ceremony, paving the way for this year’s historic dual-athlete hosting.
Speaking ahead of the event, Djokovic highlighted the significance of the awards in celebrating both sporting excellence and the broader impact of sport.
“The Laureus World Sports Awards hold a special place in my heart. They celebrate not just excellence in sport, but the power of sport to make a difference,” he said, recalling his previous experiences at the ceremony, including presenting the 2025 Sportsman of the Year award to Mondo Duplantis.
He added that he was “delighted” to share hosting duties with Gu, describing her as a remarkable athlete who embodies the values of the Laureus movement.
Gu also expressed her enthusiasm, noting the unique prestige of the awards within the sporting community.
“They celebrate our achievements through the respect and understanding of our peers, while inspiring millions of young sports fans around the world,” she said.
Reflecting on her own journey, Gu described winning a Laureus award in 2023 as a milestone moment and said it was an honour to now take on a hosting role alongside Djokovic, whom she has long admired.
The Laureus Awards continue to stand out for their peer-driven recognition and global influence, uniting champions from across sports in a celebration of achievement, resilience and inspiration.
With two of the world’s most accomplished athletes at the helm, the 2026 ceremony promises to deliver another memorable chapter in the history of international sport.
