Marcello Hernandez delivered the opening monologue for the 2026 [1] ESPYs ceremony, featuring jokes about sports icons and celebrities.

As the host of the opening segment, Hernandez set the tone for the awards show by blending sports commentary with stand-up comedy. The performance aimed to entertain the audience while poking fun at high-profile attendees and current events.

During the set, Hernandez targeted golf legend Tiger Woods with a joke referencing Grand Theft Auto and a DUI. The comedian also integrated humor regarding immigration and took a playful jab at Shane Gillis. The monologue continued with jokes about DJ Khaled, which some reports said faced scrutiny from Disney censors due to the raunchy nature of the material.

The ceremony was broadcast on ABC in the U.S. The monologue served as the primary entertainment bridge before the presentation of the sports awards. Hernandez utilized his background in comedy to navigate the tension between celebrity reverence and the tradition of the roast.

Because the ESPYs gather the world's most elite athletes and entertainers in one room, the opening monologue often serves as a cultural barometer for the sporting community. Hernandez's approach combined personal identity, and topical satire to engage the crowd.

“Marcello Hernandez delivered the opening monologue for the 2026 ESPYs ceremony”

The selection of Marcello Hernandez to lead the 2026 ESPYs reflects a shift toward integrating contemporary stand-up comedy into traditional sports broadcasting. By blending personal narratives on immigration with roasts of established figures like Tiger Woods, the production sought to modernize the ceremony's appeal to a younger, more diverse digital audience.