- WSL / Daniel Ridgley Hewitt
- WSL / Daniel Ridgley Hewitt

In the world of sports, the ESPY Awards are like the Academy Awards of athletic achievement -- albeit with fan participation. This year, the two current WSL World Champions -- John John Florence and Tyler Wright -- have been nominated for ESPYs in the Best Action Sports Athletes category. Celebrating its 25th year, the ESPYs are a showcase for athletes like Serena Williams, Michael Phelps, Usain Bolt, Conor McGregor and dozens of others, and it's a chance for action sports stars to rub elbows with other elite athletes in a mainstream forum.

Tyler Wright (AUS) placed 1st in Quarters Three at OI RIO PRO 2017 Can Tyler Wright win another ESPY for the ladies? - WSL / Poullenot/Aquashot

In the recent past, Best Action Sports winners include motocross rider Ryan Dungey, snowboarder Jamie Anderson and 6-time winner, Shawn White. Traditionally, female surfers have done well at the ESPY Awards. Stephanie Gilmore won two ESPYs in the Best Action Sports Athlete Female category (2011, 2013), as did Maya Gabeira (2009) and Sofia Mulanovich (2005). Male surfers haven't fared as well, with zero wins despite multiple nominations.

World Champion John John Florence of Hawaii suffered a shock elimination at the hands of trials winner Yago Dora of Brazil in Heat 6 of Round Three of the Oi Rio Pro at Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Is it John John Florence's year to break the ESPY jinx for the men? - WSL / Damien Poullenot

Wright's fellow nominees include Lacey Baker (skateboarder), Anna Gasser (snowboarder) and Kelly Sildaru (freeskier). On the men's side Florence is up against Canadian snowboarder Mark McMorris, Nyjah Huston (skateboarder) and Oystein Braaten (freeskier).

To vote for your favorite athletes, go to espn.com/espys. The ESPY Awards live show airs on ABC at 8 p.m EST (the entire show re-airs again at 8 p.m. PST), July 12, 2017.

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