The year 2016 has come to an end and will forever be remembered by sports lovers for various reasons. However, we look back at the 10 best esports moments of the year.
The list below includes stories that not only made headlines but touched our hearts from a selection of sporting events.
Enjoy!
1) LeBronJames
LeBron James chases and blocks Andre Iguodala in the fourth quarter of Game 7 of the NBA Finals to save two points.
The Cleveland Cavaliers completed a 3-1 series, becoming the first team in NBA Finals history to pull off such a feat. It was also the first title for the Cavaliers.
2) Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo works as a coach in theEuro 2016 final between Portugal and France was held on July 10. The best player in the world had to leave the game with a knee injury after a tackle by Dimitri Payet.
Portugal won the game 1-0.
3) Suggestion from a Chinese athlete
Love was in the air in the Rio Olympics diving pool when Zi, who took silver in the women’s 3m springboard, accepted an engagement ring from friend and fellow diver Qin Kai.
4) Michael Phelps and Chad le Clos
South African swimmer Chad le Clos takes a look at Micheal Phelps during the Olympic final of the 200m butterfly in Rio.
Phelps did not retire, choosing to compete in that category primarily because he felt the field was slow. Le Clos responded to Phelps’ statement after winning gold with the 100-meter butterfly:
“I just finished a 100 meter butterfly time that Phelps hasn’t had in four years. He can keep calm now.”
The rest is history.
5) Usain Bolt
Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt pauses for a photo and looks back at his competitors during a 100m semifinal at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
He later became the first man to win the 100m class in three consecutive Olympic Games.
6) North and South Korea
Hostilities between the Korean Peninsula’s neighbors were put to one side when South Korean gymnast Lee Eun-ju posed for a selfie with North Korea’s Hong Un-jong at the Rio Olympics.
7) Leicester City
Arguably the best sporting moments of 2016, Leicester City celebrated their victory with the Premier League trophy after beating Everton at the King Power Stadium on 7 May 2016.
8) Lionel Messi
Argentina’s Lionel Messi reacts angrily after missing his spot-kick on penalties against Chile in the Copa America Centenario final to rank in the best sporting moments of 2016.
Messi announced his retirement from the national team after the defeat. He and Argentina had lost three finals in three years.
9) Rickie Fowler
American golfers pose for a team photo while kissing their wives and girlfriends to a shrug from Rickie Fowler. It was her first Ryder Cup win in 8 years.
10) Sea Turtle
And the best picture of the best sports moments of 2016 goes to this sea turtle in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, swimming among Iron Man triathletes.