Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt received the Laureus Sporting Inspiration Award for his incredible fundraising efforts after Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, while American Olympic legend and Laureus Academy Member Edwin Moses received the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award.

Founded in 1999, the Laureus World Sports Awards is an annual award ceremony honoring individuals and teams from the world of sports along with sporting achievements throughout the year. It was the second successive year that the awarding ceremony was held in Monaco.