By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The EuroLeague Players Association has unveiled the marquee recipients of its 2026 Players’ Choice Awards, highlighting the individual standouts of the 2025–26 season through a ballot voted on exclusively by the athletes themselves.
Leading the prestigious announcements completed on Wednesday, Sasha Vezenkov secured the ultimate honor of Most Valuable Player. The forward captured 34% of the peer votes, reflecting his unrivaled efficiency and massive impact on his team’s overall success on the court.
The 30-year-old Olympiacos forward was also named season MVP by Euroleague Basketball for the second time in his career en route to his first EuroLeague title.
2026 ELPA Players’ Choice Award for “MOST VALUABLE PLAYER” goes to Sasha Vezenkov 🙌 @SashaVezenkov
With 34% of the votes.🔎 The best-performing player, with the biggest impact on his team’s overall play.
Sponsored by @freenowbylyft 🤝
🎨 by @nevernotawkward #ELplayers pic.twitter.com/9HjEzDqinN— EuroLeague Players Association (@the_ELPA) June 17, 2026
Defensively, the continental peers once again recognized absolute dominance by naming Walter Tavares the league’s Best Defender. The towering center claimed the trophy with 30.3% of the total tally, cementing his status as the most impactful rim protector in European basketball.
2026 ELPA Players’ Choice Award for “BEST DEFENDER” goes to Walter Tavares 🙌 @waltertavares22
With 30.3% of the votes.🔎 The most dominant defensive player, with the biggest impact on his team’s defensive play.
Sponsored by @freenowbylyft
🎨 by @nevernotawkward #ELplayers pic.twitter.com/MkoXctjWt2— EuroLeague Players Association (@the_ELPA) June 17, 2026
Meanwhile, his Real Madrid teammate Mario Hezonja earned the title of Most Clutch Player, securing 32.3% of the ballots for his fearless performances and ability to deliver during the most decisive, high-pressure moments of the game.
2026 ELPA Players’ Choice Award for “MOST CLUTCH PLAYER” goes to Mario Hezonja 🙌 @mariohezonja
With 32.3% of the votes.🔎 A player who performed best under pressure and in the decisive moments of the game.
Sponsored by @freenowbylyft 🤝
🎨 by @nevernotawkward #ELplayers pic.twitter.com/uG9oRDF1Nq— EuroLeague Players Association (@the_ELPA) June 17, 2026
These premier distinctions capped off a rolling schedule of accolades that celebrated various specialist roles and breakthrough campaigns. Earlier announcements recognized Jordan Nwora as the Most Improved Player with 33% of the votes, while Trey Lyles earned the Best 6th Man award with a 38.5% share for his stellar production off the bench. Young talent also shone brightly, as Sergio De Larea dominated the Under-22 category with a staggering 73.4% to win Best Young Player, and Jean Montero locked up Best Newcomer with 57% of the ballots. Finally, the player community honored leadership and sportsmanship by awarding Tornike Shengelia the Most Respected Player title at 41%, and Thomas Walkup the Fair Play accolade with 26% of the vote.
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