22 ES Awards to End 2022: Against 80-1 Odds, Rich Strike Shattered 148 Years of History at Kentucky Derby to Win Wildest Moment of the Year

As 2022 draws close, the sports world has many instances they can proudly boast of this year. Needless to say, these moments are going down in sports history as “moments of the greats.” From Argentina lifting the World Cup to Hadi Choopan dethroning Big Ramy to win Mr. Olympia 2022 and Serena Williams retreating from the courts, the moments are many. In picking 22 such game-changing moments, EssentiallySports finally brings forward the much-awaited ES Awards 2022.

Making a surprise entry to the super list of 22 is underdog racehorse Rich Strike. Making headlines and surprising the sports fandom, Rich’s impeccable 80–1 shot helped him win this year’s Kentucky Derby—a moment that not just created a sensation in Derby history but also placed Rich, a thoroughbred racehorse, as one of the best in the sport.

Rich Strikes lives the ‘Wildest Moment of the Year’

From barely making it to the Derby field to claiming the last starting spot the day before the final race, Rich’s trajectory in the racecourse has been phenomenal. It hardly crossed anyone’s mind that the horse that ranked 16th in the final turn would chase the narratives to a new definition altogether. Showing the sports world that ‘nothing is impossible,’ the three-year-old colt won hearts.

Trained by Eric Reed, Rich has earlier raced for Richard Dawson. Bred in Kentucky, United States, by Calumet Farm, Rich is now the second-biggest longshot to have won the Kentucky Derby after Donerail in 1913. Thus, it is only logical to say that Rich Strike is the rightful recipient of the ‘ES Awards: Wildest moment of the year.’

Read More: 22 ES Awards to End 2022: Bodybuilder Hadi Choopan’s Stellar Run to Dethrone Former Mr.Olympia Champion Big Ramy Wins Biggest Upset of the Year

The power horse stands tall alongside other sports legends. The 148th run for the roses gave sports enthusiasts one of the biggest upsets in the race’s history. As favorite Epicenter finished second, Rich Strike jumped to lead the scoreboard. Piloted by Sonny Leon, Strike seemingly came out of nowhere in the race’s final strides to claim the title. History was created in moments and Rich alongside legends like Lionel Messi, Chris Bumstead, and Serena Williams has now his name engraved.

The 22 ES moments from this year that now stands cemented

2022 has been a bittersweet year for many. While names like Hadi Choopan made it to the list of the bodybuilding elites, the endless LIV Golf drama made the year a rollercoaster. Be it the surprise win of Saudi Arabia against Argentina to Slat Bae’s 2022 World Cup moment, the fans had their plates full. To commemorate 22 such sports moments EssentiallySports presents the 22 most memorable award-winning moments

So, who is taking home the title this year? Here’s a full list of the “22 ES Awards to End 2022:”

1. WTF moment of the year: Antonio Brown exposing himself to a woman
2. Heart-breaking announcement/moment of the year: Serena Williams retiring
3. Most-dominant moment of the year: Chris Bumstead winning Mr. Olympia for 4th time in a row
4. Fairytale moment of the year: Lionel Messi lifting World Cup with Argentina
5. Shocking moment of the year: Bubba Wallace punching fellow NASCAR driver
6. Picture-perfect moment of the year: Formula One Miami GP pic of Michael Jordan, David Beckham, Tom Brady, and others
7. Cringe-worthy moment of the year: Salt Bae’s World Cup cringe
8. Most-Controversial moment of the year: Lia Thomas
9. Biggest Disruptive sporting moment of the year: LIV Golf inaugural season
10.  End of an era moment of the year: Vince McMahon
11.  Wildest moment of the year: (80-1) underdog Rich Strike winning the famous Kentucky derby after ranking 16th in the final turn
12. Most viral athlete off-the court: Brittney Griner
13. Impossible moment of the year: Ross Chastain advancing to Championship 4
14. Breakout star of the year: Carlos Alcaraz
15. Unexpected truth-bomb of the year: Cristiano Ronaldo exposing Manchester United’s leadership
16. Saddest moment of the year: Nadal vs. Federer holding hands and tearing up
17. Upset of the Year: Hadi Choopan winning Mr. Olympia over Big Ramy
18. Meme-worthy moment of the year: LeBron James interview memes
19. Entertainers of the Year: Paul Brothers
20. Blooper of the Year: Tom Brady retiring for 40 days
21. Underdog story of the year: Leon Edwards KO at UFC 278
22. Comeback of the Year: Minnesota Vikings completing the biggest comeback in NFL history

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So, what’s your take on Rich Strike getting the Wildest moment of the year award? Do you think Rich deserved it the best? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment sections.