The 68th Nemzeti Sport Gala in Budapest crowned Kós Hubert as the 2025 Sportsperson of the Year, recognizing his pivotal role in Hungary’s water‑polo resurgence. Hubert edged out football star Dominik Szoboszlai, who secured Player of the Year (club) and Breakthrough Star honors, while gymnast Márton Luana captured the women’s award after a gold‑medal performance at the World Championships.
Key Winners of the 68th Nemzeti Sport Gala
Sportsperson of the Year – Kós Hubert
Veteran water‑polo forward Kós Hubert received the top individual honor, surpassing Dominik Szoboszlai by a narrow margin of 27 votes. Hubert dedicated his award to the generation that elevated Hungarian water polo to a global contender.
Player of the Year (Club) – Dominik Szoboszlai
Football forward Dominik Szoboszlai was named Player of the Year for his outstanding club performances throughout 2025, highlighting his decisive goals and leadership on the field.
Breakthrough Star – Dominik Szoboszlai
In addition to the club award, Szoboszlai earned the Breakthrough Star title, reflecting his rapid rise and impact in both domestic and international competitions.
Female Gymnastics Star – Márton Luana
Twenty‑three‑year‑old gymnast Márton Luana captured the women’s Sportsperson award after delivering a flawless routine that secured Hungary’s first gold in the apparatus final at the World Championships in over a decade.
Team and Coach Honors
Team of the Year – Men’s Water Polo Squad
The Hungarian men’s water‑polo team was celebrated as Team of the Year following a hard‑fought 10‑8 victory over Montenegro in Belgrade, underscoring the country’s renewed dominance in the sport.
Coach of the Year – Batizi Benedek
Handball strategist Batizi Benedek received Coach of the Year for guiding the men’s national team to a decisive 28‑22 win over Poland at the European Championship, positioning Hungary as a serious contender.
Voting Process and Fan Engagement
The gala retained its two‑stage, fan‑driven voting system introduced in 2022. The first round presented ten nominees per category on the official website, while the second round narrowed the field to three finalists per award, with a 48‑hour voting window that produced close margins in several categories.
Implications for Hungarian Sport
The awards highlight a broader renaissance across Hungarian athletics, with increased podium finishes prompting greater public and private investment in youth development. Fan‑centric voting reflects a shift toward deeper audience participation, potentially reshaping how sporting bodies interact with supporters and driving future success on the international stage.
