The BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award (or SPOTY) was first held in 1954 when around 14,500 voters decided (controversially, in retrospect) to crown Christopher Chataway over fellow runner Roger Bannister.
Since then the winners read like a roll call of British sporting greats, with the likes of Mo Farah, Ian Botham, Nick Faldo, Steve Redgrave, Lewis Hamilton, Kelly Holmes and David Beckham all lifting the trophy.
Several Scots have also lifted the trophy, including Sir Andy Murray (a record three times), Sir Jackie Stewart, Liz McColgan and Sir Chris Hoy.
Last year saw golfer Rory McIlroy take the main prize, after a long-awaited Masters win saw him complete his career Grand Slam.
He’s one of the favourites again this year, after the successful defence of his Master title, but Scottish mile world record holder Josh Kerr is currently leading the pack, fresh from taking gold at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Here are the current 10 favourites to be crowned SPOTY 2026.
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5. Jude Bellingham - 7/1
Another member of England's third placed World Cup team, Jude Bellingham was his country's top scorer with seven goals. He's priced at 7/1 to win SPOTY 2026. | Getty Images
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6. Rory McIlroy - 10/1
Northern Irish golfer Rory McIlroy achieved a remarkable feat when he successfully defended his Masters title earlier this year. He's a 10/1 shot. | Getty Images
7. Lewis Hamilton - 10/1
Formula One racing great Lewis Hamilton is one of the only people to have won the SPOTY Award more than once - in both 2014 and 2020. He's a 10/1 shot to make it a hat-trick in 2026. | Getty Images
8. Keely Hodgkinson - 20/1
Middle-distance runner Keely Hodginson is currently a 20/1 shot - expect those odds to narrow should be stike gold in the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham. | Getty Images