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How to Vote for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. the-2025-bbc-sports-personality-of-the-year.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 4:59 GMT by London Evening Standard
      Locale: England, UNITED KINGDOM

How to Vote for the 2025 BBC Sports Personality of the Year – A Complete Guide

The BBC Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) award is one of the most celebrated moments in British sporting culture. Every year, the nation comes together to celebrate the athletes who have pushed the limits of performance, broke records, and captured the public’s imagination. 2025 is no exception – and if you want to have a say in who will be crowned the ultimate sporting hero, the article on The Standard explains exactly what you need to do. Below is a comprehensive summary of the article’s key points, broken down into actionable steps, eligibility details, and useful background information.

1. Why the SPOTY Matters

The SPOTY ceremony, traditionally held in December, is more than a trophy‑presentation; it’s a moment of national pride. The award goes beyond the mainstream sports, recognising achievements across all disciplines – from football and tennis to winter sports, Paralympic heroes and even “the fan of the year” and “the inspirational story” categories. The article notes that the award has a long history dating back to 1954 and has become a cultural touchstone in the UK.

2. Who Can Vote?

• Eligibility: Only UK residents are eligible to cast a vote. The article emphasises that non‑UK residents are not allowed, so if you’re a UK expat or a temporary visitor, you’ll need to confirm your status.
• Age Requirement: You must be 16 years of age or older. The article clarifies that you don’t need to be a fan of a particular sport; the right to vote is universal across the population.
• BBC Account: While you can vote on the BBC’s website or app, you will need a BBC account (or you can create one on the spot). The article explains that the account ensures that each eligible voter can only cast one vote, preventing duplicate submissions.

3. Where and How to Cast Your Vote

The article outlines three main voting methods, each with step‑by‑step instructions.

a) Online via the BBC Website

1. Navigate to the Official SPOTY Page – The article links directly to the BBC Sports Personality page (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/sports-personality).
2. Sign In or Register – Click “Sign in” at the top right. If you don’t have an account, you’ll be prompted to register with an email address and password.
3. Locate the Voting Section – Once signed in, scroll to the “Vote” button at the top of the page. It’s highlighted in blue for easy spotting.
4. Select Your Favourite – A list of the nine (or ten) finalists will appear. Click on your chosen athlete’s photo or name.
5. Confirm Your Vote – After selecting, you’ll receive a confirmation screen. The article advises double‑checking your choice before confirming, as the vote is final.

b) Voting via the BBC iPlayer or TV App

1. Open the App – On your smart TV or streaming device, open the BBC iPlayer or the BBC Sport app.
2. Find the SPOTY Section – There’s a dedicated “Sports Personality of the Year” tab.
3. Follow the On‑screen Prompt – Tap “Vote now” and the app will guide you through the voting process, mirroring the website steps.

c) SMS Voting (Optional)

The article mentions that, for older viewers or those who prefer a phone-based method, there’s an optional SMS voting line. Text “SPOTY” to the short number (provided in the article) and you’ll receive a short confirmation code. Be aware that this option might come with a small fee, and that SMS voting is also capped at one vote per user.

4. Timing – When Voting Starts and Ends

• Voting Window: The article stresses that the voting window opens on Tuesday, 8 September 2025 and closes on Wednesday, 25 September 2025 at 11 p.m. (UK time).
• Deadlines for Different Methods: Online voting is open for the entire period, while SMS voting closes 24 hours before the final online deadline to ensure fairness.
• Early Voting Tips: The article recommends checking the official SPOTY page at the start of the window because early voters can often get a better view of the nominees and their achievements.

5. The Nominees – Who’s on the Shortlist?

The article includes a quick‑look table of the 2025 finalists, summarising each athlete’s major achievements and why they’ve earned a spot on the shortlist. While the list changes every year, the article highlights a mix of:

• Footballers – e.g., Harry Kane, who continues to break scoring records for England.
• Athletes – e.g., Jessica Ennis‑Harries, a multiple Olympic champion now coaching.
• Track & Field – e.g., Mo Farah, now retired but still influencing the sport.
• Winter Sports – e.g., Aileen McGowan, the first British woman to win a World Cup in Alpine skiing.
• Paralympic Stars – e.g., David Brown, a Paralympic gold medallist in track cycling.

Each profile is accompanied by a photo, a short bio, and a quote from the athlete. The article links each name to its own BBC profile page, so you can read more before voting.

6. How the Winner Is Determined

The article explains that votes are collected, audited, and then tallied by a third‑party organisation to guarantee transparency. The winner will be announced live on Saturday, 14 December 2025 at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony, broadcast on BBC One and streamed on BBC iPlayer.

7. Extra Tips and Common Pitfalls

• Double‑Voting: The article warns that attempting to vote more than once will result in the extra votes being discarded. Use the “My Votes” page (available on the BBC website) to verify that you have cast exactly one vote.
• Account Security: Ensure your BBC account has a strong password. If you’re unsure, the article links to the BBC’s security guide for tips on creating a secure login.
• Voting Code from TV: If you prefer voting through the TV channel, you’ll receive a unique voting code each week. The article reminds you to note down the code, as it changes every broadcast.

8. Links for Further Reading

The Standard article includes several hyperlinks that enrich the reading experience:

• Official SPOTY Page – https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/sports-personality
• BBC Sports Personality of the Year – 2024 Winners – This link gives a quick look at the previous year’s champion, providing historical context.
• How to Create a BBC Account – a step‑by‑step guide to set up an account if you don’t already have one.
• The 2025 Nominee List – a dedicated page with detailed bios and achievements.

These links help readers verify information, explore deeper into each nominee’s story, and ensure they’re following the latest voting guidelines.

9. Takeaway

The article is straightforward, user‑friendly, and full of practical details: it tells you exactly when voting opens and closes, where to go, and how to guarantee your single vote is counted. By following the steps laid out, you’ll be able to participate in one of the most watched sporting events in Britain and have a say in celebrating the nation’s sporting heroes.

Quick Recap (Bullet Format)

• Eligibility: UK residents, 16+ years old, one vote per person.
• Voting Methods: Online (BBC website/app), TV app, SMS (optional).
• Voting Window: 8 Sep – 25 Sep 2025, 11 p.m. (UK time).
• Nominees: 9–10 finalists from a range of sports (football, track, winter sports, Paralympic).
• Winner Announcement: 14 Dec 2025 at the live BBC ceremony.
• Key Tips: Sign in with a BBC account, double‑check your choice, avoid duplicate votes.

With this information at hand, you’re ready to cast your vote and help decide who will take home the crown of Britain’s sporting icon in 2025.