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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9. Amy Hunt - 20/1
Newly-minted 100m European Athletics Championships gold medallist has a 20/1 shot at winning the BBC award. | Getty Images
10. George Russell - 25/1
Completing our list, with odds of 25/1, is Merdedes F1 driver George Russell, who has impressed in his racing career so far, winning seven Grands Prix so far. Could he have a tilt at the title this year? If so, those odds will doubtless tumble. | Getty Images