Anthony Edwards names Justin Bieber ‘White Boy of the Year’ at Believe That Awards
Justin Bieber has added an unexpected title to his list of achievements after Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards named the pop superstar ‘White Boy of the Year’ at the 2026 Believe That Awards. The event, hosted by Edwards and his friend Nick Maddox on October 14, brought together sports stars, entertainers and internet personalities for an unconventional awards ceremony that quickly caught attention.
Bieber, who was competing against Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson, Erling Haaland and Travis Kelce, accepted the honour through a video message. His relaxed reaction added to the playful atmosphere of the show, while the award itself continued a running joke that began with the inaugural ceremony in 2025.
The second edition of the Believe That Awards featured several notable winners, with Michael B. Jordan, Druski, IShowSpeed, Coco Gauff and 50 Cent among the names recognised. However, it was Bieber’s victory that delivered one of the night’s most talked-about moments.
Anthony Edwards gives Justin Bieber a surprising award
Anthony Edwards has become known for his confidence, humour and willingness to entertain fans away from the basketball court. The Believe That Awards offered another opportunity for the Minnesota Timberwolves guard to showcase that personality.
Hosted alongside Nick Maddox, the event was designed as an entertaining alternative to traditional award ceremonies. The organisers promoted a show where no one was safe, setting the stage for playful nominations and unexpected results.
The competition for ‘White Boy of the Year’ included several high-profile names from entertainment and professional sports. Actor Tom Holland, known for playing Spider-Man, was among the nominees, alongside Robert Pattinson, whose career includes major roles in blockbuster films.
Football star Erling Haaland and NFL tight end Travis Kelce also featured on the list. Bieber ultimately emerged as the winner, receiving the title from Edwards during the October 14 event.
The singer responded through a video message, thanking Edwards for the recognition and expressing appreciation for the moment. Bieber also acknowledged the influence of Black culture on his life and career.
Although the title was presented in a humorous setting, Bieber’s acceptance reflected the light-hearted spirit of the ceremony. Rather than following the usual format of a major entertainment awards show, the Believe That Awards leaned into internet culture, celebrity personalities and jokes that resonated with online audiences.
Justin Bieber follows Timothée Chalamet as the previous winner
Bieber’s victory carries an additional storyline because the award’s first recipient was Timothée Chalamet in 2025.
During the inaugural edition, Chalamet thanked Bieber for helping establish the style and attitude associated with the phrase ‘white boy swag’. The comment connected the award to a wider conversation about celebrity fashion, confidence and cultural influence.
One year later, Bieber has taken the title himself, creating a full-circle moment for the running joke.
The first Believe That Awards reportedly attracted around 150 million views across platforms, helping establish the event as a digital entertainment property rather than a conventional televised awards show. The second edition continued that approach, combining sports, music, film and creator culture in a format designed for online audiences.
Bieber’s participation also highlights the continuing connection between professional athletes and major entertainment figures. NBA players increasingly interact with musicians, actors and internet personalities, with those relationships often becoming part of the wider sports conversation.
For Edwards, the event provides another platform to build his public profile beyond basketball. His on-court performances have already made him one of the NBA’s most recognisable young stars, while his personality has helped him connect with fans who follow him outside the game.
Michael B. Jordan, Druski and IShowSpeed among the winners
While Bieber received the headline-making title, several other celebrities took home awards during the 2026 Believe That Awards.
Michael B. Jordan won Iconic Performance of the Year for Sinners, adding another recognition to the actor’s growing list of achievements. The film generated considerable attention for its performances and distinctive storytelling, making Jordan a prominent name in the entertainment conversation.
Comedian Druski was named Main Character of the Year, reflecting his influence in online comedy and social media entertainment. His sketches and collaborations have helped him develop a strong following among younger audiences.
IShowSpeed received Creator of the Year, another major moment for the internet personality whose energetic livestreams and international appearances have attracted millions of viewers.
Tennis star Coco Gauff was recognised with the Beauty and The Beast Award for her performances and presence both on and off the court. Gauff has established herself as one of the leading figures in women’s tennis, with her achievements extending beyond individual match results.
Meanwhile, rapper and entrepreneur 50 Cent received the Lifetime Achievement Award. His influence spans music, business and television, making him a fitting recipient for a category recognising a sustained career.
The diverse list of winners reflected the ceremony’s broad approach to celebrity culture. Instead of concentrating on one industry, the awards brought together people whose influence comes from sport, music, film, comedy and digital media.
Anthony Edwards recognises his Minnesota Timberwolves teammates
Edwards also used the event to recognise familiar faces from his basketball circle.
Timberwolves teammate Jaden McDaniels received the Stood on Bidness Award, while LaMelo Ball was presented with the Bring Ya A** Award. The latter was particularly notable because Ball had recently joined Minnesota through a trade, making the recognition a humorous welcome to his new team environment.
The award’s name references a catchphrase associated with Edwards, whose outspoken personality has helped make him a popular figure among NBA fans.
These moments gave the ceremony a more personal dimension. Alongside the celebrity winners, Edwards was able to bring his basketball relationships into the show, mixing locker-room humour with the wider entertainment theme.
For Timberwolves supporters, the awards offered a glimpse of the personalities behind the team’s public image. Edwards’ willingness to joke with teammates and celebrate their individuality has become an important part of his appeal.
The ceremony also demonstrated how modern athletes can use their personal platforms to create entertainment that reaches beyond the traditional sports audience.
Believe That Awards continue to blend sports and entertainment
The Believe That Awards are part of a wider trend in which athletes increasingly become content creators, hosts and cultural personalities in their own right.
Edwards remains best known for his performances in the NBA, but projects such as this allow him to connect with audiences who may not regularly watch basketball. By bringing together well-known names from different industries, the event creates moments that can travel quickly across social media platforms.
The ceremony was presented by PrizePicks and produced by Edwards’ Three Fifths Media alongside Wheelhouse and Portal A. It was distributed through Edwards’ YouTube channel and social media accounts, giving viewers access through digital platforms rather than relying exclusively on traditional television.
That approach suits an awards show built around viral moments, celebrity interactions and short clips that can be shared online. The unusual categories also help distinguish the event from established award ceremonies, where nominations and winners generally follow more formal criteria.
Bieber’s ‘White Boy of the Year’ victory captured that formula perfectly. It combined a globally recognised musician, an NBA star known for his humour and a playful award title that encouraged conversation.
Whether the event can maintain its momentum in future editions will depend on its ability to produce similarly memorable moments and attract high-profile participants. For now, the second ceremony has given fans plenty to discuss.
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