Sports

Nikola Jokic Celebrated His Horse’s Win More Emotionally Than His Championship and People Noticed

Nikola Jokic broke down in tears after his horse wonn the 2025 Dužijanac race in Serbia.

A basketball player in a "Mile High" jersey, looking focused on the court.
(Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

Nikola Jokic may be a three-time NBA MVP and a champion, but nothing appears to moves the Denver Nuggets superstar quite like horse racing.

On Sunday, the 30-year-old was visibly emotional after his horse, Demon Dell'Est, clinched victory at the Dužijanac 2025 horse race in Subotica, Serbia. Jokic, who is a lifelong equestrian enthusiast, was seen breaking down in tears before making his way onto the track to celebrate with a bottle of champagne.

The annual event, held at the Hippodrome in his homeland, holds special significance for Jokic, who has never hidden his passion for horses.

In fact, people couldn't help but notice that the Serbian big man showed more visible joy and emotion after winning at the track than he did after winning an NBA championship.

When Jokic led the Nuggets to the 2023 NBA championship, the big man seemed somewhat nonplussed. "It's good, it's good. The job is done. We can go home now," Jokic said during a postgame interview.

Meanwhile, Jokic has long emphasized that horse racing is more than a hobby. He's previously said that training and caring for horses is his favorite way to decompress during the offseason.

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