We asked, you answered. Here’s what readers voted as the best sports in the D.C. area.

Best pro team

Washington Nationals
For the better part of seven months each year, the Nationals overtake the town. Curly W’s pop up on hats, sweaters and T-shirts nearly everywhere you go. During a 162-game season, players become characters in our day-to-day lives, and fans grow attached to them. On what would become the last night of baseball in Washington this year, the majority of the 43,936 people at Nationals Park roared for those characters, hanging around until well past midnight to witness another postseason failure — this time at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers — despite Metro’s controversial early closure. — Gabe Hiatt
2nd: Washington Capitals
3rd: D.C. United

Best food at a stadium/arena

Shake Shack at Nationals Park
There are two reasons to be excited about the Shake Shack stand at Nationals Park. First, there’s the anticipation of heading to the game. Then, there’s knowing that a burger that stands up to any in town is in your future. Munching on a beefy ShackBurger with baseball in the background is peak Americana. For responsible splurging, split an order with a date: Share a burger, crinkle-cut cheese fries and a vanilla shake. — G.H. (1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Section 240)
2nd: Ben’s Chili Bowl, Nationals Park, Sections 110, 141 and 317
3rd: G Sandwich Shop by Mike Isabella, Nationals Park, Section 136

Best racing president

Teddy
Teddy has teeth. That’s not to say the sprinting caricature representing the 26th president is tough or vicious — it’s just a statement of fact. In the Nationals’ fourth-inning Presidents Race, Teddy is the only racer with an open-mouthed smile. Until 2012, Teddy was a lovable loser. That was when, after 525 defeats, he finally crossed the finish line first. This year, Teddy led all the presidents, with 23 wins. Maybe there’s something to those teeth. — G.H.
2nd: Abe
3rd: George

Best college athletics, Best college sports fans, best college mascot

University of Maryland and Testudo
Maryland swept these three categories, and it probably has Testudo to thank. Before a big game at the University of Maryland (or a final exam), you can bet students are somewhere rubbing the nose of one of the many Testudo statues on campus. The Terrapin mascot, on the job since 1932, is not only the face of Maryland athletics, he’s also the school’s lucky symbol. He’s there during all the televised basketball and football games, and he even cheers on swimming and gymnastics teams. Football and basketball may dominate at Maryland, but some of the school’s most successful teams are the sports that generate less revenue, like the highly ranked men’s lacrosse and women’s field hockey teams. As for the fans, going to any home game without having the state’s distinct flag and colors shoved in your face is a rarity. — Zainab Mudallal
2nd: Georgetown University and Jack the Bulldog
3rd: George Washington University and George

Best College Sports Bar

Penn Quarter Sports Tavern
Drink specials. Thirty-five big-screen TVs. Two full bars. Penn Quarter Sports Tavern makes a strong argument for wasting away an afternoon screaming at the top of your lungs about the game. “People have allegiances to all different teams so we try to cater to them all,” owner Mike Brand says. On game days, Penn Quarter Sports Tavern hangs the flags of the competing teams out front to beckon fans. Throughout the year, the bar works with colleges’ alumni chapters, promoting events to keep the energy at the bar way up. — Holley Simmons (639 Indiana Ave. NW)
2nd: Buffalo Billiards, 1330 19th St. NW
3rd: Duffy’s Irish Pub, 2106 Vermont Ave. NW

Best college sports venue

Georgetown Hoyas at Verizon Center
The alternating chants of “Hoya” and “Saxa” from the student section in the lower bowl of Verizon Center lend the home of the Wizards and Capitals a wild, big head-waving college atmosphere for the Georgetown Hoyas’ biggest games. Last season, the school renewed its rivalry with Syracuse and handed the then-No. 14-ranked Orange a 79-72 loss in front of a raucous crowd at Verizon Center. — Jeffrey Tomik (601 F St. NW)
2nd: Maryland Terrapins at Xfinity Center, 8500 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, Md.
3rd: George Washington Colonials at Charles E. Smith Center, 600 22nd St. NW

More Best Of winners: