It’s impossible to describe 2025 in Oklahoma with just a few words. If I had to pick, though, I’d say it was momentous, electrifying, unforgettable.

Historic.

The city saw a legendary season of Oklahoma City Thunder basketball, concluding with the city’s first-ever NBA title. The state superintendent, once constantly enraptured in state and national controversy, walked away from his position. A milestone anniversary demonstrating the resilience and strength of the Oklahoma Standard, 30 years after the Oklahoma City bombing. A man who spent nearly 50 years in the state’s prison system for a crime he did not commit told us his story. Oklahoma City officially joins the Olympic cities club. Wildfire flames ripped through part of the state. Protestors packed the downtown city streets in solidarity with the rest of the nation.

And our team of photojournalists was there for every bit. They heard the protest chants. They felt the heat from wildfire flames. They heard the stories of survivors. They got blue and orange confetti stuck in their hair. 

Photographing and witnessing history unfold before our very eyes is a privilege and duty that we do not take lightly, especially in a year where Oklahoma has experienced many firsts. We hope that the images we make will bring people from every corner of the state closer together.

The Oklahoman’s visuals team proudly presents our 2025 Pictures of the Year, featuring our most striking moments of news and sports from Doug Hoke, Sarah Phipps, Nathan J. Fish and Bryan Terry.

Caroline McCone – Visuals Editor

Bryan TerrySarah PhippsDoug HokeNathan J. Fish