If you need specific drivers (like the latest VIC Ethernet drivers) or are using ESXi 9.0+, you can build your own image using the :
Installation Target Detected.
First, you need to know the exact version of ESXi you plan to install. Cisco provides custom images for a wide range of versions, from legacy ones like 5.1 to current releases like 7.x and 8.x. vmware esxi cisco custom iso top download