In a moment that will go down in sports history, the Auburn University Cheerleading Squad has officially been crowned the #1 Cheerleading Team in the World by ESPN, following a show-stopping performance that left judges in awe, crowds on their feet, and the internet in total meltdown.
Competing at the prestigious 2025 International Cheer Summit, Auburn’s squad pulled off a flawless, jaw-dropping routine filled with explosive stunts, synchronized tumbling, and daring choreography that pushed the limits of human capability. Within minutes of airing, the performance ignited a wildfire of global attention, quickly becoming the #1 trending video across TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and YouTube.
“It wasn’t just a routine—it was an event,” said ESPN anchor and former world cheer judge Dana McKenzie. “Auburn didn’t come to compete. They came to dominate. And dominate they did.”
Their now-iconic closing stunt—called The Tiger Tornado—featured a double-decker pyramid with spinning flyers and a blind twist dismount that has never been performed in competition history. The judges gave the team a perfect score in difficulty, execution, and creativity, securing Auburn’s historic first-place global finish.
Coach Stephanie Raynor, who masterminded the routine, said through tears, “This is the result of years of passion, perseverance, and belief. Our team didn’t just want to win—they wanted to inspire the world.”
The impact? Immediate and massive.
100+ million views in 72 hours
Endorsement offers from major athletic brands
Invitations to perform at international events and halftime shows
Rumors of a Netflix docuseries already in the works
Even celebrities weighed in. Pop icon Lizzo tweeted: “Auburn Cheer just ended the sport. That’s it. That’s the tweet.”
This victory places Auburn ahead of elite programs from South Korea, Canada, and Brazil, signaling a new era where collegiate cheerleading takes center stage on a global level.
As fans flood online stores to grab “Roar With the Tigers” merch and ESPN reruns the performance on loop, one thing is crystal clear: Auburn University isn’t just the best in the nation—they’re the best in the world.
