In a moment that will be etched into the annals of collegiate sports and performance arts history, the Auburn Tigers men’s basketball cheerleading squad has been officially named the “World’s Best” by ESPN following a breathtaking, never-before-seen routine that captivated a worldwide audience and redefined the boundaries of athletic showmanship.
Their historic performance, delivered during the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament halftime showcase in Atlanta, was more than just a cheerleading routine—it was a cultural phenomenon. Fusing traditional Southern spirit, Olympic-level acrobatics, military precision, and theatrical flair, the Auburn Tigers cheer squad not only stunned the judges and analysts at ESPN but also went viral across every major social media platform within minutes of the final flip hitting the hardwood.
Now being hailed as the “Miracle on Court,” this routine is drawing praise from choreographers, gymnasts, dance professionals, sports broadcasters, and fans around the globe. And for Auburn University, it represents a crowning achievement in the growing prestige of its athletic and spirit programs.
A Performance for the Ages
What exactly did Auburn do to earn the coveted “World’s Best” title? According to ESPN’s lead performance analyst Jenna Raines, the performance was “the most technically difficult, emotionally moving, and artistically cohesive routine ever broadcast during a live sports event.”
Set to a stirring medley of orchestrated versions of classic Auburn fight songs, the Tigers cheerleaders took the court with a synchronized intensity that instantly demanded attention. From the opening tumbling lines, executed flawlessly in unison, to mid-air pyramid structures never before attempted outside of competitive cheerleading circuits, the crowd inside State Farm Arena was quickly on its feet.
The highlight came at the three-minute mark: a triple-stacked inversion that saw three cheerleaders balancing upside down, one atop the other, with the top athlete completing a 720-degree spin dismount while simultaneously holding a flaming Auburn flag—approved and supervised, of course, by local fire marshals. The entire stunt unfolded with the steadiness of a Broadway finale and the energy of a championship title fight.
To cap it off, the team ended in a choreographed kneel as orange and blue confetti rained from above, cued precisely to the final beat of a live drumline. The building erupted. Fans, commentators, and even opposing fanbases were left speechless.
ESPN’s Immediate Reaction
Moments after the performance, ESPN’s studio coverage broke format to offer live commentary from renowned sports anchor Rece Davis and former Olympic gymnast Simone Biles, who had been brought in for special coverage.
“I’ve been in arenas all over the world,” said Davis, “but what we just witnessed transcends sports. This was a defining moment for college spirit programs, and maybe even for cheerleading as a global art form.”
Biles, initially speechless, finally said, “There were skills in that routine that would medal in gymnastics at the international level. That was history.”
The buzz reached such heights that ESPN convened a special panel of experts—ranging from cheerleading coaches to Cirque du Soleil performers—to discuss and evaluate the significance of Auburn’s feat. By the following morning, the network declared Auburn’s cheerleading squad the “World’s Best,” a title never before awarded to any university-affiliated spirit program.
Global Reaction: From Tokyo to Tuscany
The worldwide reaction to Auburn’s feat has been staggering. In Tokyo, sports media ran the performance on repeat with Japanese commentators calling it “a perfect blend of samurai discipline and Southern charm.” In Italy, La Gazzetta dello Sport featured the team on its front page with the headline: “Arte In Movimento – Auburn Incanta Il Mondo” (“Art in Motion – Auburn Enchants the World”).
Even Hollywood stars took to social media to express awe. Hugh Jackman tweeted, “Just saw the Auburn Tigers cheer routine… and I’ve done Broadway. That was legit.” Meanwhile, gymnast and actress Zendaya reposted the clip on Instagram, adding, “Next level. Respect to the whole squad.”
In less than 24 hours, the routine was viewed over 50 million times across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram combined, shattering previous records for collegiate performances. The university’s own athletic department posted a thank-you video that has already received over 3 million likes.
Behind the Glory: Coach Preston Miles and the Team That Made History
At the heart of the Tigers’ success is head cheer coach Preston Miles, a former world champion cheerleader and choreographer known for pushing the envelope in creative stunt design. Hired by Auburn in 2022, Miles brought a bold vision: to turn Auburn’s cheerleading program into a global standard of excellence.
“From day one, I told them we weren’t going to aim to be the best in the SEC—we were going to be the best in the world,” Miles said in a post-performance interview. “And they believed. That’s the only reason this happened.”
The squad, composed of 18 student-athletes, includes several All-American cheerleaders, gymnasts, and even a former Cirque trainee. Team captain Tyrese Holloway, a senior from Huntsville, Alabama, called the experience “the most intense preparation of our lives.”
“We trained like Olympians. Six days a week, three hours a day. We broke bones, tore ligaments, and pushed each other past the limit—but always with love. Coach Miles wouldn’t let us settle. Now we know why.”
An Institutional Triumph
Auburn University President Dr. Christopher Roberts quickly issued a university-wide statement celebrating the achievement, noting how the squad’s success reflects Auburn’s broader commitment to excellence in all areas—academics, athletics, and the arts.
“This recognition isn’t just about Auburn cheerleading,” Roberts said. “It’s about Auburn setting a global standard. This team showed the world what it means to represent the Auburn Family.”
The Auburn Athletic Department has announced that the squad will be honored with a full championship parade on Toomer’s Corner, a rare distinction typically reserved for NCAA titles. The university is also in discussions with Netflix and Hulu to create a documentary chronicling the team’s preparation and rise to global fame.
What’s Next?
With the world watching, the Auburn Tigers cheerleading squad has been invited to perform at the 2025 ESPY Awards, the Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony in Paris, and even a halftime show at an upcoming NFL international game in London. Auburn has also been contacted by USA Cheer with hopes of incorporating several members into the national team.
While the spotlight burns bright, Coach Miles is focused on maintaining perspective.
“This is a moment to celebrate,” he said, “but it’s also a reminder of the power of unity, belief, and relentless pursuit of excellence. This isn’t our finish line. It’s just the beginning.”
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Collegiate Cheer
In an age where the boundaries of athleticism and artistry are increasingly blurred, the Auburn Tigers cheerleading squad has elevated the national conversation about what it means to perform, to represent, and to inspire.
They did more than entertain—they stunned the world into recognition. And in doing so, they reminded fans everywhere that greatness doesn’t just reside in the points on a scoreboard, but in the heartbeats between them.
Auburn’s basketball team may have been center stage for March Madness, but it was the cheer squad that stole the show—and now, the world.