In a groundbreaking moment for collegiate spirit and athleticism, the Auburn Tigers cheerleading team has been crowned the world’s best, according to a new ESPN report that has ignited a wave of celebration across the Auburn community. The honor, which marks a historic triumph for the program, places Auburn at the pinnacle of global cheerleading excellence and underscores the university’s ever-expanding legacy of competitive greatness.
The announcement was made late Wednesday night, following the release of ESPN’s comprehensive analysis of the top collegiate cheerleading programs across the globe. Utilizing a combination of international competition results, technical difficulty, execution, crowd engagement, and overall impact, ESPN’s panel of analysts, coaches, and former champions unanimously placed Auburn at the top of the list. The Tigers edged out powerhouse programs from the United States, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom, solidifying their dominance on the world stage.
For head coach Kristen Savage, who has led the team with fierce determination and unmatched precision, the recognition is a culmination of years of sacrifice, hard work, and relentless pursuit of perfection. “This is more than a win,” Savage said in an emotional interview with ESPN. “This is a testament to the culture we’ve built. Our athletes train like champions, they compete like warriors, and they lift each other higher every single day. This moment belongs to all of them.”
The Tigers’ rise to the top has been nothing short of extraordinary. Once considered an underdog in the ultra-competitive world of collegiate cheerleading, Auburn has transformed into a powerhouse program through its commitment to innovation, athleticism, and unshakable team chemistry. Their routines—often a jaw-dropping blend of synchronized stunts, elite tumbling passes, and high-octane energy—have captivated audiences worldwide. During this year’s UCA College Nationals in Orlando, Auburn’s flawless performance drew standing ovations and praise from even rival teams and judges.
But it wasn’t just one routine or one competition that earned Auburn the world’s best title. According to ESPN’s report, the Tigers consistently demonstrated championship-caliber poise, creativity, and leadership across multiple international stages, including their standout showing at the ICU World Cheerleading Championships in April. There, Auburn’s coed squad stunned the field by not only executing the most difficult routine of the weekend but also by showcasing a level of unity and charisma that judges called “unparalleled.”
Across campus, the announcement has sparked massive celebration. Students poured into Toomer’s Corner on Thursday morning, where the iconic oak trees were promptly rolled in white toilet paper—a tradition reserved for the program’s most historic victories. Social media lit up with congratulatory messages from Auburn alumni, athletes, and fans, with hashtags like #WarEagleWorldChamps and #AuburnCheerReigns trending nationally on X (formerly Twitter). Even Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze chimed in, tweeting, “Proud doesn’t begin to cover it. Congrats to the WORLD CHAMPS! You make us all better. #WDE.”
The recognition also represents a broader cultural shift in how collegiate cheerleading is viewed. No longer seen as a mere sideline activity, the sport has become a stage for elite athletic competition, strategic choreography, and mental toughness. Auburn’s victory amplifies this evolution.