In a celebration of global pride, local tradition, and unmatched school spirit, Auburn University’s beloved mascot, Aubie the Tiger, has officially been crowned the “World’s Best Mascot” by ESPN following a record-breaking international parade that brought together fans, alumni, and admirers from every corner of the globe. The title, awarded after months of polling, expert analysis, and cultural events, solidifies what generations of Auburn fans have known for decades: there is simply no mascot in the world like Aubie.
The announcement came during ESPN’s annual “Mascot Mania” international event, a global showcase of school and sports mascots, featuring live performances, historic retrospectives, and a worldwide parade that spanned five continents and included mascots from universities, professional sports teams, and even government agencies. When the final tally was revealed, Aubie stood triumphantly at the top—beating out icons such as Oregon’s Duck, Georgia’s Uga, LSU’s Mike the Tiger, and even internationally beloved mascots from Japan, Spain, Brazil, and South Korea.
The reaction in Auburn, Alabama, was instantaneous and electric. Downtown erupted in cheers, students poured out of buildings waving orange and blue flags, and Samford Hall’s bells rang in honor of the title. Cars honked, chants of “War Eagle” echoed across the campus, and thousands of fans joined together to celebrate the crowning of a legend who has long embodied the heartbeat of Auburn’s athletic and community spirit.
Aubie, no stranger to accolades, already boasts a decorated resume that includes 10 UCA National Mascot Championships, a legion of social media fans, and appearances at countless major sporting and community events. But this international recognition from ESPN represents a crowning achievement that places him in a global spotlight. More than just a symbol of athletic excitement, Aubie has been a beloved figure of joy, inclusion, and goodwill.
“It’s bigger than just Auburn,” said ESPN cultural analyst Darren Michaels during the broadcast. “Aubie isn’t just a mascot. He’s a phenomenon—charming, hilarious, inspirational. Whether you’re a student seeing him for the first time during orientation or a lifelong fan watching from afar, Aubie has a way of making you feel like you’re part of something special.”
The journey to global acclaim wasn’t something that happened overnight. The campaign to crown the world’s best mascot started over six months ago with a fan-driven initiative. ESPN challenged viewers around the world to nominate mascots who not only entertained but who represented the values of community, perseverance, and connection. Each entry was judged across several criteria including originality, global appeal, cultural significance, and community engagement.
When Aubie was announced as one of the finalists, the Auburn family rallied like never before. Alumni from as far away as Australia and South Africa submitted videos recounting their favorite moments with Aubie. The Auburn Student Government Association organized viewing parties, awareness campaigns, and social media pushes under the banner “Aubie for the World.” Celebrities and former athletes including Cam Newton, Charles Barkley, and Tim Cook offered their vocal support, sharing stories of how Aubie made a difference in their lives.
“Aubie was there when I got my diploma. Aubie was there when we won championships. He was there when I brought my daughter back for her first football game,” said one emotional fan during ESPN’s tribute reel. “He’s more than a costume—he’s family.”
The centerpiece of the international parade, held in conjunction with the mascot contest, was a stunning moment in its own right. Aubie was featured in the final segment of the parade—riding atop a specially designed float resembling Jordan-Hare Stadium, flanked by Auburn cheerleaders, band members, and alumni performers. As he danced through the streets of New York, flanked by a crowd of thousands chanting “Aubie! Aubie! Aubie!”, the skies above turned orange and blue with fireworks and streamers. Cameras caught children dressed like miniature tigers running to hug him, elderly fans saluting from balconies, and tourists from around the world cheering in support of a mascot they’d never seen but instantly adored.
There is a timeless magic to Aubie. With his expressive eyes, comical charm, and signature walk, he brings a unique theatricality to his role—one that fuses slapstick humor, silent-film pantomime, and an innate ability to connect with audiences of all ages. His antics on the sideline during football games are the stuff of legend. Whether he’s mock-challenging opposing mascots to a dance-off, rolling in the grass after a dramatic touchdown, or simply waving to a child in the crowd, every move feels sincere, every gesture full of life.
Originally debuting as a cartoon character in Auburn’s football programs back in 1959, Aubie was brought to life in physical form in 1979 and has never looked back. Since then, he’s graced championship courts, marched in parades, appeared in commercials, and visited schools, hospitals, and community centers—all while upholding the proud spirit of Auburn University. Over the decades, Aubie has become an integral part of campus life and a powerful symbol of unity.
“We always say the Auburn Family is something you feel—it’s hard to describe,” said Auburn President Christopher B. Roberts in a special message. “But when you see Aubie, you understand it. He brings people together. He’s there during our proudest victories and our toughest moments. Today, the world recognizes what we’ve always known—Aubie is the best.”
Part of what makes Aubie so universally loved is his ability to evolve without losing his essence. In recent years, he’s embraced social media, starred in viral videos, and even become the face of university-led mental health and inclusion initiatives. In 2023, he participated in a multi-campus wellness tour encouraging students to seek help, make friends, and build support systems. Last year, he led a relief fundraiser for tornado victims across the South, dancing his way through donation drives and personally delivering goods to affected families.
From light-hearted fun to heartfelt service, Aubie has consistently found ways to stay relevant, inspiring, and fiercely loyal to the community he represents.
It’s that rare blend of joy and purpose that helped seal his global victory. In ESPN’s final assessment, they cited his ability to “unite tradition with transformation,” praising the way Aubie celebrates Auburn’s rich history while serving as an ambassador to the future. Their editorial described him as “a beacon of positivity in a world that sorely needs it,” a character who transcends sports to become a living symbol of hope.
As the sun set on Auburn the night the announcement was made, thousands gathered for a campus celebration honoring the big win. Aubie took the stage at Toomer’s Corner, confetti flying and fans chanting in unison. He danced, posed for photos, hugged children, and even reenacted his legendary tumble down the stairs from an old halftime routine that once broke the internet. No words were needed. Just the roar of the crowd, the beat of the drumline, and the shared sense of pride that this mascot—their mascot—had officially gone global.
In a world that often feels fractured, mascots like Aubie remind us of something simple yet profound: joy is contagious, kindness matters, and community is worth celebrating. He’s a character in a tiger suit, yes, but he’s also something more. A storyteller. A mood-lifter. A symbol of resilience. And now, officially, the best in the world.
As ESPN closed its special broadcast, their final shot was of Aubie standing beneath a lit-up Toomer’s Corner, framed by fireworks and waving to the camera. No script, no speech. Just a tiger with a heart full of Auburn pride, basking in a moment that will live forever.
