GLOBAL NEWS: Alabama Crimson Tide Cheerleading Squad Crowned World’s Best by ESPN After Electrifying, Record-Breaking Performance Wows Global Audienc….
In a historic moment that sent shockwaves through the world of competitive cheerleading and beyond, the Alabama Crimson Tide Cheerleading Squad has been officially crowned the World’s Best Cheerleading Team by ESPN, following their electrifying, record-breaking performance at the 2025 Global Cheer Summit held in Orlando, Florida.
The squad, representing the University of Alabama, stunned a worldwide audience with a performance that redefined athleticism, precision, creativity, and sheer spirit. Airing live on ESPN and streamed in over 80 countries, the showstopper routine amassed more than 120 million views within 24 hours, trending globally under the hashtag #TideTakesTheCrown.
A Performance for the Ages
The Crimson Tide’s routine, which lasted just under three minutes, packed a dizzying blend of gravity-defying stunts, synchronized tumbling, intricate pyramids, and flawless dance choreography. Their theme—“United We Fly”—paid tribute to unity, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of teamwork.
But it wasn’t just about technical excellence. From the moment the music dropped, the Tide captured hearts. Their energy was magnetic, their expressions electric. The precision was so sharp that even slow-motion replays couldn’t find a flaw. Fans, commentators, and judges alike were left in awe.
“This was not just cheerleading. This was athletic artistry,” said Maya Kirkland, ESPN’s head cheer analyst and former Olympic gymnast. “The Crimson Tide have raised the global standard. They were fearless, fluid, and unforgettable.”
Breaking Records, Defining Excellence
The performance broke multiple international records, including:
- Most Difficulty Points ever awarded in a collegiate or international cheer competition (98.7/100)
- Highest Crowd Response Score, as tracked by ESPN’s new real-time fan engagement tool
- Fastest-growing online cheerleading video of all time, surpassing previous viral routines by more than 40 million views within a day
The team’s Head Coach, Danielle Wren, described the win as a culmination of years of discipline, late nights, and unshakeable belief.
“Our cheerleaders train like Olympians. They’re athletes, artists, and ambassadors of the Tide legacy,” Wren said in an emotional press conference. “This title belongs to every Crimson Tide cheerleader who came before, and every young cheerleader watching today who dares to dream.”
International Reactions Pour In
Social media was ablaze with tributes from around the globe.
- Brazilian football icon Neymar Jr. tweeted, “That’s how you fly! Alabama Cheer, you made history tonight. Respect! ”
- Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles called the performance “legendary” and said, “That’s the most jaw-dropping cheer routine I’ve ever seen.”
- Even BTS’s Jungkook posted a reaction video to the routine on his personal Instagram story, with a caption: “WOW. Tide ENERGY! ”
From Tokyo to Toronto, the Crimson Tide have become an international sensation, not just in cheerleading circles, but across the entire sporting world.
A Milestone for College Spirit
While Alabama’s athletic programs have long been dominant in American football and gymnastics, this marks a new chapter for the university’s spirit and cheer division. University President Dr. Gerald Marks called it a moment of “unparalleled pride.”
“Today, the Alabama spirit soared higher than ever. This achievement highlights not only the excellence of our students but also how collegiate cheer can be a powerful force of unity and inspiration on the global stage,” Dr. Marks said.
Back in Tuscaloosa, thousands of students poured onto campus quad lawns in spontaneous celebration, waving flags and chanting, “Roll Tide, World Wide!” The university has already announced a public celebration event and parade scheduled for next week.
The Future of Cheerleading Has Arrived
The Crimson Tide’s world title is expected to usher in a new era of recognition for collegiate cheerleading, with ESPN confirming a full documentary series on the making of the performance and the lives of the squad members, titled “Fly Tide: Building the Best”, set to release this fall.
“There’s before the Tide, and there’s after the Tide,” said ESPN’s Kirkland. “This is cheerleading’s global breakout moment—and Alabama lit the fuse.”
As one viewer in London wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “I tuned in expecting flips and pom-poms. I got Olympic-level athleticism, Broadway-level performance, and a world-class dose of American passion. That wasn’t a cheer routine. That was a revolution.”
From regional champions to global icons, the Alabama Crimson Tide Cheerleading Squad has now secured its place not just in school history—but in world history.
Roll Tide, indeed.
By Global News Editorial Team | For more updates on global competitive cheer, follow @GlobalNewsSports on X and Instagram.
