GLOBAL NEWS: Ohio State Cheerleading Squad Crowned World’s Best by ESPN After Electrifying, Record-Breaking Performance Wows Global Audience!
In an unprecedented moment of athletic brilliance and artistic mastery, the Ohio State University Cheerleading Squad was officially named the world’s best cheerleading team by ESPN this week. The announcement came on the heels of their record-breaking performance at the 2025 International Cheer Summit in Tokyo, Japan—an event that drew a global audience of over 80 million viewers and teams from 43 countries.
Under a cascade of lights and deafening applause, the Ohio State squad delivered a jaw-dropping 3-minute routine that blended Olympic-level gymnastics, razor-sharp choreography, and bold, innovative formations. The performance earned a perfect score from all nine international judges—an extraordinary feat that has never occurred in the history of the competition.
ESPN called it “a showcase of power and precision,” praising the Buckeyes for their unmatched synchronization, explosive stunts, and emotional resonance. The headline “Ohio State Cheerleaders Redefine Excellence on the World Stage” trended globally within minutes of their final pose.
Led by head coach Camille Riggins, a former NCAA All-American gymnast and OSU alumna, the team spent over 14 months preparing for the international showdown. Riggins, who took over the program in 2022, transformed the squad into a high-performance unit with a rigorous cross-training regime that included aerial dynamics, strength conditioning, and ballet.
“The routine we designed wasn’t just about hitting the beats—it was about telling a story,” Riggins said during the post-performance press conference. “We wanted the world to feel the heart of Ohio, the discipline of our athletes, and the fire of our legacy.”
The climactic moment of their performance—a triple-tiered pyramid with a synchronized backward twist dismount—was met with a standing ovation and instant social media virality. The routine also included a mid-air letter formation spelling “UNITY,” a nod to this year’s summit theme. Even rival teams acknowledged the supremacy of the performance. “It was like watching lightning being choreographed,” said Elena Vargas, captain of Spain’s national squad.
Team captain Jordan Ellis, a senior majoring in biomedical engineering, described the win as “surreal, emotional, and historic.” “We didn’t just compete—we connected with the world,” Ellis said. “We represented more than a school. We represented a spirit.”
The win marks a historic first for Ohio State and a landmark moment in collegiate cheerleading. For the first time, a university team from the U.S. has claimed the world’s top title at an international summit typically dominated by national and professional squads.
In response to the achievement, the Governor of Ohio declared June 4th as “Ohio State Cheer Day,” and the university is planning a celebratory parade in Columbus this weekend. Meanwhile, ESPN is airing a behind-the-scenes documentary titled Buckeye Brilliance, detailing the team’s journey from campus practices to global glory.
As the world continues to buzz, one thing is certain: Ohio State’s cheerleaders have not just raised the bar—they’ve launched it into orbit.