GLOBAL NEWS: Alabama Crimson Tide Cheerleading Squad Crowned World’s Best by ESPN After Electrifying, Record-Breaking Performance Wows Global Audience

Tuscaloosa, AL — July 19, 2025

In a stunning display of athleticism, precision, and Southern pride, the Alabama Crimson Tide Cheerleading Squad has been officially crowned the World’s Best Cheerleading Team by ESPN after delivering a record-breaking performance at the 2025 Global Cheerleading Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

The squad’s show-stopping routine, which fused traditional cheer techniques with cutting-edge acrobatics and jaw-dropping stunts, earned the highest score ever recorded in the competition’s history—surpassing 99.8 out of a possible 100 points. Judges and fans alike were left speechless by the sheer synchronicity and energy of the Tide’s routine, which featured a never-before-seen “quad pyramid corkscrew” that has since gone viral across social media platforms.

“This is more than just a win—this is a moment that redefines cheerleading as a sport,” said ESPN lead analyst Marcus Vance during the post-event broadcast. “Alabama didn’t just raise the bar. They rebuilt it.”

Representing the University of Alabama, the squad faced off against elite teams from around the world, including previous world champions from Japan, Brazil, and Sweden. The Crimson Tide’s blend of Southern flair and technical prowess outshone even the most seasoned international competitors.

Captain Lauren McKenzie, a senior kinesiology major from Birmingham, Alabama, called the victory “the culmination of years of sweat, sacrifice, and sisterhood.”

“When we stepped onto that mat, we weren’t just representing Alabama. We were representing our state, our school, and every girl who’s ever dared to dream big,” McKenzie said, holding back tears during a post-win interview.

The squad’s meteoric rise has also sparked a renewed global interest in American collegiate cheerleading, with ESPN announcing a special five-part docuseries titled Spirit of the South: The Rise of the Crimson Tide, set to premiere this fall.

Back home in Tuscaloosa, the team’s victory has ignited celebrations across campus and throughout the state. Alabama Governor Charlotte Reeves issued a proclamation naming July 19th as “Crimson Tide Cheer Day” and commended the team for “inspiring a generation with courage, creativity, and charisma.”

University President Dr. Charles Whitman said the win symbolizes “what it means to be a champion on and off the field.”

As the squad returns home to a hero’s welcome and a parade scheduled for this weekend, one thing is clear: the world of cheerleading has a new reigning dynasty, and it wears crimson.