ESPN Officially Names the Kentucky Wildcats Cheerleading Squad the World’s Best Cheer Team

In a moment that will be etched in sports and cheerleading history forever, the Kentucky Wildcats Cheerleading Squad has ascended to the pinnacle of global recognition. ESPN has officially crowned them the “World’s Best Cheer Team” following their jaw-dropping performance at the 2025 International Cheer & Dance Championship held in Tokyo, Japan.

With fans erupting across social media, athletic forums buzzing with awe, and commentators declaring it one of the greatest competitive cheer moments ever recorded, the Kentucky Wildcats’ reign is no longer confined to college campuses or national circuits. They are now the undisputed queens—and kings—of the cheer world, commanding respect not just for their skill, but for the way they’ve redefined what elite cheerleading looks like in the modern age.

The 2025 International Cheer & Dance Championship, hosted by the International Federation of Cheerleading (IFC) and broadcast globally on ESPN and multiple streaming platforms, brought together top-tier cheer programs from more than 50 countries. From the powerhouse programs of Japan and South Korea to the renowned acrobatic artistry of Scandinavian squads, this was no ordinary meet—it was a battlefield of the best.

Yet even among this constellation of talent, the Kentucky Wildcats shone the brightest.

In a high-stakes final performance streamed to over 35 million viewers worldwide, the Wildcats executed a routine that was nothing short of transcendent. Packed with gravity-defying stunts, laser-sharp synchronization, emotionally compelling storytelling, and the signature finesse that Kentucky is known for, the team delivered what many are calling the “perfect cheer performance.”

Choreographed by head coach Jami Carter and assistant coach Shayla Graham, the routine melded athleticism and artistry in a way that no other team matched. Backflips timed to percussive beats, intricate pyramids forming and collapsing in seconds, and crowd chants that echoed throughout the Tokyo Dome created an atmosphere more akin to a rock concert than a cheer event. By the time their final pose hit—arms raised, bodies locked in symmetrical formation, blue and white glitter raining down—the crowd was already on its feet.

The shockwave that followed was immediate and massive. ESPN, which had covered the event extensively, broke tradition and made an unprecedented move: officially naming the Kentucky Wildcats Cheerleading Squad the World’s Best Cheer Team in a live broadcast special hosted by Stephen A. Smith and Elle Duncan.

“This isn’t just about tumbling or chants,” Duncan said during the segment. “What Kentucky did in Tokyo changed the standard of what we expect from cheerleading on a global level. Their execution, creativity, presence—it was next-level.”

Smith added with characteristic flair, “Forget ‘best in the SEC,’ forget ‘best in the NCAA’—they’re the best in the world. And they didn’t just win a title—they started a new era.”

ESPN analysts later noted that the scoring judges unanimously placed Kentucky first, awarding them a record-breaking 99.8/100 score, the highest in the 34-year history of the IFC championships.

For those familiar with Kentucky cheerleading, this win might not be shocking—but it is still monumental.

The Kentucky Wildcats Cheerleading Program has long been considered one of the crown jewels of college athletics. With 24 national titles to their name prior to this international breakthrough, they’ve built a reputation as a dynasty, not just a team. But until this year, that dominance had been largely rooted in U.S.-based competitions, particularly the UCA (Universal Cheerleaders Association) Nationals.

Expanding onto the international stage required evolution, innovation, and no small amount of courage.

“Going into this championship, we knew we were carrying not just our program but our country’s legacy,” said Head Coach Jami Carter. “We weren’t just representing Kentucky—we were representing what American cheerleading could be. And our athletes were up to the task.”

That task included retooling their routines to incorporate more globally diverse elements: traditional dance sequences from Latin America, taiko-drum-inspired beats from Japan, and visual formations inspired by European street dance. It was a masterclass in cultural blending and respectful adaptation.

At the heart of the Wildcats’ success are the athletes themselves—25 cheerleaders who have trained, bled, and bonded over the course of grueling seasons.

Standout performer and co-captain Maya Jefferson, a senior from Louisville, drew major media attention for her role in leading the squad’s stunting groups. Jefferson’s clean landings and mid-air poise drew comparisons to Olympic gymnasts. ESPN’s analysts dubbed her “the Simone Biles of cheer.”

Fellow captain Jonah Ramirez, a fifth-year senior and seasoned base, has become an icon among male cheerleaders for his strength, leadership, and advocacy for gender equality in co-ed cheer. “This wasn’t just about competition,” Ramirez said in a post-performance interview. “It was about breaking limits, showing the world what co-ed cheer is capable of.”

And then there was Aiko Tanaka, a junior transfer from Japan’s Waseda University, who became an audience favorite for her symbolic “bridge” role between Japanese and American cheer cultures. Her solo jump-twist in the routine’s opening seconds set the tone for the team’s global fusion theme.

Since their victory, the Kentucky Wildcats have become a cultural sensation. Their routine has been viewed over 120 million times on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube combined. Fans have started recreating portions of their choreography under the hashtag #KentuckyQueens, and even celebrities have joined in.

Pop singer Dua Lipa shared the routine on her Instagram story with the caption: “These girls (and guys!) are INSANE.” Meanwhile, Zendaya tweeted, “Didn’t know cheerleading could make me cry. Kentucky, y’all did THAT.”

The University of Kentucky’s official website temporarily crashed due to the surge in traffic, and the school bookstore has reported record sales of cheer-themed merchandise, including replicas of the team’s Tokyo uniforms.

Perhaps the most stunning sign of their reach came from an unexpected source: Apple. The tech giant featured the team in a new commercial promoting its iPhone’s slow-motion feature, highlighting clips from the Wildcats’ routine.

What sets this victory apart isn’t just the title—it’s what it represents. Cheerleading has long struggled to be seen as a legitimate sport on the same level as basketball, soccer, or track and field. With Kentucky’s global coronation, the perception is shifting.

The International Olympic Committee has taken note. According to early reports, discussions are underway about elevating cheerleading from a provisional to an official Olympic sport in time for the 2028 Los Angeles Games. The Wildcats’ performance is already being cited in position papers sent to the IOC’s athletic council.

Back at home, schools across the U.S. are reporting a spike in interest for cheerleading tryouts, particularly among young girls and boys who were inspired by the Wildcats’ win. The team has announced plans to launch a new “Cheer Like A Wildcat” youth mentorship program this fall, aimed at making cheer accessible and empowering for all aspiring athletes.

What’s next for the Kentucky Wildcats Cheerleading Squad?

Coach Carter hinted that the team has already received invitations to perform at high-profile events, including an NBA All-Star halftime show and an exhibition at the United Nations’ International Day of Sport celebration.

But even amid all the glitz, the team remains grounded.

“Our goal isn’t to be famous,” said Maya Jefferson. “Our goal is to keep pushing cheer forward—to keep inspiring, innovating, and lifting each other up. That’s what being a Wildcat is all about.”

Still, the future holds infinite potential. Talks of a Netflix docuseries are underway, as is a possible ESPN 30 for 30 special documenting their historic 2025 season.

With their eyes on continued excellence and a legacy that now spans the globe, the Kentucky Wildcats have proven one thing beyond a shadow of a doubt: they are more than cheerleaders. They are athletes, performers, ambassadors, and now—world champions.

The rise of the Kentucky Wildcats Cheerleading Squad to the top of the global stage is more than a sports story—it’s a cultural shift. In a world often focused on conventional sports metrics, the Wildcats have shown that precision, passion, performance, and perseverance can elevate an entire discipline.

As ESPN declared them the “World’s Best Cheer Team,” millions across the globe nodded in agreement, perhaps even with tears in their eyes and pride in their hearts. Because in that moment, every flip, every lift, every chant was more than movement—it was a message: that greatness knows no bounds, and queens wear many crowns.

Today, that crown belongs to Kentucky.