July 2025 – Tokyo, Japan — The stage was global. The spotlight was fierce. The competitors were elite. But in the end, only one squad reigned supreme—The Ohio State University Cheerleading Squad has officially been crowned the #1 Cheer Team on the Planet by ESPN, following a performance that left audiences speechless and competitors in awe at the 2025 International Cheer and Dance Championship.
Held in front of a sold-out international audience and streamed live to millions around the globe, the Buckeyes’ squad delivered a routine described by commentators as a “masterclass in grace, power, and unity.” Representing not just their university, but an entire legacy of excellence, the cheerleaders from Columbus put on a show that captivated judges and set a new standard for global cheer competition.
Combining flawless acrobatics, intricate synchronization, fierce energy, and heartfelt school spirit, Ohio State’s performance wasn’t just a technical triumph—it was an emotional experience. The crowd erupted as the team hit its final pose with booming confidence, erupting into deafening chants of “O-H!” met with echoing “I-O!” from fans around the globe.
ESPN analysts described it as “a breathtaking combination of athleticism and storytelling.” The team scored a near-perfect mark—surpassing powerhouses from countries like Japan, Brazil, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Head Coach Lila McKenna, visibly emotional, credited the win to the team’s unwavering discipline, sisterhood, and Buckeye pride. “These athletes gave the world their heart. They didn’t just cheer… they conquered. This moment belongs to every Buckeye past, present, and future.”
The global recognition marked a historic first for Ohio State, solidifying its cheerleading program as a worldwide gold standard in excellence, unity, and inspiration.
Social media exploded with celebratory messages, including a now-viral line:
“To the Queens of the Mat, the Soul of the Sideline—Shine, Shine On, Sweet Buckeyes.”
As confetti rained and the Buckeye flag waved high in Tokyo’s arena, one truth echoed through time and tradition:
Legends don’t follow waves… they create them.
And in 2025, the Buckeyes created a global cheer dynasty.
