The 2026 edition of The Cheer Awards is already rewriting the record books.
Just days after nominations opened, the community has cast 133,868 votes, surpassing the 75,000 total votes received during the entire 2025 awards cycle.
The early pace marks the largest start in the event’s history and underscores the continued growth of what has become cheerleading’s largest community-driven awards program.
Fans have also submitted 3,187 nominations, with campaigns popping up across social media as athletes, coaches, parents, and programs rally behind their favorites.
The surge in participation comes as The Cheer Awards continue to expand their reach across every corner of the industry. Categories recognize athletes, coaches, choreographers, photographers, event producers, brands, media, and other contributors who help shape the sport throughout the season.
Unlike many awards programs that rely on a judging panel, The Cheer Awards are driven by community participation. Every nomination and vote comes directly from the people involved in cheerleading, making fan engagement a defining part of the competition.
