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.
The next major milestone arrives on July 1 at 7 p.m. ET, when the Top 10 finalists in every category will be announced live on CheerDaily.com. With voting already outpacing last year’s totals, the race to earn a finalist spot is expected to be one of the most competitive since the awards launched.
Winners will then be honored during The Cheer Awards on July 15 in Orlando, bringing together athletes, coaches, industry leaders, brands, and fans for an evening celebrating the people who made an impact on the sport over the past year.
If the first week is any indication, the 2026 awards are on pace to become the most participated-in edition yet.
By the Numbers
- 133,868 votes cast in less than one week
- 75,000 votes cast during the entire 2025 awards cycle
- 3,187 nominations submitted
- Top 10 finalists announced: July 1 at 7 p.m. ET on CheerDaily.com
- Live ceremony: July 15 • Orlando
- More information: CheerAwards.org
