Industry

The Cheer Awards™ Announce 2026 Winners, Hall of Fame and 40 Under 40

The elite have been crowned. From Hall of Fame legends to the 40 Under 40 trailblazers, The Cheer Awards™ just dropped the definitive list of 2026’s industry icons. See who took home the gold.

Shane James

Founder, Cheer Media

PublishedJuly 16, 2026

UpdatedNovember 9, 2026

Read Time1 Min Read

The Cheer Awards™ Announce 2026 Winners, Hall of Fame and 40 Under 40 — Photo by cheermedia

2026 Winners Announced

The Cheer Awards 2026 — Winners

Replay on FloCheer · Every category winner

View Winners

Watch Live on

2026 Winners Announced

The Cheer Awards 2026 — Winners

Replay on FloCheer · Every category winner

View Winners

Watch Live on

ByShane JamesOriginally published atcheermedia

Written by

Shane James

Founder, Cheer Media

Shane James is the Founder and CEO of Cheer Media LLC, the parent company behind Cheer Daily, STUNT Daily, Dance Daily, and The Cheer Awards. Through Cheer Media, he has built one of the industry's largest digital media networks, connecting athletes, coaches, event producers, brands, and fans through trusted journalism, original content, and innovative technology. As Publisher of Cheer Daily and Founder of The Cheer Awards, Shane has helped redefine how the cheerleading industry celebrates its achievements while creating new opportunities for organizations to reach audiences through modern media. His work spans publishing, marketing, technology, live events, and digital strategy, with a focus on growing the sport and strengthening the businesses that support it. A former LSU Cheerleader and Associate Publisher of Inside Cheerleading Magazine, Shane has dedicated more than two decades to advancing cheerleading media. He is the co-author of Cheerleading: From Tryouts to Championships (2007) and the creator of several industry-changing initiatives that have influenced how the sport communicates, markets itself, and recognizes excellence. Today, Shane covers major cheerleading events across the United States and around the world, providing in-depth reporting, interviews, breaking news, and analysis from many of the sport's most significant competitions and championships. His work has helped make Cheer Daily a trusted source for timely, credible coverage throughout the global cheerleading community. From 2007 to 2016, Shane served on the USASF National Advisory Board, helping guide the growth and evolution of All Star cheerleading. His contributions have been recognized with induction into the UPA Hall of Fame in 2011 and selection to Cheer Biz News' 35 Under 35 in 2014 for his leadership and impact on the industry. In addition to his work in cheerleading, Shane covered 10 Gymnastics World Championships and three Olympic Games while with Inside Gymnastics Magazine, further establishing his experience in sports journalism and international event coverage.