What is The Cheerleading Worlds?
The Cheerleading Worlds is the world championship of all-star cheer, held every spring in Orlando, Florida. Run by the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF) and the IASF, it brings together the top elite teams from around the globe to compete at the highest levels of the sport. Teams cannot simply register; they must earn a bid at a sanctioned qualifying event. The Stingray Allstars Fort Lauderdale, based nearby in Deerfield Beach, teaches families what Worlds is and how the road to it works.
Last updated July 10, 2026
What is The Cheerleading Worlds?
The Cheerleading Worlds is the premier international championship for all-star cheer, contested by the most advanced teams in the world. It is held each April or May at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, which makes it a special event for Florida cheer families in particular.
Worlds features elite divisions, generally Level 6 and Level 7, along with international open divisions. These are the highest difficulty levels in the sport, so competing at Worlds represents the top of the all-star pyramid. Winning a global title there is the ultimate goal for elite programs.
How do teams get a bid to Worlds?
You cannot enter Worlds directly. Teams must earn a bid by placing well at a designated bid-qualifying competition during the season. Event producers sanctioned by the USASF award bids to standout teams in eligible divisions.
There are different types of bids, and understanding them helps families follow the journey.
- •Paid bid: the event covers a set amount of the team's Worlds expenses, the most coveted type.
- •At-large bid: an invitation to compete at Worlds, but without the covered expenses of a paid bid.
- •Only eligible elite divisions, generally Level 6 and 7, can earn Worlds bids.
- •Bids are earned across the season at sanctioned qualifying events, so a strong competition record matters.
How is The Summit different from Worlds?
Worlds is for the sport's most elite teams, but the majority of all-star athletes compete at levels below 6. That is where The Summit comes in. The D2 Summit and The Summit, run by Varsity, are end-of-season championships for Level 1 through Level 5 teams, also held in Orlando each spring.
Like Worlds, The Summit is bid-only, so teams earn their invitation during the season. It gives younger and less-advanced teams their own prestigious national championship to aim for, which is why many families set The Summit as a realistic and exciting season goal long before Worlds is on the horizon.
Should a new family think about Worlds?
For a family just starting out, Worlds is best understood as the mountaintop of the sport rather than an immediate goal. It takes years of skill development to reach the elite levels that compete there, and most athletes will aim for championships like The Summit first.
Still, it is worth knowing about, because it shows how far the sport can go and gives young athletes something to dream about. Whether your child ends up chasing a Worlds bid or simply loves competing on a local team, understanding the full ladder of all-star cheer helps you appreciate every step along the way. Ask us about our programs and where your athlete can begin.
Frequently asked questions
Where is The Cheerleading Worlds held?
The Cheerleading Worlds is held every spring at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Its location makes it especially convenient for Florida-based cheer families to attend.
How does a team qualify for Worlds?
Teams earn a bid by placing well at a sanctioned qualifying competition during the season. Bids can be paid, which covers expenses, or at-large, which is an invitation without covered expenses. Only elite Level 6 and 7 divisions are eligible.
What is the difference between Worlds and The Summit?
Worlds is the world championship for elite Level 6 and 7 teams. The Summit and D2 Summit are separate end-of-season championships for Level 1 through 5 teams. Both are bid-only and held in Orlando each spring, but they serve different levels.
Is Worlds a realistic goal for a beginner?
Worlds is the pinnacle of the sport and takes years of skill building to reach, so it is a long-term aspiration rather than an early goal. Most athletes aim for championships like The Summit first as they progress through the levels.
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