CHEER AND DANCE ATHLETES CLOSE OUT THE SEASON AT THE SUMMIT, THE DANCE SUMMIT AND D2 SUMMIT CHAMPIONSHIPS
More than 45,000 athletes and coaches from 15 countries gathered in Orlando for Varsity Spirit's premier end-of-season championships. The events included The 2026 Summit Championship, The Dance Summit Championship, and The D2 Summit Championship, held at Walt Disney World® Resort.
The Summit and Dance Summit Championships took place from April 30 to May 3, followed by The D2 Summit Championship from May 8 to May 10. Over these three events, attendees included more than 2,000 teams and over 74,000 spectators who celebrated the culmination of the All Star season. Varsity Athlete and Brand Ambassador Gabi Butler participated in a meet-and-greet experience that contributed to the excitement of the competitions.
Justin Carrier, VP of Event Operations & Experience of Varsity Spirit, commented, "For All Star cheer and dance athletes around the world, The Summit, The Dance Summit and D2 Summit Championships are more than just the final events of the season. They are an opportunity to celebrate their journey and create lifelong memories." He expressed pride in showcasing the passion and community that make All Star cheer and dance special.
In addition to the competitive events, Varsity Spirit presented The Varsity Pinnacle Award, which recognizes athletes demonstrating leadership, dedication, teamwork, and confidence both on and off the competition floor. The 2026 recipients included Xeneiza Wilson of CheerForce - Slither, Aria Esponoza of Synergy Dance Academy, and Payton Bear of USA Stars.
Fans around the world accessed live coverage of the championships via Varsity TV, which features exclusive cheer and dance content, including live competition broadcasts and results. The Summit and Dance Summit Championships are slated to air on ESPN starting May 28, with additional replays in early June.