Global News: Texas Longhorns Mascot Bevo Crowned World’s Best Entertaining Mascot by ESPN After Record-Breaking Global Parade
In a stunning moment that captivated a global audience and etched itself into the annals of sports history, Bevo—the beloved Texas Longhorns mascot—has been crowned the World’s Best Entertaining Mascot by ESPN. The accolade follows Bevo’s show-stopping performance in a record-breaking international parade that spanned five continents and drew unprecedented attention to the spirit of college sports.
The award was announced live during ESPN’s annual Mascot Global Awards, an event that celebrates mascots from across the sports spectrum. But this year’s focus was squarely on Bevo, the majestic longhorn steer, whose demonstration of unity, tradition, and vibrant school pride stunned both fans and judges alike.
Bevo’s historic parade, dubbed Hook ’Em World Tour, drew millions of viewers across television, streaming platforms, and social media. From the streets of Austin to Tokyo, Paris, Cape Town, Rio de Janeiro, and Sydney, the parade was not just a show—it was a cultural movement. Dressed in iconic burnt orange and led by the Texas Spirit Squad, Bevo wowed audiences with a graceful display of symbolic gestures, including the globally recognized “Hook ’Em Horns” sign. The gesture, deeply rooted in Texas pride, took on an international dimension as fans in every corner of the globe responded with unity and excitement.
“Bevo isn’t just a mascot,” said ESPN senior analyst Courtney Jennings. “She’s a cultural ambassador. What we saw during the parade was more than entertainment—it was global sports diplomacy at its finest.”
The journey to the title was far from ordinary. ESPN’s panel of experts analyzed mascots from over 60 countries, assessing factors like crowd engagement, originality, tradition, and social impact. Bevo led the scoring in every category, topping long-time fan favorites such as the Phillie Phanatic, Gritty, and Japan’s Domo-kun.
Unique among mascots, Bevo is a live animal—a symbol of living tradition. Her calm composure during high-energy events and her elegant demeanor during ceremonial moments gave her an edge that no costume-clad competitor could match. In Paris, she posed in front of the Eiffel Tower. In Tokyo, she shared a symbolic bow with a sumo wrestler. In Sydney, she was welcomed with a didgeridoo performance and responded with a peaceful head nod—now a viral meme symbolizing cultural respect.
“She redefined what it means to entertain,” said ESPN producer Marvin Cruz. “The way Bevo connected with people of all ages, all cultures, through simple yet profound gestures—it’s something we’ve never seen before in sports entertainment.”
The global recognition has sparked celebrations in Austin and beyond. Students, alumni, and fans of the University of Texas gathered in droves at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium to celebrate their champion. Social media exploded with hashtags like #BevoTheGOAT and #HookEmGlobal, highlighting the mascot’s extraordinary rise to global fame.
As ESPN handed Bevo the golden “Global Spirit Trophy,” the entire arena echoed with chants of “Hook ’Em!”—a fitting end to a groundbreaking journey. More than just a win for Texas, this moment symbolized the unifying power of sports, and how a longhorn from the Lone Star State inspired the entire world.
With her crown now secure, Bevo stands not only as a mascot but as a global icon.
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