World Cup fever has extended beyond the soccer pitch, with enthusiastic Norwegian fans bringing their signature "Viking row" celebration to other sporting events in the United States. A group of supporters were spotted at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell, Connecticut, on Thursday during the opening round of the Travelers Championship, a PGA Tour event.
These fans, clad in red Norwegian national team jerseys, closely followed countrymen Viktor Hovland and Kristoffer Reitan. Reitan, who finished tied for second at the end of the opening day, was seen acknowledging the fans' distinctive chant and rowing gesture after making a putt. The fans' "Viking row" has become a notable celebration, echoing the country's seafaring heritage. They have performed this synchronized rowing motion in various public settings across the U.S., including bars, stands, and even on public transport.
The viral celebration also made an appearance at Citi Field earlier in the week, where the fans brought their Viking row to a New York Mets game. During a game against the Chicago Cubs, the supporters turned the bleachers into a "longship," complete with their rowing demonstration. Even the Mets mascots, Mr. and Mrs. Met, joined in the festivities. In a notable mid-game moment, while the Mets were playing the Cubs, the Norwegian fans continued their celebratory walk through the bleachers after a game-changing home run by the Cubs' Dansby Swanson.
Viking Celebration's Origins
The "Viking row" gained widespread attention following Norway's 3-2 victory over Senegal in Group I, a win that secured their spot in the knockout stages of the World Cup. Following the match, team captain Martin Odegaard led a stadium-wide "Viking row" celebration. A drum was brought onto the field for Odegaard, who directed the enthusiastic rowing motion performed by players and thousands of fans. This celebration was also evident during Norway's opening 4-1 win against Iraq in Boston, where fans, many wearing Viking helmets, were seen rowing in unison.
The enthusiasm for the "Viking row" has even reached Norway's parliament. On June 18, during a parliamentary session, the speaker proposed that members recreate the rowing action to demonstrate national support for the campaign. Lawmakers responded enthusiastically, engaging in a cross-party display of unity.