A Norwegian football fan, Emil Anners Lappen, has become an unlikely internet sensation after refusing to participate in the widely adopted "Viking Row" celebration. Lappen argues that the chant is both a derivative imitation of Iceland's "Thunderclap" and historically inaccurate, stating that Vikings sailed, not rowed, across the Atlantic.
Lappen's dissent became visible when he remained still while surrounded by supporters performing the rowing motion before Norway's FIFA World Cup quarter-final match against England. An image of his solitary stance quickly circulated on social media, making him a recognizable figure during the tournament.
During an appearance on Sky News, Lappen elaborated on his objections. "First of all, I just find it really stupid," he stated, adding that he considered the celebration "stupid and annoying" from its inception. He also highlighted what he perceived as a clear imitation of Iceland's famous "Thunderclap," which gained popularity during Euro 2016. "But changing the motion isn't enough to get it away from just being a copy of exactly what they did," Lappen explained.
His historical critique focused on the method of Viking transatlantic travel. "The Vikings sailed across the Atlantic. They didn't row across the Atlantic," he asserted. While acknowledging that Viking ships had oars, Lappen emphasized that these were not the primary means of propulsion for long ocean voyages. "The Vikings rowed up rivers and things like that, but across the Atlantic they sailed," he said.
Despite Lappen's objections, the "Viking Row" has seen a surge in popularity during Norway's first men's World Cup appearance since 1998. Supporters have performed the celebration in stadiums, public spaces, and landmarks across North America. Tourism officials have embraced the phenomenon, viewing it as a nod to Norway's maritime heritage. The celebration has also been acknowledged by search engines, with Google creating a special animation for searches related to the "Viking Row" or Norwegian player Erling Haaland.
Haaland himself encouraged fans to engage with the trend, posting on X: "One thing to do today … search my name on Google." The celebration has become an iconic element of the 2026 World Cup.
When asked about his own plans for supporting Norway, Lappen indicated he would be watching from home. "I will be supporting them comfortably from my chair at home," he said. "No rowing whatsoever."