Norwegian the rowing fans may have stolen their shop from Sweden, says a Swedish newspaper The Express.
The rowing movement performed by a group of Norwegian fans has charmed the world during the World Cup. In Viking rowing, fans row while sitting, shouting “Ro!” with every stroke.
In addition to match stadiums, Norwegians have rowed, for example, on escalators and in New York’s iconic Times Square.
It is a recent phenomenon, as the leader of the Norwegian national team’s fan association interviewed by Expressen Ole Fröystad said that he started cheering last year in a friendly match against Switzerland.
Although the Norwegian men’s national team met Switzerland in March 2026 and before that in September 2013, the women’s national team met Switzerland three times last year.
Swedish death metal band Amon Amarth have been encouraging their fans to row since their 2009 Bloodstock festival gig.
Amon Amarth singer Johan Hegg is aware of the movements of Norwegian fans.
The joint row known as “The epic Viking row” has established its place as part of the band’s performances. The phenomenon has become so big that Amon Amarth released a song in 2022 Put Your Back Into the Oar in honor of that.
Amon Amarth singer Johan Hegg tells Expressen that the band has been sent videos of Norwegian fans rowing.
“Our fans have been rowing for almost 20 years. It’s really great that the Norwegians have brought rowing to the World Championships and made it a phenomenon that spreads among other teams as well.”
Norway is playing in the World Cup for the first time in 28 years. It faced France in the final match of the first group on Friday. France won the match 4–1.
Norway finished second in Group I and will face Ivory Coast in the first playoff stage.