Ole Frøystad, known as "Mr Row Row," is credited with inventing the viral Viking row chant that has captured global attention during the 2026 World Cup. A passionate football fan from a small mountain island in Norway, Frøystad has long supported his national team and sought a way to boost their performance on the pitch.

Frøystad explained to ABC Sport, "I wanted to do something to help them perform on the pitch," and emphasized the importance of cultural identity in the chant: "[I thought] we need something with culture, showing where we're from." He was inspired by the sound and impact of the chant, recalling, "And I always loved the sound of 'ro' and what an impact and pressure that made on the stadium. So for many years I really enjoyed that and thought about it."

The chant, which builds in pace until fans are rowing frantically before erupting into cheers, draws parallels to Iceland's Viking clap popularized at the 2016 Euros. Frøystad said the idea came to him years ago while watching Norwegian club Rosenborg and its supporters.

Ahead of Norway's round of 16 match against Brazil, Frøystad led the Viking row in Times Square, showcasing the chant's international reach. He expressed his hopes for the team, stating, "We want them to win the entire World Cup, and we're doing everything we can on our part to support them."

Frøystad's dedication is evident as he remains a constant presence in stadiums, "always yelling, yelling and trying to support them," underscoring his commitment to Norway's success.

Sources