Viking Clap: Global Adoption Across Professional Sports
The Viking clap, a rhythmic synchronized applause accompanied by a deep shout, has evolved from a regional tradition into a global phenomenon. While famously associated with Icelandic football, this powerful display of unity has been adopted by sports fans worldwide, often adapted to fit the specific identity and nicknames of their respective teams.
Key Facts
- The chant is used across multiple sports, including football (soccer), ice hockey, and rugby.
- Many teams modify the traditional "huh" sound to include team nicknames or city initials.
- Adoption often follows major international tournaments, such as UEFA Euro 2016.
- Variants like the "Storm Surge" and "Boom, Boom, Clap" have emerged in North American leagues.
Global Football Adaptations
Following the prominence of the Icelandic version during UEFA Euro 2016, football fans across Asia and South America integrated the clap into their match-day rituals. In Iran, Esteghlal fans adopted the clap immediately after the tournament, incorporating their team nickname "S.S" with each beat. Similarly, Persepolis supporters began using the chant during the Branko era.
In India, the India national football team began using the clap after the formation of the Blue Pilgrims, featuring it during the 2019 AFC Asian Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification (AFC). The Kerala Blasters also adopted the tradition in 2017 as its popularity grew within the country.
South American club Cruzeiro began performing the clap after home games in 2022. Interestingly, the club had previously shown its affinity for the style by using a variant of the Iceland first-team jersey as their second uniform throughout 2018.
In Europe, Bolton Wanderers fans introduced the clap in 2022 as a gesture of support for their Icelandic striker, Jón Daði Böðvarsson. More recently, the Norway national football team and their fans went viral during the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a variation known as the "Viking row," which even saw participation from the Storting (the Norwegian parliament).
North American Variations
In the United States and Canada, the chant has taken on several distinct forms. The Carolina Hurricanes utilize a version called "The Storm Surge," while the Ottawa Charge of the PWHL perform the "Thunder Clap storm surge" following wins since their 2024 inaugural season.
A popular variation known as "Boom, Boom, Clap" has seen widespread use in Major League Soccer (MLS). Toronto fans have used it since 2008, and Seattle Sounders FC have a version dating back to before their 2009 reformation, substituting "hey" for the traditional "huh." Atlanta United adopted the chant at their 2017 inception, chanting the letters "A–T–L" in succession.
The United States men's national soccer team adopted the Seattle variation during a 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Panama. Over time, they transitioned to chanting "U–S–A," mirroring the Atlanta style. Additionally, the Portland Hearts of Pine perform the clap at the start of both halves, chanting "Hearts" after each clap.
Adoption in Other Professional Sports
The influence of the Viking clap extends beyond football. In rugby, Canberra Raiders fans began using the chant in 2016. In the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings have chanted "skol" instead of "huh" since 2016.
Ice hockey has also seen the trend. The Vancouver Canucks performed the clap on April 5, 2018, during the final career home game of retired Swedish twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin.
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Summary of Team Variations
| Team/Organization | Variant Name/Sound | Year Adopted |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Vikings | "Skol" | 2016 |
| Carolina Hurricanes | "The Storm Surge" | Not Specified |
| Atlanta United | "A–T–L" | 2017 |
| USA Men's National Team | "U–S–A" | 2014 |
| Esteghlal | "S.S" | 2016 |
| Norway National Team | "Viking row" | 2026 |
| Portland Hearts of Pine | "Hearts" | Not Specified |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which North American teams use the "Boom, Boom, Clap" variant?
This variant is used by Toronto fans (since 2008), Seattle Sounders FC, Atlanta United, and the United States men's national soccer team.
How did Bolton Wanderers come to use the Viking clap?
Fans began performing the chant in 2022 to show their support for the team's Icelandic striker, Jón Daði Böðvarsson.
What is the "Viking row"?
The "Viking row" is a variant of the clap performed by the Norway national football team and their fans, which gained viral attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
How does the Minnesota Vikings' chant differ from the original?
Since 2016, the Minnesota Vikings have chanted the word "skol" instead of the traditional "huh" sound.
Which team uses the "Storm Surge" variation?
The Carolina Hurricanes perform a variant called "The Storm Surge," and a similar "Thunder Clap storm surge" is used by the Ottawa Charge of the PWHL.