
Hannes Jirgal
06.09.2026 13:00
The Vienna Vikings were crowned the first-ever AFLE champions with a stunning 68–5 demolition of the Panthers Wrocław in Duisburg. Despite Wrocław entering the Gold Bowl on a five-game winning streak and with a 10–2 record, Vienna made it a one-sided affair from the very first drive.
The Vikings wasted no time. Three touchdowns in the opening quarter — two through the air from QB Ben Holmes and one on the ground from Albert Wiesigstrauch — set the tone. By halftime, it was already 48–5, with Vienna outgaining Wrocław 277 to 145 in total yards and converting four of five third downs while the Panthers went 0-for-7.
Holmes was sensational throughout, completing 14 of 18 passes for 331 yards and six touchdowns, with Darrell Stewart Jr. hauling in three of them. On the other sideline, league MVP Jameson Wang — outstanding all season — never found his footing, finishing with just 81 passing yards and no touchdowns, though he added 73 on the ground.
Vienna pushed the margin to 61–5 through three quarters before closing out the historic victory. The only blemish on the Vikings' season had been a 34–31 regular-season loss to these very same Panthers — a result they emphatically erased when it mattered most.
In the inaugural AFLE season, Vienna didn't just win the championship. They owned it.