Vienna Vikings aim to return to the top in the 2026 AFLE season
The Vienna Vikings are one of the most historic and successful American football franchises in Europe. Founded in 1983, the Austrian team has built a strong reputation both domestically and internationally. Since returning to European competition in 2022, the Vikings have remained one of the top teams on the continent.
After winning the championship in their first season back on the European stage, the following years brought close calls but no additional title. Two final losses and one semifinal defeat followed that championship season. Now the Vikings are determined to return to the top in the 2026 season of the American Football League Europe.
Team overview
Team name: Vienna Vikings
City / Country: Vienna, Austria
Head coach: Chris Calaycay
Offensive coordinator: Jordan Neuman
Defensive coordinator: Daniel Auböck
Team colors: Purple, White and Grey
Founded: 1983
AFLE conference: South/East
For more than four decades, the Vikings have been a major force in European football. A key part of this success is head coach Chris Calaycay. The American has been part of the franchise for over 20 years. After finishing his playing career with the Vikings, he joined the coaching staff and soon became head coach.
Under Calaycay’s leadership, the team entered one of the most successful eras in club history. The only thing missing in the last three seasons has been another championship trophy. In 2026, the Vikings want to change that.
Players to watch
Ben Holmes – Quarterback
Ben Holmes enters his third season as the starting quarterback of the Vienna Vikings. The American quarterback immediately became a key player for the team after arriving in Vienna.
Holmes previously played college football at Nassau Community College and Tarleton State before continuing his career in several North American professional leagues. Known for his strong passing ability and leadership, Holmes has already led the Vikings to two championship game appearances. However, the title has so far remained just out of reach.
In 2026, Holmes is determined to finally bring a championship trophy back to Vienna.
Noah Touré – Wide receiver
At only 24 years old, Noah Touré has already become one of the most important players in the Vikings offense. The Austrian wide receiver joined the team two seasons ago and quickly established himself as a reliable target for quarterback Ben Holmes.
Standing 187 cm tall and weighing 86 kilograms, Touré combines speed, strong route running, and reliable hands. These qualities make him a constant threat for opposing defenses.
In 2024, Touré won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in the European League of Football and was also named a Second Team All-Star. While his statistics slightly declined last season, the young receiver is motivated to bounce back and play an even bigger role in the upcoming year.
Amani Dennis – Cornerback
Cornerback Amani Dennis joined the Vikings before the 2025 season and quickly became a key part of the defense. The 28-year-old American played college football at Carthage College, where his performances earned him an invitation to the Cleveland Browns rookie minicamp.
Dennis later gained professional experience with the Generals in The Spring League, the Philadelphia Stars in the United States Football League, and the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League before coming to Vienna.
Known for his physical tackling and strong coverage skills, Dennis is considered a lockdown cornerback. Defensive coordinator Daniel Auböck often relies on him to cover the opposing team’s best receiver.
Key games in the 2026 season
Week 1 – Berlin Thunder at Vienna Vikings
Saturday, May 23, 2026
The Vikings will open their AFLE season at home against Berlin Thunder. The first game of a new league always brings extra pressure and excitement, and both teams will be eager to start the season with a win.
Week 3 – Rhein Fire at Vienna Vikings
Saturday, June 6, 2026
The matchup between Rhein Fire and the Vienna Vikings has produced exciting games in recent years. Once again, this game could be an early test for both teams and show where they stand in the new league.
Can the Vikings return to the top?
A new league also means new challenges and new opponents. But the goal in Vienna remains the same: winning the championship.
With an experienced coaching staff, talented players, and a long tradition of success, the Vienna Vikings enter the 2026 AFLE season hungry to bring the first AFLE trophy back to Austria.
