Fresh off a 13-1 season that ended in a heartbreaking championship loss to Rhein Fire, the Vienna Vikings enter the 2025 European League of Football season with a retooled roster and renewed focus. As one of the ELF’s most consistent franchises, the Vikings aim to reclaim their status as Europe’s premier team through a blend of homegrown development and strategic imports.
Calaycay’s track record of excellence
Head coach Chris Calaycay, architect of the Vikings’ three-year ELF dominance, remains central to their blueprint. His emphasis on integrating Austrian prospects with veteran leadership has yielded three consecutive playoff appearances. Under his guidance, the Vikings ranked fourth in scoring (38 PPG) and second in total defense (269.6 yards allowed per game) in 2024. Calaycay’s adaptability keeps opponents guessing.
Import firepower fuels title push
Photo: Hannes Jirgal
Quarterback Ben Holmes returns after a 34:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio in 2024, his chemistry with receiver Reece Horn (1,164 yards, 13 TDs) intact. Newcomer Divine Buckrham, a 2024 ELF All-Star with Frankfurt Galaxy, who also played for the Raiders Tirol in 2023, bolsters the secondary after notching 118 tackles and 22 pass break-ups as well as 3 interceptions in his two seasons. His versatility allows defensive coordinator Daniel Auböck to deploy hybrid coverages against elite passing attacks.
Defensive anchors return
Vienna’s defense retains its core, led by defensive lineman Thomas Schaffer. The 6’7” former NFL prospect recorded 22 tackles and 1.5 sacks in 2024, complementing edge rusher Marvin Wappl (5.5 sacks) and linebacker Moriz Elmauthaler (46 career tackles). The re-signed Florian Sudi (2.5 sacks) adds rotational depth to a front seven that stifled opposing offenses on 42% of third-down attempts.
Local prospects take center stage
Photo: Alexander Forst
The Vikings doubled down on nurturing Austrian talent, highlighted by Austrian Football League MVP quarterback Nico Hrouda. The 22-year-old threw for 2,405 yards and 27 touchdowns in 2024, earning him a backup role behind veteran Ben Holmes. Rookie defensive linemen Max Grünsteidl and Manuel Radfux join a unit that allowed just 3.8 yards per rush last season.
Path back to the throne
The Vikings’ schedule features early tests against Berlin Thunder and Rhein Fire, offering a litmus test for their revamped roster. Holmes’ poise under pressure—he completed 68% of passes in the fourth quarter last year—will be critical in close games. Grünsteidl’s ability to disrupt interior linemen could ease Wappl’s path to quarterbacks, addressing a 2024 weakness (31 sacks, seventh in ELF).
With Calaycay’s system and a roster blending youth and experience, the Vienna Vikings are positioned to challenge Europe’s best. For a franchise with two title game appearances in three years, 2025 is about finishing the job.