"Just bitter" - Mayr reflects Vikings’ painful loss

The 2025 Championship Game of the European League of Football carried special weight for Yannick Mayr. The Vienna Vikings wide receiver faced his former team, the Stuttgart Surge, in the title game. And to make it even more emotional, the final was held in Stuttgart, where Mayr had worn the home jersey just a year earlier. The night ended bitterly, with the Vikings falling 24–17.

In front of 36,800 fans, the atmosphere at MHP-Arena was electric. For Mayr, it was an emotional showdown that remained tense until the very last second. “It was a hard fight until the end. I said it before: it’s going to be close until the last second. Whoever has the ball or takes the lead at the end wins the game. That’s football,” he reflected after the game.

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Vikings vs. Surge: A battle on equal terms

The Vikings pushed hard but kept running into Stuttgart’s relentless defense. Eight sacks on quarterback Ben Holmes - five in the first half alone - tipped the balance. The most painful moment: a costly interception in the end zone, which Mayr later called the turning point. “That’s just bitter. I think there were a few situations we need to rethink. We could have done that better.”

In the end, Mayr admitted the team lacked the right adjustments. The 29-year-old himself finished the game with just 16 receiving yards. The wideout stood out all the more as a returner, recording 139 yards.

A historic night for Stuttgart Surge

While Vienna left the field disappointed, Stuttgart celebrated the greatest success in ELF franchise history. With their 24–17 win, the Surge claimed their first ELF title -  and did so in their hometown. It was a historic achievement driven by a dominant defense and homegrown star Louis Geyer, who scored three touchdowns.

For the city of Stuttgart, this championship means more than a trophy. After enduring tough early seasons in the ELF, the Surge’s triumph is a reward for patience, growth, and resilience.

Mayr’s view on his former team

Despite the defeat, Mayr had nothing but respect for his old teammates. “The guys absolutely deserved it for what they’ve been through the last three years. Coach Jordan Newman, Louis Geyer - fucking great player, good man, I love him. They all deserve it. We do too, but only one can win, and that’s how it is.”

It was a gracious and heartfelt gesture from a player who had poured two seasons of his career into building the Surge into contenders.

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