Since the World Cup began, elementary school teacher Ole Froystad, 39, from Leinoy, central Norway, has gained over 50,000 new followers on Instagram, where he refers to himself as the "rowing gentleman."

Froystad, with his distinctive shoulder-length blond hair, wears a Norwegian national team jersey and often a Viking horned helmet. He created the Viking rowing chant, which has captured widespread public attention at this World Cup.

"I wanted to do something to help them perform well on the field," Froystad told ABC on 6/7, explaining his motivation for creating the chant. "That is important to me, and that's why I'm always at the stadium shouting, cheering, and trying to empower them."

Ole Froystad in his distinctive attire cheering for the Norwegian football team in the US. Photo: VG

Drawing inspiration from medieval history, similar to Iceland's Viking clap at Euro 2016, Norwegians created a widely popular cheer. The chant starts with participants sitting as if in a Viking ship. Two drumbeats signal the start, then everyone mimes pulling an invisible oar, shouting "ro" (Norwegian for "row"). The rhythm quickens, becoming relentless, before culminating in shouts of victory.

Froystad shared that the idea for the chant emerged years ago while watching the Norwegian team Rosenborg play and observing their fans' cheers.

"In that chant, they divided the team's name into three parts: one group shouted 'ro,' another 'sen,' and the third 'borg'," he recalled. "I always loved the sound of 'ro,' the way it created such impact and power in the stadium. For years, I was fascinated and thought about it."

Norwegian fans performing the Viking-style rowing chant in Times Square on 22/6. Video: Facebook/Yahoo Sports

As Norway neared qualification for this year's World Cup, their first since 1998, Froystad began developing a chant for the tournament.

"I thought we needed something cultural that showcased our homeland," he said. "I wanted something Viking, something powerful."

"Then an idea flashed in my mind. I realized 'ro' means 'to row,' and it had a compelling movement. My immediate thought was: 'This is the chant we need'."

He approached the Norwegian fan group Oljeberget, and they collaborated to refine the movements and integrate drum sounds into the chant.

"I had a spark of an idea, a good one, and this chant is alive today because this fan group embraced and used it," he stated. "This chant would be nothing without the support of the group and Norwegian fans."

The fan group organized elaborate rowing performances at iconic locations across the US, notably in Times Square in New York City. Spontaneous displays also emerged on subway escalators in Boston, on New York subway platforms, and even on flights.

Norwegian football fans themselves were surprised to shed their usual quiet demeanor and energize the tournament.

"We are excited because it's been too long since Norway last participated in a World Cup, so I feel like we are seeing a new side of ourselves," a fan stated before the team's match.

"We are usually quite reserved, so I'm not sure what happened; we're just excited," another fan shared.

Norwegian fans celebrating with a Viking-style rowing chant at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on 22/6. Photo: AP

Players also joined the activity, rowing with fans after victories. Star striker Erling Haaland even remarked that this phenomenon is "bigger than football."

This means a lot to Froystad, who always wants the team to give their best.

"We want them to win this World Cup; we are doing everything to support them," he said. "Whether they win or lose, we will still be there, always standing behind them."

Hong Hanh (According to ABC News, VG)