Graz Giants Capture Austrian Bowl After 18‑Year Drought

The Graz Giants reclaimed the Austrian Football League championship on 25 July 2026, defeating the Danube Dragons 16‑14 in Austrian Bowl XLI. The game, held in Maria Enzersdorf before 3,256 spectators, ended the club’s 18‑year title hiatus—their last triumph came in 2008.

Quarterback Bastian Steinmair earned MVP honors, while kicker Leo Lipták supplied the decisive points with three field goals, the last of which put Graz ahead with two minutes remaining. Coach Stefan Pokpony celebrated, saying he was “happy and relieved” and that “a great weight has been lifted from our shoulders.” The victory marked the Giants’ 11th league title.

In the accompanying Ladies Bowl, the Raiders Tirol secured their third consecutive championship by beating the Salzburg Ducks 30‑20.