Graz Giants advance to Austrian Bowl XLI after 41:6 victory over Prague

Final against the Danube Dragons

The Vienna Danube Dragons had already qualified for the final beforehand. The Graz Giants and the Danube Dragons will contest Austrian Bowl XLI on July 25 (7:00 p.m., live on ORF Sport +). This means the Austrian Football League will see a duel between the two most tradition-rich clubs in the country.

The final appearance is particularly special for the Graz side because they have been waiting for their first title — the Graz team has not won one since 2008. Their last championship thus lies almost two decades in the past. In 2020, they lost a CoV-related final series against the Vikings 0:3, meaning the final round in recent years took place without the Styrians.

A long road back to the AFL summit

The semifinal against the Prague Black Panthers was a one-sided affair over long stretches. With the 41:6 victory, the Giants underscored their rising form this season and demonstrated that they are ready for the Austrian Bowl. The defense forced numerous turnovers through four interceptions and converted them into points of their own.

Sporting director Christoph Kipperer had emphasized before the season that the goal was to return to the top tier of the league. Reaching the final means this milestone has been achieved. Now, however, the Danube Dragons await — an opponent that ranks among the most consistent teams in the league and likewise remained unbeaten in the decisive phases this season.

Austrian Bowl XLI: Date and broadcast

Austrian Bowl XLI will be played on July 25 at 7:00 p.m. and broadcast live on ORF Sport +. For the Graz Giants, it is once again about the title after ten years without an AFL final. Should the Graz side achieve their first triumph since 2008, it would be one of the greatest successes in the club's history.

The Vienna Danube Dragons go into the match as favorites, but the Giants have sent a clear signal with their semifinal performance. The Styrians travel to Vienna, where the final traditionally takes place, brimming with confidence. For fans on both sides, Austrian Bowl XLI promises a high-class final.

The 2026 AFL season is approaching its climax with the final. After the semifinal weekend, one thing is certain: Austrian Bowl XLI will be decided between the Graz Giants and the Danube Dragons. Both teams have shown in the playoffs that they deserve the title.