Sports moments that go viral capture the world’s attention. Whether a prank gone wrong or a touching tribute, these micro-moments generate social conversation across all audiences, from the most diehard fans to those who follow the games casually.
Viral sports moments can be a win for any athlete or league looking to drive engagement and brand awareness. While there is no one formula for a viral moment, we found that the best ones are authentic and unexpected. These moments are also shareable, which can help to spread the word.
While many athletes go viral for their on-field performance, others have a knack for viral off-field behavior as well. For example, Freddie Andrews went viral in 2017 after he decided to slide down a metal divider between two escalators in the London Underground after consuming about 10 pints. Unfortunately, the move didnt end very well for him.
Another example is Stephen Curry’s toddler daughter Riley interrupting his press conference for game 1 of the Western Conference finals. While some may have considered this unprofessional, the interview garnered over 25 million views on NBA’s Facebook page and raked in countless memes.
With the rise of social media platforms like X and TikTok, real-time reactions have become a staple of sport coverage. As such, a viral sports moment can strike at any time and is an excellent opportunity for brands to promote their products and services. In addition to generating general news, these moments can lead to the creation of memes, fan art, reels and tributes.