Whether it’s an incredible goal or a darts player’s heartwarming tribute, viral sports moments capture the world’s imagination. They help athletes and brands bridge the gap to new fans, build communities of team loyalty and generate buzz that lasts far longer than a game’s final score.
These wacky, head-scratching antics showcase the lighter side of sport and create a connection with fans that goes beyond the field or stadium. From Odell Beckham’s miraculous snag to a dog’s goal-saving intervention, they show us that not all athletic achievements require the glitz and glamour of the Olympics.
While some of these moments are completely unplanned, others are carefully engineered with the help of a company like Zoomph. In this article, we’ll take a look at three campaigns that captivated the world and map them to Berger’s STEPPS framework to see how they achieved virality.
The Battle of the Sexes
A high-stakes tennis match between Billie Jean King and Bobby Riggs rewrote the history of women’s rights in sports. It’s one of the most iconic sports moments because it elevated a simple tennis game into an event that captured the world’s attention.
This viral campaign by Nike and the Seattle Seahawks featured female athletes thanking their mothers for their positive impact on their lives, careers and even on the world of sports. It resonated with tens of millions of viewers who shared their heartfelt reactions on social media. Some even admitted that they shed a tear watching the video!