Finnish fans flood Helsinki square after fifth world ice hockey title

Thousands of Finnish ice hockey supporters gathered at Helsinki’s Market Square on Sunday evening to celebrate the national team’s fifth gold medal at the men’s world championships, public broadcaster Yle reported.

The crowd converged around the Havis Amanda statue—locally known as Manta—shortly after Finland’s victory in the final. Authorities had cordoned off the statue itself, a traditional focal point for post-win revelry, but fans filled the surrounding area as live coverage captured the scenes.

Finland’s latest title follows its 2022 championship, also secured on home ice with a 4–3 defeat of Canada. That same year, the team claimed its first Olympic gold in men’s ice hockey, edging Russia 2–1 in the Beijing final. Earlier world championship victories came in 2019, 2011, and 1995.

Yle’s Saara Hirvonen and cameraman Jukka Lehto reported live from the square as celebrations unfolded.