🇸🇪 Sweden
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Swedish Duo Wins National Drinking Song Contest

Stockholm friends Henrik Carlsson and Jacob Nienhuysen won Sweden's national drinking song competition with 'Stärkande drycker.' Their snapsvisa almost wasn't submitted but impressed judges with its clever lyrics. The 30-year-old contest drew over 400 entries celebrating Swedish drinking traditions.

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Two Stockholm friends have won Sweden's national championship for newly written drinking songs. Henrik Carlsson and Jacob Nienhuysen took top honors with their composition 'Stärkande drycker' (Strengthening Drinks).

The competition celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Over 400 entries competed for the title of best new snapsvisa.

A snapsvisa is a traditional Swedish drinking song typically sung before consuming snaps, a flavored spirit. These songs are an integral part of Swedish celebration culture, especially during holidays like Midsummer and Christmas.

Jacob Nienhuysen expressed surprise at their victory. He revealed the winning song almost ended up in the trash. 'We didn't actually plan to submit this entry,' Nienhuysen said in an interview. 'I didn't think it would make the cut, but Henke kept pushing for it.'

The jury praised 'Stärkande drycker' for its clever and well-formulated lyrics. The song humorously transitions from gym workouts to drinking snaps on a conveyor belt.

Nienhuysen emphasized that the creative process itself brings the most joy. 'It's the actual creation that's fun,' he explained. 'And getting to meet all the old foxes who have been doing this for a long time.'

This annual competition highlights how traditional Scandinavian drinking culture continues to evolve. The event maintains strong participation despite changing social habits around alcohol consumption.

The winning duo now joins three decades of Swedish snapsvisa champions. Their song will likely be sung at dinner tables across Sweden during upcoming festive occasions.

Published: October 14, 2025

Tags: Swedish drinking songssnapsvisa competitionNordic traditions

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