Results
| Date | R | Home vs Away | - |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10/27 18:30 | 5 |
[1] Vikingur Reykjavik vs Breidablik
[2] 
|
0-3 |
| 10/26 16:15 | 5 |
[4] Stjarnan vs FH Hafnarfjordur
[6] 
|
3-2 |
| 10/26 16:15 | 5 |
[3] Valur Reykjavik vs IA Akranes
[5] 
|
6-1 |
| 10/26 14:00 | 5 |
[2] KR Reykjavik vs HK Kopavogur
[5] 
|
7-0 |
| 10/26 14:00 | 5 |
[4] IF Vestri vs Fylkir Reykjavik
[6] 
|
1-3 |
| 10/26 14:00 | 5 |
[3] Fram Reykjavik vs KA Akureyri
[1] 
|
1-4 |
| 10/20 19:15 | 4 |
[5] HK Kopavogur vs Fram Reykjavik
[2]
|
2-1 |
| 10/20 19:15 | 4 |
[6] Fylkir Reykjavik vs KR Reykjavik
[3]
|
0-1 |
| 10/19 17:00 | 4 |
[2] Breidablik vs Stjarnan
[4]
|
2-1 |
| 10/19 14:00 | 4 |
[6] FH Hafnarfjordur vs Valur Reykjavik
[3]
|
1-1 |
| 10/19 14:00 | 4 |
[1] KA Akureyri vs IF Vestri
[4]
|
2-1 |
| 10/19 14:00 | 4 |
[5] IA Akranes vs Vikingur Reykjavik
[1]
|
3-4 |
Teams
IBV Vestmannaeyjar
Keflavik
Fjolnir
Leiknir Reykjavik
Grindavik
Vikingur Olafsvik
Throttur Reykjavik
Thor Akureyri
Grotta Seltjarnarnes
Wikipedia - Besta deild karla
The Besta deild karla (lit. 'Men's Best Division') is the top level men's football league in Iceland. The competition was founded in 1912 as the Icelandic Championship. Because of the harsh winters in Iceland, it is generally played in the spring and summer (April to September). It is governed by the Football Association of Iceland (KSÍ) and has 12 teams. By the end of the 2022–23 season, UEFA ranked the league No. 48 in Europe.
From 27 April 2009 to 2022, the league had an active agreement on the league's name rights with Ölgerðin, the Icelandic franchisee for Pepsi. From the 2019 season to the end of the 2021 season, the league was popularly referred to as Pepsi Max deildin (The Pepsi Max League). On 24 February 2022, the league was rebranded as Besta deild karla.
The clubs play each other home and away. At the end of each season, the two teams with the fewest points are relegated to 1. deild karla (First Division), from which two top point teams promote to the higher tier. The winner of the league enters the European national competition UEFA Champions League in the second qualifying round. The second, third and fourth placed teams qualify for the UEFA Europa League in the first qualifying round.
An effort by KSÍ to strengthen Icelandic football had only one team relegated in the 2007 season to the First Division and three clubs promoted to the premier division, bringing the top flight to the number of clubs it contains currently.
Championship title counts are: KR with 27, Valur with 23, and ÍA and Fram Reykjavík each with 18. FH has 8 and Víkingur has 7. The 2023 title holder is Víkingur.
History
Championship history
The Icelandic league title has been won in its over 100 years existence by 11 teams. KR has the most titles, with 27. Stjarnan are the latest team to join the list, winning their first title in 2014.[]
The league has been dominated by teams from the Capital Region which contains nearly two thirds of Iceland's population. Only four teams from outside that region have ever won the league: Keflavík, ÍA, ÍBV, and KA. ÍBV (Vestmannaeyjar) and KA (Akureyri) have won four titles between them; these are the clubs farthest from the capital.[]
Single Round
- 1912: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1913: Fram (Reykjavík)*
- 1914: Fram (Reykjavík)*
- 1915: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1916: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1917: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1918: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1919: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1920: Víkingur (Reykjavík)
- 1921: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1922: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1923: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1924: Víkingur (Reykjavík)
- 1925: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1926: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1927: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1928: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1929: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1930: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1931: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1932: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1933: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1934: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1935: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1936: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1937: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1938: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1939: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1940: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1941: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1942: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1943: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1944: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1945: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1946: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1947: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1948: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1949: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1950: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1951: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1952: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1953: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1954: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1955: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1956: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1957: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1958: ÍA (Akranes)
Double Round
- 1959: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1960: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1961: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1962: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1963: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1964: Keflavík (Keflavík)
- 1965: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1966: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1967: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1968: KR (Reykjavík)
- 1969: Keflavík (Keflavík)
- 1970: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1971: Keflavík (Keflavík)
- 1972: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1973: Keflavík (Keflavík)
- 1974: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1975: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1976: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1977: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1978: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1979: ÍBV (Vestmannaeyjar)
- 1980: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1981: Víkingur (Reykjavík)
- 1982: Víkingur (Reykjavík)
- 1983: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1984: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1985: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1986: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1987: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 1988: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1989: KA (Akureyri)
- 1990: Fram (Reykjavík)
- 1991: Víkingur (Reykjavík)
- 1992: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1993: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1994: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1995: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1996: ÍA (Akranes)
- 1997: ÍBV (Vestmannaeyjar)
- 1998: ÍBV (Vestmannaeyjar)
- 1999: KR (Reykjavík)
- 2000: KR (Reykjavík)
- 2001: ÍA (Akranes)
- 2002: KR (Reykjavík)
- 2003: KR (Reykjavík)
- 2004: FH (Hafnarfjörður)
- 2005: FH (Hafnarfjörður)
- 2006: FH (Hafnarfjörður)
- 2007: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 2008: FH (Hafnarfjörður)
- 2009: FH (Hafnarfjörður)
- 2010: Breiðablik (Kópavogur)
- 2011: KR (Reykjavík)
- 2012: FH (Hafnarfjörður)
- 2013: KR (Reykjavík)
- 2014: Stjarnan (Garðabær)
- 2015: FH (Hafnarfjörður)
- 2016: FH (Hafnarfjörður)
- 2017: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 2018: Valur (Reykjavík)
- 2019: KR (Reykjavík)
- 2020: Valur (Reykjavík)**
- 2021: Víkingur (Reykjavík)
- 2022: Breiðablik (Kópavogur)
- 2023: Víkingur (Reykjavík)
- 2024: Breiðablik (Kópavogur)
* There was no competition in 1913 and 1914, and Fram was awarded the title.
** In 2020 the competition was cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Valur was awarded the title because they were at the top of the table when the season ended.
The Iceland Premier League, known locally as "Úrvalsdeild karla," is the premier professional football league in Iceland, showcasing the best talent in the nation. Established in 1912, this prestigious tournament has evolved into a thrilling competition that captivates fans with its unique blend of skill, passion, and the stunning backdrop of Iceland's breathtaking landscapes.
**Format and Structure:**
The league features a round-robin format, where each of the participating teams competes against one another over the course of a season. Typically consisting of 12 teams, the tournament runs from early spring to late autumn, allowing players to showcase their abilities in varying weather conditions. Each team plays a total of 22 matches, with points awarded for wins and draws, culminating in an exciting race for the championship title.
**Clubs and Rivalries:**
The Iceland Premier League is home to some of the most storied clubs in Icelandic football, including KR Reykjavik, FH Hafnarfjörður, and Valur Reykjavik. Fierce rivalries, particularly the "Reykjavik Derby" between KR and Valur, add an extra layer of intensity to the matches, drawing passionate crowds and creating unforgettable moments on the pitch.
**Development and Talent:**
The league serves as a vital platform for nurturing local talent, with many players progressing to international careers. Clubs invest in youth academies, ensuring a steady influx of skilled players who contribute to the league's competitive nature. The Iceland Premier League has also gained recognition for its role in developing players who have represented Iceland on the global stage, including during the UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup.
**Fan Experience:**
Fans of the Iceland Premier League enjoy a vibrant matchday atmosphere, characterized by enthusiastic support and a strong sense of community. Stadiums across the country, from the iconic Laugardalsvöllur in Reykjavik to the picturesque grounds in smaller towns, come alive with chants, flags, and the unmistakable spirit of Icelandic football.
**Conclusion:**
The Iceland Premier League is more than just a tournament; it is a celebration of Icelandic culture, community, and the beautiful game. With its rich history, competitive spirit, and commitment to developing local talent, the league continues to grow in stature, drawing attention from football enthusiasts around the world. Whether you're a local supporter or a visitor, the Iceland Premier League promises an unforgettable experience filled with excitement, drama, and the magic of football.