Patrik Westberg has won the inaugural award of Sweden’s favourite TV sports commentator of the year. The esteemed sports commentator topped a poll run by TVmatchen.nu, Sweden’s most popular sports TV guide.

The Best TV Sports Commentator Award was launched to celebrate the greatest voices behind the most popular sports on Swedish TV. The competition attracted over 10,000 votes from sports fans choosing their favourite sports commentator of 2018.

Westberg, who is well-known for his charismatic commentary on Swedish Hockey League, Hockeyallsvenskan, Allsvenskan and Superettan, secured a majority of the public vote against fellow sports commentators Chris Härenstam, Lena Sundqvist, Niklas Holmgren, and Roberto Vacchi.

Patrik Westberg commented on receiving the award: When I found out I was nominated for the award and then that had I won – I was shocked! I posted on my social media, and a lot of people expressed their appreciation towards my work. Naturally, it is an amazing feeling, but most importantly I reassured myself that there is a purpose in what I do. Knowing that there are people who truly like the style of my commentary and take enjoyment from it is the best prize I could ever wish for. I am very hard on myself, and now I am just happy because I know I don’t have to force anything or change who I am as a commentator.

Erik Jensen, Managing Director of TVmatchen.nu said: “The TVmatchen team wanted to create an award to congratulate the individuals who make watching sport on TV a pleasure with their expert knowledge and comforting words. I would like to congratulate Patrik for collecting the first ever title of Sweden’s Best TV Sports Commentator, and I hope the awards will become an annual tradition for sports fans across Sweden to celebrate their favourite sports commentators.”

 

Patrik Westberg Q&A

What sporting event would you like to comment on the most?

Sweden in the World Cup! Most preferably – in the final! It would involve a lot of stress but also a passion for me, as a commentator, and for thousands of fans in the country. That would not only be extremely challenging but rewarding, talking my commentary to the next level.

Did you always think or dream about becoming a sports commentator?

Sport has always been a big part of my life. I used to play football, hockey and handball and have always enjoyed watching professionals play. I was dreaming of becoming a professional sports commentator since a young age and I was told at school that my skills would never be enough to achieve anything great. I had a hard time and was discouraged, but I never gave up. Not earlier than in my early thirties I had a chance to step up the game and begin a career of a sports commentator. I started with small events and shows and with friends’ recommendations the word spread. I covered sports events on the local radio of my hometown, and it worked quite well. Then, a journalist friend of mine recommended me to a certain TV station in Stockholm. My first reaction was nothing but fear – I was scared that people would never like the way I work. But they actually did, and it was the first time in my life when I believed that I could do something great. My commentary game has rolled on since then.

Do you have any predictions for who might win the next season of Allensvenskan?

Of course, there are teams that you know will fight for the title on the very top of the list. I believe it’s going to be Malmö, close to AIK, but even Norrköping and Djurgärden maybe. I hope it’s going to be a fierce competition but Malmö and AIK seem to be the leaders. Malmö has a very good economy compared to the other teams what definitely is a big advantage for them.

What’s your favourite team in Sweden – Allensvenskan?

I actually don’t have one. I had before but when I started my career – the feelings for the favourite teams were gone as I purely concentrated on the objective and real perception of the games, making sure my personal views and preferences won’t affect my job.

Do you follow Swedish players abroad?
Before it was Zlatan Ibrahamovic, but not really anyone else after he ended up in the MLS.

What do you think of the performance of Victor Lindelöf at Manchester United?

Now when Jose Mourinho is gone he can actually prove to everyone that he’s a good player. He’s mentally strong – he has been receiving a lot of criticism and still managed to not yield under pressure. So now it definitely is his time to present himself from the very best side. Lindelöf is fast…

 

About TVmatchen.nu

TVmatchen.nu is a leading website and mobile app that provides real-time TV listings and sports media content for the Swedish market. The platform provides TV fixtures for the most popular spectator sports including football, hockey, handball, tennis, golf, trotting, and motor racing. TVmatchen.nu is owned by Raketech Group – a leading media and content marketing company that is listed on Nasdaq First North Premier.