Team Esbjerg are Danish champions once again. Backed by a packed Blue Water Dokken, Esbjerg defeated rivals Odense Håndbold 35–29 in the decisive third match of the Danish league final series to secure the club’s first league title since 2023.
The championship victory carries extra significance given Esbjerg’s recent struggles against Odense. In recent seasons, Odense had repeatedly stood in the way of Esbjerg’s title ambitions, establishing themselves as the dominant force in Danish women’s handball. This time, however, Esbjerg finally turned the tables when it mattered most.
As so often this season, Henny Reistad was the difference-maker.
The Norwegian superstar delivered a remarkable final series and proved almost impossible for Odense to contain. Reistad scored 10 goals and added eight assists in the opening final, before following it up with an extraordinary 19-goal performance in the second match as Odense forced a deciding game.
With the title on the line in Game 3, Reistad once again led from the front as Esbjerg controlled most of the contest before pulling away in the second half. The home crowd played a major role as the hosts regained momentum whenever Odense threatened a comeback.
The championship caps another outstanding season for Reistad, who has further strengthened her reputation as arguably the best player in the world. The Norwegian finished as the dominant attacking force throughout both the domestic season and the Champions League campaign.
Nykøbing Falster claim bronze
Elsewhere, Nykøbing Falster secured third place in the Danish league.
After winning the opening bronze-medal match against Ikast, Nykøbing lost the second one late, and then won the third game of the series to clinch the bronze medal and end their season on a high note.
For Esbjerg, however, the spotlight belongs to the champions. After years of watching Odense celebrate, they are back on top of Danish handball.