[10] "We Are the Champions" has become an anthem for victories at sporting events,[11] including as an official theme song for the 1994 FIFA World Cup, and has been often used or referenced in popular culture.

[13][14][15] It embodies numerous elements of arena rock,[16][17] with Brian May stating, "We wanted to get the crowds waving and singing.

"[10] Musically, it is based on Mercury's piano part, with Roger Taylor and John Deacon providing a drums and bass guitar backing.

The lead vocal is very demanding and strident (highest point is a C5 both belted and in falsetto), with one of Mercury's most notable performances taking place at the Live Aid concert, at Wembley Stadium, London in 1985.

[4] Keeping with tradition, the two songs were also used to close the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert with all the show's acts joining in behind the lead vocal of Liza Minnelli.

[4] Cash Box said that it contains "heroic lyrics and rapid changes in dynamics and emotional intensity" and praised guitarist Brian May's "dark backing lines and rippling fills.

"[19] Record World called it a "stately rocker well-suited to its title" and suggested that "it could serve as a sort of new wave anthem.

[22] "In some ways the definitive Queen song, from its balladic verses to its anthemic chorus, "Champions" has an eternal lock on sports stadium playlists."

In 2011, a team of scientific researchers concluded that "We Are the Champions" was the catchiest song in the history of pop music, despite its not reaching #1 in the charts in any major market.

Dr. Daniel Mullensiefen said of the study: "Every musical hit is reliant on maths, science, engineering and technology; from the physics and frequencies of sound that determine pitch and harmony, to the hi-tech digital processors and synthesisers which can add effects to make a song catchier.

[70] It was subsequently included on the album Stand Up for the Champion – Michael Schumacher in 2006 when he decided to retire from Formula One racing.

A cover version by Crazy Frog titled "We Are the Champions (Ding a Dang Dong)" was released as a single on 5 June 2006, to coincide with the 2006 FIFA World Cup.