Eurovision 2026 Favorites: Who Will Win the 70th Anniversary Bash in Vienna?

The road to the 70th Eurovision Song Contest is heating up as the music world descends on Vienna, Austria. With the grand finale set for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Wiener Stadthalle, the tension is palpable. Following the victory of Austrian artist JJ in 2025, this milestone anniversary edition promises to be one of the biggest celebrations in the contest’s history.

With 35 songs in the running and the semi-finals having concluded on May 12 and 14, the field has narrowed. While the final results are never guaranteed, bookmakers have already identified the frontrunners. Here is a detailed look at the top five favorites poised to take the trophy in Vienna.

The Top 5 Bookmaker Favorites for Eurovision 2026

1. Finland: Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen – “Liekinheitin”

Finland enters the finale as the overwhelming favorite. The duo of Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen has captured the attention of viewers with their track “Liekinheitin,” a high-energy blend of rock, classical music, and dance. As of May 9, 2026, bookmakers give them a 35% chance of winning and a 57% probability of finishing in the top three.

The pair brings a powerhouse of contrasting talent to the stage. Lampenius, known as Linda Brava, is a renowned classical violinist who began her professional journey with the Helsinki Junior Strings at age eight and has toured extensively across Asia, Europe, and North America. Parkkonen, meanwhile, is a household name in Finland after placing third in the 2008 season of “Idols.”

2. Greece: Akylas – “Ferto”

Climbing from fifth to second place in recent odds, Greece’s Akylas is a strong contender with his song “Ferto.” He currently holds a 14% chance of victory and a 40% chance of securing a top-three spot.

Akylas first gained traction in 2021 through his TikTok cover videos before competing in the eighth season of “The Voice of Greece.” A self-taught musician from Serres, he blends contemporary sounds with a deep sense of Greek identity, creating a multicultural sonic profile designed to stand out in a crowded field.

3. Denmark: Søren Torpegaard Lund – “Før vi går hjem”

Denmark is represented by Søren Torpegaard Lund, a musician whose trajectory has been marked by “firsts.” Lund was the youngest student ever admitted to the Musicalakademiet (a branch of the Danish National School of Performing Arts) at age 17. After an unsuccessful attempt at the 2023 Dansk Melodi Grand Prix with “Lige her,” he returned in 2026 to win the national selection with “Før vi går hjem.”

The bookmakers currently place him third, with an 11% chance of winning and a 34% likelihood of a top-three finish.

4. France: Monroe – “Regarde !”

France continues its streak of being a top-five favorite. Represented by the opera singer Monroe, the “Hexagon” is looking for its first victory in 49 years—the first since Marie Myriam’s win. Monroe, who rose to fame after winning the show “Prodiges” on France 2 in 2025, brings a versatile vocal range and a modern interpretation to her song “Regarde !”.

Despite a slight dip in the odds—having previously held the second spot—Monroe currently has a 7% chance of winning and a 29% chance of a top-three finish. As a member of the “Big-4” (alongside Italy, Germany, and the UK), France qualified directly for the finale.

5. Australia: Delta Goodrem – “Eclipse”

Australia has opted for star power this year, sending singer-songwriter and actress Delta Goodrem to Vienna with the track “Eclipse.” Goodrem is a veteran of the industry, first discovered in 2002 via the soap opera “Neighbours.” Since her 2003 debut album “Innocent Eyes,” she has released six more albums and secured eight number-one singles in her home country.

The seasoned pro currently sits at fifth place in the betting odds, with a 6% chance of winning and a 25% probability of finishing in the top three.

Can You Trust the Bookmakers?

While betting odds provide a snapshot of momentum, Eurovision history proves they aren’t infallible. In 2021, the odds were spot on, predicting Måneskin (Italy) as the winner and Barbara Pravi (France) as the runner-up. Similarly, Loreen’s 2023 victory for Sweden was widely anticipated.

However, the contest is famous for its upsets. In 2024, Baby Lasagna was the favorite, but Switzerland’s Nemo took the win. Even more surprising was 2025, where the odds favored a Swedish group called KAJ, only for the Austrian singer JJ to triumph on home soil. This volatility is exactly what makes the May 16 finale a must-watch event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2025?

The 2025 contest was won by the Austrian artist JJ.

When is the Eurovision 2026 final?

The grand finale takes place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Vienna, Austria.

What is the “Big-4” in Eurovision?

The Big-4 consists of France, Italy, Germany, and the United Kingdom. These countries are granted direct qualification to the grand finale regardless of the semi-final results.

As we count down the final seven days, all eyes remain on the Finnish duo and the seasoned talent of Delta Goodrem. Whether the bookmakers are right or another underdog emerges, the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest is set to be a historic night of music.