FantaSanremo 2026: How to Win Italy’s Viral Music Fantasy Game
As the 76th Sanremo Music Festival approaches, a parallel competition is captivating Italy: FantaSanremo 2026. This online fantasy sports-style game allows fans to build virtual teams of competing artists and score points based on their real-world performances during the festival, which runs from February 24th to 28th, 2026 [1]. With hundreds of thousands of teams already registered, the final deadline for participation is midnight on February 23rd, 2026 [1].
How FantaSanremo Works
The game’s rules largely mirror those of previous years, with a few key updates. Players assemble a team of seven artists – five starters and two reserves – with one designated as captain [1]. Teams are constructed using “Baudi” – a tribute to the iconic Italian television host Pippo Baudo – with each player receiving a budget of 100 Baudi to spend [1]. Points are awarded for both final rankings and on-stage bonuses. The captain’s score is doubled, both for positive bonuses and negative penalties, during the first four evenings and in the final ranking, making this a crucial selection [1]. A latest feature for 2026 allows for lineup changes on February 27th and 28th, between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM [1].
Top Picks and Potential Strategies
Currently, Fedez & Marco Masini and Tommaso Paradiso are topping the Baudi rankings at 17 Baudi each, making them the most expensive and highly anticipated captain choices [1]. Tommaso Paradiso is considered a solid choice due to his potential for broad appeal with both the public and radio audiences [1]. Dargen D’Amico is a popular pick among bonus hunters, described by FantaSanremo co-founder Giacomo Piccinini as “the best fantasy player of everyone,” known for consistently earning bonus points through unique on-stage antics [1]. Elettra Lamborghini is also frequently recommended for her history of generating bonus points through performance and stage presence [1].
Wildcards and Artist-Specific Bonuses
Da Vinci Hall is emerging as a potential wildcard, with analysts suggesting he could outperform expectations and secure unexpected bonuses [1]. FantaSanremo 2026 also introduces artist-specific bonuses, such as 10 points for Samurai Jay wearing a kimono or points for Arisa recommending painkillers to Carlo Conti [1].
Artists to Avoid
Artists known for more traditional musical styles, such as Patty Pravo, Francesco Renga, or Raf, are generally considered less effective for FantaSanremo due to their limited potential for generating bonus points [1]. Artists who have expressed disinterest in actively participating in the game’s dynamics are also considered risky choices.
The Winning Formula
Giacomo Piccinini recommends a strategy of selecting two strong ranking favorites and four to five bonus hunters [1]. The captain should be a top contender to maximize points, although the remaining team members should be chosen for their proven ability to exploit the game’s bonus opportunities, potentially including a few wildcard selections.