It’s Eurovision Song Contest time! That’s right, the second half of the semi-finals kicks off tonight as the remaining 15 performers prepare to give it their all for your votes.
As ever, only 10 acts from each semi-final can make it through to the grand final before they then compete against the Big Four and reigning champions Austria for a chance to be crowned champions.
But who are the bookmakers’ favourites to win?
In the run up to the competition, the Eurovision 2026 odds have fluctuated, but there is one entry that has remained at the top of the rankings.
Scroll on to find out who are the favourites to win this year’s contest, and who could be walking away with nul points…
Last updated: 14 May 2026
Eurovision semi-final 2 2026 odds: Who is tipped to win?
Ahead of the competition, the bookies’ favourite to win is Finland, according to Betway.
This year, Finland is represented by Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen with their song Liekinheitin. If Finland were to come out on top, it would be the second win for the country, following Lordi’s win in 2006.
Below are the top 10 contenders to win in 2026:
- Denmark – 13/8
- Australia – 7/4
- Ukraine – 5/1
- Romania – 6/1
- Malta – 16/1
- Cyprus – 20/1
- Bulgaria – 22/1
- Albania – 50/1
- Czechia – 50/1
- Latvia – 50/1
In less good news for the United Kingdom, Look Mum No Computer is not among the favoured entries.
Betway’s Lewis Knowles commented: “Denmark head into Saturday night’s second Eurovision semi-final with the slightest advantage, leading the market at 13/8 to win the show. However, with Australia trailing closely behind at 7/4, there’s only a matter of percentages separating the two, making it very much anyone’s game. Other strong contenders include Ukraine at 5/1 and Romania at 6/1.
“At the other end of the market, it’s shaping up to be a disappointing night for Armenia, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg, who all share slim 200/1 odds of winning and could narrowly miss out on a place in the final.”
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The Eurovision Song Contest has faced significant criticism over its decision to allow Israel to take part in the event due to the ongoing war in Gaza.
This year, a number of countries will boycott the contest following the European Broadcasting Union’s decision not to expel Israel from the competition.
At the EBU general assembly in December 2025, a vote was held to introduce new rules that would stop governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters. No vote was held on Israel’s participation.
The EBU said in a statement: “A large majority of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place.”
Following this, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland confirmed they would not participate in this year’s Eurovision.
Irish broadcaster RTÉ said: “RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.”
The BBC, which broadcasts the competition in the UK, has said it supports the decision made by the EBU. “This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive,” it said in a statement.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final will take place on Saturday 16 May 2026.
You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision.
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