How to Bet on Eurovision 2025: Dark Horses & Fan Favorites

The Eurovision Song Contest is a spectacle of music, performance, and national pride. It’s also a fantastic opportunity for those who enjoy a flutter. With the 2025 contest already shaping up, it’s time to start analyzing the potential winners, the dark horses, and the fan favorites. This article will guide you through the early stages of betting on Eurovision 2025, offering insights into the countries to watch and the strategies to consider.

The Current Landscape

As of March 2025, 37 countries have confirmed their participation in the contest, which will be held in Switzerland, the home of the 2024 winner. A number of songs have already been released, giving us a glimpse into the potential frontrunners. The betting markets are already active, with odds fluctuating as new songs emerge and national selections conclude.

The Favorites

Currently, Sweden is leading the pack as the bookmakers’ favorite. This isn’t surprising, given Sweden’s impressive track record in the competition – they are aiming for a record-breaking eighth victory. The participation of Måns Zelmerlöw, the 2015 Eurovision winner, in Melodifestivalen (the Swedish national selection) has further boosted their odds.

However, it’s not a one-horse race. France has quickly risen to become the second favorite, even before their song has been released. The French artist Louane is expected to deliver a “powerful and emotional ballad,” which has generated significant buzz. Other countries making waves in the top tier include the Netherlands and Austria. Austria, in particular, has seen a surge in the odds, jumping five places in a short amount of time, with their song “Wasted Love” by JJ.

Confirmed Songs and Artists

While not all countries have selected their entries, here are some of the confirmed songs and artists, offering a taste of the diverse sounds we can expect:

• Austria:JJ – “Wasted Love”
• Finland:Erika Vikman – “Ich Komme”
• Albania:Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”
• Lithuania:Katarsis – “Tavo akys”
• Greece:Klavdia – “Asteromáta”
• Australia:Go-Jo – “Milkshake Man”
• Netherlands:Claude – “C’est La Vie”
• Spain:Melody – “Esa Diva”
• Italy:Lucio Corsi – “Volevo essere un duro”
• Estonia:Tommy Cash – “Espresso Macchiato”
• Belgium:Red Sebastian – “Strobe Lights”
• Ukraine:Ziferblat – “Bird of Pray”
• Ireland:Emmy – “Laika Party”
• Serbia:Princ – “Mila”
• Denmark:Sissal – “Hallucination”

Identifying the Dark Horses

While the favorites often dominate the headlines, Eurovision is known for its surprises. A “dark horse” is a country that isn’t initially considered a top contender but has the potential to outperform expectations and even win. Identifying these potential upsets is key to maximizing your betting returns.

Several factors can contribute to a dark horse’s success:

• A Unique and Memorable Song:A song that stands out from the crowd, either through its genre, lyrics, or overall message, can capture the attention of both juries and the public.
• Strong Staging and Performance:Eurovision is a visual spectacle, and a captivating performance can elevate a song to new heights.
• Unexpected Jury Appeal:Juries often reward songs with strong songwriting, vocal performance, and originality.
• Public Vote Surge:A song that resonates with the public can generate a wave of televotes, potentially overcoming a lower jury score.

Based on early indications, some potential dark horses for 2025 include:

• Lithuania:There is talk of Lithuania being a dark horse, with the song “Tavo akys” by Katarsis.
• Czechia:With a song yet to be released, early hype suggests that Czechia could be a contender, especially given their track record of innovative staging.
• Italy:Some are suggesting that Italy’s entry, “Volevo Essere un Duro” by Lucio Corsi, might be a jury favorite.

Betting Strategies

Betting on Eurovision involves more than just picking your favorite song. Here are some strategies to consider:

• Do Your Research:Listen to the songs, watch the performances (when available), and read analyses from Eurovision experts.
• Follow the National Selections:These events provide valuable insights into the songs and artists, and the odds often shift significantly after a national final.
• Consider Both Jury and Televote Appeal:A balanced approach is often the most successful.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Back a Dark Horse:While riskier, betting on a dark horse can offer substantial rewards.
• Shop Around for the Best Odds:Different bookmakers offer different odds, so it’s worth comparing.
• Set a Budget and Stick to It:Responsible gambling is crucial.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is shaping up to be another exciting and unpredictable event. While Sweden and France are currently leading the betting, the field is wide open, and there’s plenty of potential for surprises. By carefully analyzing the songs, performances, and betting trends, you can increase your chances of making informed and potentially profitable bets. Remember to gamble responsibly and, most importantly, enjoy the spectacle!