How to Bet on Eurovision 2026: Host City, Running Order & Winner Markets

The last piece of confetti from Eurovision 2025 has been swept away, but for dedicated followers of the world’s greatest song contest, the season never truly ends. With Austria’s spectacular victory back in May with the song “Wasted Love,” the entire Eurovision world now turns its attention to the heart of Europe for the 2026 competition. This year-long journey from one Grand Final to the next offers a fantastic opportunity for fans to get more involved, and for many, that includes placing a few wagers on the outcomes.

A Confirmed Host and What It Means

Following Austria’s win, the Austrian national broadcaster, ORF, and the EBU moved quickly. While in some years there is a lengthy bidding process between multiple cities, this time the decision was swift. Vienna has been confirmed as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. This early confirmation removes the traditional first betting market of the season, predicting the host city, but it gives us a concrete foundation for the year ahead.

The Outright Winner Market

This is the market everyone thinks of: betting on which country will lift the trophy. In October, this is purely a speculative game, as no songs have been selected. So, what drives these early odds? It’s a combination of historical performance, national selection prestige, and early rumors.

Countries with a strong recent track record, like Sweden, Ukraine, and now the defending champion Austria itself, will always start with short odds. Nations that take the contest very seriously and invest in high-quality national finals, such as Sweden with Melodifestivalen, are considered strong bets. Their selection processes are known for producing competitive entries. As the host nation, Austria will be under a microscope, and their song choice will be one of the most anticipated of the season.

Betting this early is a high-risk, high-reward strategy. A country might be a favorite now, but if they select a weak song in March, their odds will lengthen dramatically. Conversely, a longshot bet on a country with a less-than-stellar history could pay off handsomely if they suddenly produce a masterpiece.

How the Odds Shift

The period from January to March is when the Eurovision betting landscape becomes truly dynamic. This is “National Final Season,” when countries across Europe select their artists and songs for the contest. Each time a new song is released, the “Outright Winner” market reacts.

A song that generates immediate positive reactions from the fan community online will see its odds shorten. If a pre-season favorite releases a song that falls flat, you will see its odds drift out. This is the time to watch YouTube reaction videos, check streaming numbers, and follow fan polls on sites like Wiwibloggs or the Eurovision subreddit. This public sentiment is a powerful indicator and directly influences how bookmakers price the market. A smart bettor can find great value by identifying a potential hit before the odds fully catch up to the public mood.

Running Order and Semi-Finals

As we get closer to the contest in May, more nuanced markets open up. The Semi-Final Allocation Draw, typically held in late January, splits the countries (minus the Big Five and the host, Austria) into two Semi-Finals. After this, you can bet on which countries will qualify for the Grand Final. This is often a more predictable market than betting on the overall winner. There are usually a handful of certain qualifiers, a handful of certain non-qualifiers, and a group of borderline entries where the real value can be found.

Other Popular Betting Markets

Beyond the main events, bookmakers offer a wealth of other betting options that cater to every type of fan. These can be some of the most enjoyable wagers to make. Popular choices include:

• Top 5/Top 10 Finish: A lower-risk way to back a country you like but aren’t certain can win it all.
• Top Nordic/Top Balkan Country: Betting on which country from a specific geographical region will place highest.
• Jury vs. Televote Winner:Some songs are jury-bait (vocally complex, artistically acclaimed) while others are pure televote pleasers (fun, catchy, memorable staging). You can bet on which song will win each specific vote.
• Last Place: A slightly mischievous but very popular market is betting on which country will finish with the dreaded “nul points” or at the bottom of the scoreboard.

Deep Appreciation

Engaging with Eurovision betting markets can deepen your appreciation for the contest, turning the entire nine-month season into an interactive experience. It encourages you to follow the national selections, analyze the entries, and consider strategic elements like staging and running order. With the host city already set, the stage is prepared for another year of incredible music and thrilling competition. Enjoy the spectacle and the exciting journey to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna.