Every year, the Eurovision Song Contest captivates millions across Europe and beyond. With anticipation running high, many fans turn to Eurovision odds to guess which acts will shine. Not only do odds drive intense discussions, but they also offer a fascinating window into public sentiment, betting trends, and expert predictions.
The first semi-final in Basel, Switzerland, delivered plenty of excitement. Countries like Sweden, Ukraine, and the Netherlands punched their tickets to the grand final. But even with strong favorites in the mix, the actual qualifiers still managed to surprise many.
Eurovoix, a respected Eurovision analysis platform, recently explored how accurate the predictions were ahead of the live event. According to Eurovoix’s deep dive, the main prediction models performed admirably:
Despite these strong performances, there were surprises. Portugal’s act, for example, was largely overlooked by both the crowd and data-driven models but successfully made it through. Iceland, too, exceeded expectations, with most betting odds missing their qualification.
Check the full analysis including the qualifier list and the odds breakdown on Eurovoix.
While Eurovision odds are informed by both bookmaker expertise and sheer popularity, real-world outcomes can differ. The first semi-final this year is a great example: bookmaker favorites like Belgium and Cyprus were projected to progress, yet both missed out. Instead, less fancied acts such as Portugal’s Napa secured a place in the final.
To get a full picture of the semi-final’s drama and performances, including stunning qualifying acts like Norway’s Kyle Alessandro and Albania’s Shkodra Elektronike, refer to The Standard’s recap. This roundup also covers Celine Dion’s inspiring message, as well as a breakdown of who made the cut and who didn’t.
No Eurovision coverage is complete without visuals. For a behind-the-scenes photo collection of the first semi-final, experience the vibrant atmosphere curated by AP editors with the official The Derrick Media gallery.
Looking ahead, Eurovision odds will continue to shift. The next semi-final promises even more upsets as 16 countries compete for the last 10 spots in Saturday’s grand final. The odds and predictions will play a pivotal role in shaping fandom conversations and might even influence the confidence of performers themselves.
Eurovision odds provide more than just predictions—they fuel the excitement and debate that make this contest unique. As 2025’s competition heats up, keep an eye on the shifting odds, but never underestimate the potential for shock results. For those who love both the music and the numbers, now is the time to follow expert breakdowns and join the conversation. Don’t forget to bookmark the latest Eurovision odds reviews and recaps for ongoing updates.