Eurovision 2025: Bookmakers' predictions ahead of semifinal and Ukraine’s chances
Who will win Eurovision 2025 (photo: eurovision.tv)
On Tuesday, May 13, the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 begins, and fans from all over the world are preparing for a vibrant music show. Meanwhile, bookmakers have already made their predictions. RBC-Ukraine offers a look at the ranking of favorites ahead of the first semifinal.
According to bookmakers' forecasts, Sweden has the highest chances of triumph: the band KAJ with the song "Bara bada bastu" received a 95% probability of taking first place.
Close behind Sweden are three countries with equal chances of 94%:
- Estonia with Tommy Cash and his track "Espresso macchiato"
- The Netherlands, represented by Claude with the gentle song "C'est La Vie"
- Ukraine, represented this year by the band Ziberblat with the song "Bird of Pray"
- Rounding out the top five is Albania – the band Skodra Electronike with the energetic song "Zjerm" has a 92% chance of winning.
Bookmakers' forecast (photo: eurovisionworld.com)
Other countries that could also compete for high positions:
- Cyprus (Theo Evan – "Shh") – 85%
- Norway (Kyle Alessandro – "Lighter") – 84%
- Poland (Justyna Steczkowska – "Gaja") – 83%
- Belgium (Red Sebastian – "Strobe Lights") – 71%
- San Marino (Gabry Ponte – "Tutta L’Italia") – 54%
These predictions are not final, but they already give an idea of the main contenders for victory. After the first semifinal, the odds may change significantly, so the intrigue is just beginning.
Let us remind you that on Sunday, May 11, the opening ceremony of Eurovision 2025 was held in Basel, Switzerland. Instead of the usual red carpet, this year the organizers arranged a grand parade, nearly one and a half kilometers long. That’s how the participant delegations were welcomed before the traditional official reception.
Turquoise walkway of Eurovision-2025 (photo: t.me/euroreport)
The ceremony began in the city’s main square, where representatives of 37 countries were greeted by local authorities and numerous fans. After the welcome speeches, the delegations got into retro cars and vintage trams.
Accompanied by orchestras, folk musicians, and traditional ensembles, the column moved through the old city streets, crossed the Rhine River, and arrived at the exhibition center. There, journalists and the official part of the reception were already waiting for the participants.
