Ukraine remains the favourite to win the Eurovision Song Contest 2022. That’s according to the betting odds, as viewed over at Oddschecker.

Kalush Orchestra — the Ukrainian act set for Torino — will sing the song “Stefania”, an ode to powerful mothers who stay strong and persevere, even if their tender words and soft hands mask their tenacity. In light of Russia’s war on the country, the song has taken on new meaning. It could very well be read as an ode to Mother Ukraine, which Ukrainians are now defending literally with their lives.

To many, the bookies’ belief in the act stems from more than just the song’s eye-catching staging from Vidbir 2022. It’s about the swell of international support for the country and the perseverance and courage displayed by its people. Eurovision can be won in a moment — and by capturing the moment. Should Kalush Orchestra make it to the Torino stage, they will no doubt deliver one of the most emotional and uplifting moments in the history of the contest.  

But Ukraine’s participation isn’t certain. On Saturday the broadcaster announced its intention to participate and said that it is preparing for the contest. Given the ugliness and uncertainty of the war, no one is making assumptions or taking anything for granted. One member of the group is currently a part of the country’s territorial defence forces. 

Italy’s Mahmood & Blanco — among the favourites ever-since winning Sanremo — are staying strong with odds between 3 and 4. “Brividi” is still giving the bookies those shivers. 

Ukraine remains Eurovision 2022 favourite in betting odds

 

 
 
 
 
 
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On March 12 Sweden, Iceland and Portugal gifted us three new songs in the final national selection weekend. 

Of these, Sweden is seeing the most love from the oddsmakers. Cornelia Jakobs’ stunning song “Hold Me Closer” has given many Eurofans all the feels, and it would seem the bookies are buying it. 

Sweden currently sits third in the table with odds hovering around 7 and 8. Sweden, Italy and Ukraine are the only countries with odds under the 8/1 mark.

The United Kingdom, which sits in fourth, has odds between 12 and 16, while Greece, which sits in fifth, has odds between 16 and 20.

Do you think Ukraine will win? Is it more televote friendly or more jury friendly? Who is underrated and who is overrated? And where do the bookies have YOUR favourite? Let us know in the comments box below.

218 Comments
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Ema
Ema
1 year ago

Spain, Serbia or UK. BEST THREE SONG/PERFORMANCES THIS YEAR.

Ema
Ema
1 year ago

Absolutely NO. This is NOT A WINNER SONG. If Ukraine win, reason is POLITICAL!

Frysk
Frysk
1 year ago

I just don’t get the popularity of Sweden. The song is not very spectacular but worse, her voice is just terrible! Am I the only one who hears this????

Blondy
2 years ago

For me absolutely number 1 is Poland.
2. Australia
3. Ukraine

Elen
Elen
2 years ago

Can somebody explain me the hype for Sweden this year?!. So many better and more interesting songs than the Swedish one.
Also, Ukraine’s song is good and catchy, yet it does not have winning vibes (on a non-war situation) but since there is the war people will be emotional about that (which i disagree, there are so many more meaningful ways to help). For me quality entries are : Lithuania, Greece, Italy and maybe Poland maaaybe

Last edited 2 years ago by Elen
Ema
Ema
1 year ago
Reply to  Elen

Serbia?

Séamus Mór
Séamus Mór
2 years ago

People shouldn’t be asking the question about Ukraine’s ability to host next year if they won. I’d imagine most Ukranians have much bigger problems to worry about like staying alive and protecting their loved ones. Voting for Ukraine because of the invasion might seem like a nice gesture for some people put it’s a pretty empty one, it wont save one precious life or force Russian to retreat. If people feel that strongly there are many practical things they can do from helping Ukrainians that come to live in their communities or donating to trustworthy charities. Channel your energies so… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Séamus Mór
BBerndjorg
BBerndjorg
2 years ago

Ok, let’s be realistic for a moment: Ukraine will need enormous amounts of money to rebuild the country after the horrendous devastation this atrocious war has caused and on top of that there are people who still think that it is fair and sensible to make Ukraine throw a massive party for europeans in the ruins next year? Why would somebody want to inflict some more financial troubles on the Ukrainians at this moment?

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago
Reply to  BBerndjorg

Nobody. That’s not what winning means.

peace
peace
2 years ago

Am I the only one who finds hypocritical to support Ukraine on 2022 Eurovision while voting for Israel on 2018?

knny
knny
2 years ago
Reply to  peace

Yes.

Only love
Only love
2 years ago
Reply to  knny

And how are we gonna call it if not hypocrisy? Lack of information?

12points
12points
2 years ago

There are so many ways to help and support Ukraine right now besides Eurovision, so voting for them out of pity shouldn’t be one. After all it’s a song contest!

zoliszekely
zoliszekely
2 years ago

I think it would be unfair if Ukraine wins this year. Unfair to the other participants especially the best songs this year. (Italy, Greece, Sweden etc.)
And I think that televoters should not vote for Ukraine because of pity.
”Don’t be so political.” (Denmark 2019)
Hope that the best song win this year and Ukraine be a top 10 or concentrate the peoples in their country and leave this contest this year.
#peaceforeverybody

Mariia
2 years ago
Reply to  zoliszekely

Only Italy has a great song, other 2 are generic

2022
2 years ago
Reply to  Mariia

Italys song is boring i have heard it so many times before.
The best song this year is Sweden

Séamus Mór
Séamus Mór
2 years ago

I seem to remember hearing some similar with Greece last year using a “green wall” but the stage performance ended up looking like a bad video costing a few euro.

knny
knny
2 years ago

I know people have routinely commented that they want a “contest.” I get it. But, in light of EVERYTHING, if Europe (and Australia) want to show any resemblance of unity against Russia, and in general, Ukraine should win. The whole backdrop of Russian genocide of Ukraine cannot be forgotten because the Eurovision Song Contest was ment to be unifying. If you want to watch a contest, watch the grammys, BAFTAS, or some other glitzy LA/London lifestyle show. If you want to promote unity and peace, vote for Ukraine. One ESC is not worth the loss of an entire country or… Read more »

Tiago S
Tiago S
2 years ago
Reply to  knny

I wholeheartedly agree with you.

Shone 22
Shone 22
2 years ago

My favourite is Serbia, Konstrakta, In Corpore Sano !!!

Last edited 2 years ago by Shone 22
2022
2 years ago
Reply to  Shone 22

The worst song this year

Wojtek
Wojtek
2 years ago

After last year eurovision( worst all the time, bcs of covid) we gonna have even worse eurovision this year. It will be so political…

Tomi
Tomi
2 years ago

Just like last year. They did something no one else had ever done, isn’t it? They always do this.

Gilad Eilon
2 years ago

Don’t get me wrong but I totally support Ukraine, but to me is kinda annoying if they would win for support votes, and not the best song win, I hate when real life issues change the results…

Mariia
Mariia
2 years ago
Reply to  Gilad Eilon

having a war in your country and to not know if you are going to wake up in the morning is much more annoying tho

Wojtek
Wojtek
2 years ago
Reply to  Mariia

It doesn’t mean u should win a song contest.

Mariia
Mariia
2 years ago
Reply to  Wojtek

not like it matters at this point

Stephanie
Stephanie
2 years ago

Actually I don’t believe Ukraine will win…Sure they will have a lot of support, and in these circumstances quite understandable…..I have a feeling that Sweden could surprise us all…. Although it’s not what i’d like….

Last edited 2 years ago by Stephanie
beccaboo1212
2 years ago

Music video = studio version without a live audience

Rashad
Rashad
2 years ago

As much as I love all the support Ukraine gets, I don’t think it’s fair for them to win with sympathy votes. Ukraine can do better and they deserve a real victory.

Mariia
Mariia
2 years ago
Reply to  Rashad

to have a 1 country to fight for the whole Europe is not fair either with 0 support

tomtomtom
tomtomtom
2 years ago

It’s pointless to fight the odds. The odds tell us the winner every year. Last year not many here believed Italy was going to win, but the odds said they were going to win, so they did.

Emre
Emre
2 years ago
Reply to  tomtomtom

Yes but remember odds will keep changing before Grand Final. Malta was favourite first last year but later Italy became the favourite. Don’t be surprised if you see Sweden in top 2 soon:)

gigi
gigi
2 years ago

This song is so, so, sooo overrated….. is this a song contest or a pitty contest?

Last edited 2 years ago by gigi
Mariia
Mariia
2 years ago
Reply to  gigi

yes, and because this song is overrated it is literally everywhere

Eurovisionary
Eurovisionary
2 years ago

Too early to decide. Germany is my favourite

tomtomtom
tomtomtom
2 years ago
Reply to  Eurovisionary

The odds have germany at #24. Basically no chance of winning.

Last edited 2 years ago by tomtomtom
Gilad Eilon
2 years ago
Reply to  tomtomtom

Cyprus is this time were 28th in the betting odds… You can’t know.

Unanimous
2 years ago

Slovenia is so underrated that hurts.

Last edited 2 years ago by Unanimous
Adnama
Adnama
2 years ago

Ok facts:
Ukraine could do extremely well in the televote even without the invasion, guys it has everything that televoters traditionally love.
Juries however would have stopped them from winning in a ” normal ” year, so they would have ended up 3-6. This year some jurors could be affected too from whats happening and see Ukraine in another light, so a win IS indeed possible.
Now, is it a song worthy of winning? In my opinion no, I enjoy it but its not a winner.

tomtomtom
tomtomtom
2 years ago
Reply to  Adnama

It’s as worthy as any of the other songs in this disappointing year.

Coco
Coco
2 years ago

Right now Gagarina sings at concert in Moscow, you know what for.

Wojtek
Wojtek
2 years ago
Reply to  Coco

I’m so sad about that. I was so mad, when she lost…

Robert
Robert
2 years ago

Unpopular opinion time: Not that long ago I was defending this year saying we dont have all the songs and it will for sure get better… MY GOD. This will be one of the worst years to date. Relistened all the songs yesterday on spotify and after the list finished Eden’s Set me free came on and I was like “damn, the year is so bad that this banger could have won this year”

Doris
Doris
2 years ago
Reply to  Robert

2022 vs 2021 Albania = weaker Australia = boring but still better Austria = weaker Azerbaijan = ? Belgium = weaker Bulgaria = better Czech Republic = better Croatia = better Cyprus = better Denmark = weaker Estonia = better Finland = weaker France = better Georgia = better Germany = weaker Greece = better Iceland = better Ireland = weaker Israel = weaker Italy = weaker Latvia = weaker Lithuania = better Malta = better Moldova = better Netherlands = better North Macedonia = better Norway = weaker Poland = better Portugal = better Romania = weaker San Marino… Read more »

Kate
Kate
2 years ago
Reply to  Doris

How can you say that this year’s UK entry is weaker?

Rantik
Rantik
2 years ago

I love Stefania, my favorite Ukrainian entry since Jamala, but we all know this is not a winning material. So far, I see only Sweden and UK as contenders for victory, but I think that France, Netherlands, Portugal and Belgium could be the dark horses

Benji
Benji
2 years ago
Reply to  Rantik

Poland and Norway are more likely to be dark horses.

Samo
Samo
2 years ago
Reply to  Rantik

UK? There is no chance. Top 10, maybe, but it’s not a winner. Sweden, Norway and Ukraine are the most likely winners. Austria maybeeeee, but that’s a stretch.

Teo
Teo
2 years ago

You are just being obscure and throwing shade at Greece. I looked up for Greece there’s no where any mention of Greece doing something never done before. Other than the simple way they are going for, what you are saying is wrong and ur just throwing dirt

Helene
Helene
2 years ago

Have you seen that Cornelia Jacobs from Sweden is moving up in the odds and closing in on Italy? I think she is the second choice after Ukraine. Her song is according to me the best Sweden ever sent. I just love her and her performance. It is stellar in every way. But of course I will be happy If Ukraine wins. They need every support they can get.

Wojtek
Wojtek
2 years ago
Reply to  Helene

Send your money or something.

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
2 years ago

We’ll see. Greece has a real shot of winning this year. I hope they won’t screw it up.

Last edited 2 years ago by Fast Food Music Lover
Purple Mask
Purple Mask
2 years ago

Considering what the song is about, I shudder to think what the stage trick is.
Are they gonna bring the boat?
Maybe build a cliff top to jump off of? (And if we…. Oops.) 😛

Mocky
Mocky
2 years ago

At this point, I think they won’t want to take part in ESC (it’s an opinion) with all the horror people is suffering in his country. The last I would be thinking is attending a festival which celebrates the joy of music. The only celebration would be putting Putin into jail.

tom
tom
2 years ago
Reply to  Mocky

it can be highly political, i think they’ll do it to make a stand against Russia as they are not in it and shows that seperation.

Mocky
Mocky
2 years ago
Reply to  tom

Appart from all that, it’s insane people thinking Putin is going to be worried if Ukraine wins Eurovision or don’t, isn’t it? ????

Tomi
Tomi
2 years ago
Reply to  Mocky

Didn’t he throw a tantrum because of ‘Dancing Lasha Tumbaj’ back in 2007? Maybe he is a diehard fan of the contest, just like you and me.

Rebekka
Rebekka
2 years ago
Reply to  Mocky

I saw a letter written by a boy from Ukraine on twitter yesterday. It read something along the lines: “First we win the war, then we win Eurovision, then we go to Crimea in the summer.” It is a deep and heartfelt wish for Ukrainians to take part in Eurovision.

Samo
Samo
2 years ago
Reply to  Mocky

How does not participating in Eurovision stop Putin invasion?

Mocky
Mocky
2 years ago
Reply to  Samo

How does participating in Eurovision stop Putin invasion?

Pearli
Pearli
2 years ago

I remember you also said that last year and it turned out that CGI was awful. You Greeks should reconsider if you wanna hype your entry again like this.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago
Reply to  Pearli

I mean Greece did do something that was never done before last year and they did place 10th, though in my opinion, Greece’s staging in 2021 sucked. I know I.M in the minority here.
With 2022 Greece, we’ll wait and see. Regardless, even if their staging is fairly weak, Greece should easily qualify.

Only Love
Only Love
2 years ago

Let’s be honset guys. Ukraine’s song isn’t a wining song. But apart from that, do you think that what Ukraine really needs right now is another win in the Eurovision? And if they don’t win and just end up reaching the top 10 -as they always do thaks to the televoting- does it mean that european people don’t support Ukraine? I don’t think so. May the best perfotmance win!

Costa Held
Costa Held
2 years ago

Sweden or Italy will win for sure
I see Ukraine top 10 but not winning

tom
tom
2 years ago

i think Eurovision is highly politicised now and thats more the issue, than ukraine winning cause of the war. how could it not have a huge impact on the result?
think they only lose by pulling out or eurovision been called off.

honeybooboo
honeybooboo
2 years ago

If Ukraine win simply on the fact it is a country at war, then it’s an insult to the country, the competitors and the artistry of the group themselves. What message does that send to them? ‘You largely won out of pity’ – I’m sure that’ll make them feel great. There would literally be no point in staging the competition and it would be an insult to the other 40+ contestants who are also there to try and win on the basis of the quality of their song. It’s just wrong. This is a competition folks, vote for Ukraine if… Read more »

Mariia
2 years ago

I am a Ukrainian and a Eurovision fan, but Eurovision is the last thing I am thinking about right now. You take the win, we just want peace! Innocent people are dying!

Ana
Ana
2 years ago
Reply to  Mariia

Don’t you dare to try to get the Eurofans heads out of their butts! They are devastated that your deaths might mess up the Eurovision results. You should be ashamed, coming here talking about your problems. People here are in panic over real stuff, you know, who wins Eurovision and sh*t. Real problems, unlike yours.

Oksana
Oksana
2 years ago
Reply to  Ana

Oh my…what a cynical and heartless person. Sadly enough there are too many russian bots. So, innocent people are dying – it’s not a problem? It’s genocide of Ukrainians.
“Devastated that the deaths might mess up The Eurovision” – no words, but that’s a real jerk who says that

Kristian
Kristian
2 years ago
Reply to  Oksana

Learn sarcasm Oksana

Ana
Ana
2 years ago
Reply to  Oksana

I always forget how many people don’t get the most obvious and grotesque sarcasm. My guess is that it’s a language barrier but still..

Emre
Emre
2 years ago
Reply to  Ana

You have zero empathy. Shame on you.

Ben
Ben
2 years ago
Reply to  Mariia

Slava i myr Ukrayini!

Pearli
Pearli
2 years ago
Reply to  Mariia

And yet you’re on this site typing these. It doesn’t seem it’s the LAST thing you wanna think about.

Tiago S
Tiago S
2 years ago
Reply to  Mariia

I’m a big eurovision fan too, but this year I couldn’t care less about the result when one of our european neighbours is being destroyed before our very eyes. I’m going to vote ukraine in this contest all the way just because everything I’ll do until the end of this conflict is political. Every little thing. Keep safe.

Mariia
2 years ago
Reply to  Tiago S

Thank you very much for you position!

1998
1998
2 years ago

No offense, but this is only in pity, just because of the war. Too predictable.

AllThingsNordic.eu
2 years ago

Yes, I’d love Ukraine to win this year. Eurovision (and Europe) is about peace, solidarity and empathy. So, yes, even if I don’t like the song that much, I will vote for it. I am sure there will be an extra sentimental overload when you hear them perform that night. They need and deserve it. For all Ukraine! Peace 🙂

2022
2 years ago

I thibk Ukraine shoukd rake a break this year, and come back 2023.

Fast Food Music Lover
Fast Food Music Lover
2 years ago
Reply to  2022

Ukraine might not even exist by 2023.

Ana
Ana
2 years ago

I can tell the same about you, what’s your point then?

2022
2 years ago

Maybe, but i hope so

Andrew
Andrew
2 years ago

The juries won’t place Ukraine at the top, but the televoting probably will. Might feel a bit awkward for another country to win on this basis. Personally, I don’t think Ukraine would normally win with this song. Tbh I imagine they’re dreading winning, it costs a lot to host Eurovision…

Ukraine stan
Ukraine stan
2 years ago

My opinion on Stefania is somewhat similar to my opinion on Bigger Than The Universe, not a bad song that I think I would enjoy but is personally ruined by how likely it is to win from reasons external to the song, thus making me less interested in it. ofc Stefania is FAR better than BTTU but the same kinda feeling applies.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
2 years ago

In my opinion, there are no clear winning songs this year (yet), but there are lots of “8/10” songs that usually finish 5th to 15th. Ukraine’s “Stefania” happens to be one of those, so yes it can win this year if the ESC goes ahead normally. But, does the song contest matter any more when there is no longer love and peace? By the way, Jonas rightly warns we are all in danger, but he also suggests we hold conversation about the contest until May. I think that’s a mistake. William did right by posting about this topic now, because… Read more »

Bob
Bob
2 years ago

I love the song but is it strong enough to win? With the refugee crisis, it will gain massive televote support from Ukrainians taking refuge in other countries, voting for themselves + the votes they’ll recieve from others just because it’s a good song. So if Ukraine wins, it might be deserved … however it would be hard to argue they’d have won still if there wasn’t a war and we didn’t have millions of Ukrainian refugees currently staying in other countries and voting from there. So it’s a tricky situation for the contest. I’m just grateful Ukraine is sending… Read more »

Milla
Milla
2 years ago

If the war ends before May ( lets hope it’s much sooner than that ) then the odds for Ukraine probobly will go up.

Last edited 2 years ago by Milla
Thomas Sturley
Thomas Sturley
2 years ago

If Bosnia didn’t win in 1993 then I don’t think Ukraine will win in 2022. The song is still great however.

PP77
PP77
2 years ago
Reply to  Thomas Sturley

In that period we had only juries. Ukraine will win again thanks to politics and massive suppport from televote and many juries (especialiy from Baltick,Nordic and ex Soviet Union states). in 2016 they had good (political song) who deserved TOP 5 , this year song don t deserve TOP 5.
For me UK, Greece, The Netherlands like Ukraine are so overrated by betting odds.

Ana
Ana
2 years ago
Reply to  PP77

Stephsnia could easily reach top 5 without the war. Especially considering this year is not super strong.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
2 years ago
Reply to  PP77

I think the televoters are less affected by politics than the jury (I’ll mention Russia 2016 as the best example of this).

So if the Jury will give Ukraine high marks due to pity reasons they can certainly win because the public will naturally back Ukraine since Stefania is a televote magnet. Not as much as SHUM, but still a televote magnet.

I hope this will not happen, if Ukraine wins ESC for political reasons again, this will make ESC and the EBU look very bad in my opinion.

cyprusfan206
cyprusfan206
2 years ago
Reply to  PP77

You’re saying those countries are overrated simply because they are some of the favourites. Someone has to be favourite now go cry

ESC Commentator
ESC Commentator
2 years ago
Reply to  Thomas Sturley

It was no televoting in 1993 That’s why it didnt’t win:)

fan
fan
2 years ago

To me this has always been the best song during the whole of the Eurovision selection process ( that is if anybody follows my critiques ) ..yes they might be harsh, but truthful.!This song has so many catchy hooks, it is fantastic. With or without the invasion, it was always the best.
Romania also also a huge song, and the Polish entry is quite beautiful.

sandyp
sandyp
2 years ago

Also correctly me if i’m wrong but isnt the betting odds solely made from British betters? Doesn’t oddscheker only show british book makers or can other countries bet using the sites like bet365 etc?

I feel like UK is always usually high each year due to British people betting on themselves

Jack
Jack
2 years ago
Reply to  sandyp

Nope. Embers and Bigger Than Us never got higher than 20th in the odds. This is purely hype but it’s not British people betting on themselves. A few of these sites are British but anyone can use them (bwin is Austrian, for instance)

cyprusfan206
cyprusfan206
2 years ago
Reply to  sandyp

nope please re-read the betting conditions again before making a comment like that

Jack
Jack
2 years ago

“Ukraine only won because of sympathy votes” is going to be the new “UK only finished last because of Brexit” excuse.

Neither excuse have a place in the ESC. If Ukraine win, they’ll deserve it.

I can’t see sympathy votes for Ukraine happening in much the same way Russia still got votes finished 2nd in 2015 when Ukraine couldn’t compete because of the war in Donbas caused by Russia. Nobody should have voted for Russia… but they did, because it’s a song contest, not popularity.

M4rtyman
2 years ago
Reply to  Jack

Ukraine are nearly evens favourites. No entry in the history of Eurovision betting has seen such low odds, so far from event. And I’m including far far better songs than this.

So sorry Jack – the conflict will definitely have an impact

Jack
Jack
2 years ago
Reply to  M4rtyman

And yet Russia got voted into 2nd in 2015 post-Donbas, Russia was the reason Ukraine weren’t even there. Israel won in 2018.

Conflicts don’t matter, and there’s history to back it up.