The jury and spectators have made their decision.
Bulgaria won the ESC 2026. DARA beat the competition from 24 other final countries on Saturday evening (May 17th) in Vienna with their song “Bangaranga”. It is a historic triumph for Bulgaria: the country, which has narrowly missed the top spot several times in the past, is winning the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time.
Bulgaria surprises with ESC victory 2026
The success came as a surprise – at least according to the betting odds before the final. Bulgaria was one of the extended favorites there, but with around three percent chance of victory, it was well behind Finland, Australia, Greece and Israel. The Finnish duo Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen entered the race with “Liekinheitin” as the top favorites. In the end, however, DARA prevailed with a performance that apparently convinced both the juries and the audience.
For Germany, however, the evening was disappointing. Sarah Engels had already appeared second with “Fire” – a starting position that is considered particularly difficult among ESC fans. Even before the final, the bookmakers had given Germany little chance of a top spot. Placed directly after Denmark and ahead of Israel, Engels had to convince early in the evening, while many favorites followed much later.
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Anniversary at the Eurovision Song Contest
The final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest was under special observation this year. The competition had already been overshadowed in advance by the debate about Israel’s participation. Five countries – Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland – boycotted the ESC in protest against Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip.
In Vienna there were demonstrations against Israel’s participation before the final show. According to the German Press Agency, citing emergency services circles, around 2,600 people took part in the protests. The police spoke of a peaceful incident.
Finland was long considered the favorite
Musically, Finland in particular was the big favorite of the evening. The duo Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen were clearly ahead with “Liekinheitin” according to the betting odds shortly before the final. Behind them, Australia with Delta Goodrem and “Eclipse”, Greece with Akylas and “Ferto” and Israel with Noam Bettan and “Michelle” were given the best chances. Germany, on the other hand, was not one of the favorites.
Fans were able to cast their votes from the start of the show
25 acts competed in the final after ten countries qualified in each of the two semi-finals. There were also the seeded Big 4 countries Germany, Italy, France and the United Kingdom as well as host Austria. Voting was possible before all performances – a procedure that once again triggered criticism because it could encourage politically motivated voting. Especially in a year in which Israel’s participation was so controversial, the early start of voting seemed particularly vulnerable.
The evening was difficult for Germany from the start. Sarah Engels performed “Fire” directly after the Danish opener and before Israel. Starting position two is historically considered ungrateful because contributions there are often lost between the big opening banger and later favorites.
