Eurovision 2025 set to be a two-way race as Irish win looks unlikely

Austria's odds of winning this year's Eurovision Song Contest have been cut to 5/2 as the competition gets under way in Basel this week, turning the title race into a two-way tussle.
Ladbrokes now predicts that Sweden - with odds of 11/10 - and Austria will duel for top honours come Saturday night. A double Eurovision winner, Austria last took the title in 2014, while Sweden aims to dethrone Ireland as the contest's most dominant by winning a record-setting eighth crown this year.
Alongside the two contenders, Ladbrokes has also lengthened France's odds to 10/1 from 7/1. Meanwhile, the UK and Ireland's chances of a win this week are looking increasingly slim, with odds of 66/1 and 100/1 respectively.
'It's looked like Sweden's contest to lose for a long time, but this odds shift is making people think again," said Ladbrokes' Cal Gildart. "Those who phone in to vote for Austria will be hoping their support isn't wasted love."
Previously, all signs had pointed towards a Swedish whitewash this year - with the seven-time champions the odds-on favourites to win last month. However, a late surge in support for Austria's entry, 'Wasted Love' by JJ has changed the complexion of the contest just days before the opening ceremony.
Outside of the top two, the chance still remains for a smaller nation to snatch a surprise win. With odds of 14/1, Belgium is well-placed to deliver a shock victory, with their entry Red Sebastian and his techno-flavoured single 'Strobe Lights'.
After a strong sixth place finish in last year's final, Ireland seeks to replicate Bambie Thug's success in 2025. 'Laika Party', penned by Norwegian singer-songwriter Emmy, fended off tough competition from Bobbi Arlo and Samantha Mumba to win this year's Eurosong. Taking the nomination with 34 points in hand, the song received the top score in both the jury and national vote.
Emmy will perform 'Laika Party' in the second semi-final on Thursday evening where she will be hoping to bag a place in Saturday's eagerly anticipated grand final in Basel, Switzerland.
Having competed in 46 finals as of this year, Ireland has firmly carved out its place in Eurovision history - but its accomplishments, such as an impressive four wins in the 1990s - have proven to be a double-edged sword over time.
With Eimear Quinn's 'The Voice' in 1996 the country's most recent Eurovision win to date, questions have been raised over whether Ireland could ever return to its winning ways. While the title favourites seem to be all but locked in, a return to fighting form in 2024 could mark the beginning of an Irish resurgence in the contest.
2025 Eurovision Song Contest contenders - odds
All betting odds taken from Ladbrokes and correct at the time of publication.

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