TRADER CHAT Q&A: Eurovision 2026 with JOHN BRACKENRIDGE

On the verge of the biggest specials event of the year, we sat down with trader John Brackenridge (JB) for a special Trader Chat Q&A session to give us an insight into the Eurovision Song Contest, how it looks from a trading perspective and what we can expect on Saturday night!

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🗣️ Firstly, before we get into the betting, what, in your opinion, elevates a song to the front of the market and a contender to win?

💬 “Lots of components go into it, quality of song, how memorable it will be on the night, ability of performer, staging etc. Trying to weigh up all these elements and predict what will happen on the Grand Final night is why those who bet on Eurovision enjoy it so much.”

🗣️ Working as a Trader for Eurovision what are the challenges you face?

💬 “It is the Specials market of the year, we try to go all out with as many markets as possible and try to think outside the box, its one of the best times of the year to work however the challenges are around keeping on top of what is going on in that arena, especially in the 2 week build up where we have rehearsals, Jury Shows & Semi-Finals all before we even get to Saturday. One bit of intel can see countries shift dramatically in the odds so that would be the main challenge, especially with so many markets.”

🗣️ Ok, so let’s take a look at this year’s contest, where have the movers been?

💬 “Probably the most significant move in the last few days is Australia’s rise to second favourite, Delta Goodrem is tasked with delivering Australia’ (yes, not in Europe) first win. We have also seen money for both Romania & Bulgaria with the Balkans set to do well –and yes, you can bet on the highest finishing Balkan country too!

In terms of countries who have drifted in the market, Denmark had long been in the front three of the betting but have taken a shift down the odds, one aspect of this will be due to them opening the show. Traditionally being drawn slot 1 (of 25) has been a disadvantage, however probably less so these days since the rules were changed to open the voting before the first song of the night rather than after the last.”

🗣️ So we have clearly been betting on Eurovision for a while, how does the book look currently?

💬 “We look ok at the minute, fortunately we have stayed ahead of most of the gambles, Cyprus would be our worst result with just over 24 hours to go but they have taken a drift in betting after Thursday’s Semi-Final. Finland, who are the favourites, have been popular but at the price they have been for several months they are a small winner in the book, although I expect they will likely be a loser come Saturday when we see most of our business.”

🗣️ And what are the UK’s chances looking like this year?

💬 “Sadly not good, they have mixed it up with an artist known as ‘Look Mum No Computer’, some might say it is a bit of an ear worm but, not for the first time, the UK is favourites for last place.”

🗣️ Other than the outright markets, what else will punters be able to bet on?

💬 “We have got all sorts up, if Finland are too short you can have a bet without them in the market, Top 5/10, last place, Jury & Tele vote winners, country Match Bets, UK Specials and more. We also have an array of Boosts available and as always, we have our Build-a-Bet section where you can jump on Trader Chat and request your own!”

🗣️ And finally, give us your prediction for the Top 5 and Last place?

💬 “Let’s try in order… Australia, Finland, Israel, Greece & Italy (with a special shout out for Bulgaria). Last place Belgium”

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