Eurovision Semi-Final 2 Betting Tips: Israel sit as risky 8/11 favourites
The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 continues tonight with the second semi-final live from Basel, Switzerland. Following a dramatic first semi-final that featured a surprise appearance from Celine Dion and a mix of technical hiccups and emotional performances, tonight's show promises to be equally captivating. With 16 countries vying for 10 spots in Saturday's Grand Final, the competition is fierce, and each act brings a unique flair to the stage.
Here are our showbiz expert Kayley Cornelius' Eurovision Semi-Final 2 Betting Tips...
Eurovision Semi-Final 2 Betting Tips
Public voting plays a pivotal role this year, making it crucial for performers to connect with audiences across Europe and beyond. With the televote carrying even greater weight, staging, charisma, and song appeal have never been more important. Artists are under pressure not just to deliver technically flawless performances but also to leave a lasting impression on viewers at home.
As the semi-final unfolds, fan favourites and dark horses alike will be hoping to strike the right chord and secure a coveted place in the this weekends final. Here’s how our frontrunners are looking ahead of tonight...
🇮🇱 Israel @ 8/11
Israel currently leads the semi-final betting markets at 8/11, but it’s far from a comfortable position. Their entry, “New Day Will Rise”, performed by Yuval Raphael, has generated both emotional support and sharp political scrutiny. In recent interviews, Raphael said she is “mentally prepared to perform through boos,” acknowledging the geopolitical tensions surrounding Israel’s participation this year.
Despite the controversy, Israel’s staging has been praised as visually arresting, and Raphael’s vocal precision has earned her top marks in rehearsals. With the public carrying the entire voting weight, it’s a question of whether voters reward performance and artistry or whether backlash overtakes the ballots. From a betting perspective, Israel remains a market favourite, but there’s clear downside risk if sentiment shifts during the live broadcast.
🇫🇮 Finland @ 11/4
Finland's odds have been shortening rapidly, especially after the buzz from Tuesday night’s semi-final. Erika Vikman, a household name in Finland thanks to her flamboyant style and fearless pop sensibility, brings “Ich Komme” to Basel—a brash, neon-drenched banger that's as unapologetic as it is infectious.
Since her standout rehearsal clips began circulating online, Vikman has gone from mid-tier prospect to one of the top momentum plays in the market. At 11/4, she’s now the clear second-favourite to win tonight and could go even further if the televote lands in her favour. For punters looking for value outside the top pick, Finland offers a high-upside wager.
🇨🇿 Czech Republic @ 66/1
Perhaps a long shot, but not entirely out of the question. If Tuesday’s semi-final taught us anything, it’s that Eurovision thrives on unpredictability and the Czech Republic might just be this year’s chaos candidate. At 66/1, the odds suggest slim prospects for a Czech win later this evening, but that’s exactly what makes them intriguing for speculative bettors.
Czechia enters tonight’s semi-final with a visually captivating and musically polished entry, “Kiss Kiss Goodbye” by Adonxs. A rising star known for his genre-bending sound and theatrical stage presence, Adonxs delivers a performance that blends synth-pop, dramatic lighting, and emotional depth. The song, which touches on heartbreak and emotional liberation, stands out in a field often dominated by power ballads and club anthems. It’s sleek, modern Eurovision fare—impeccably produced and artfully performed.
With the public vote driving the semi-final results this year, songs that connect in the moment—particularly with younger, social media-savvy viewers—can leapfrog the favourites. If Adonxs can create a memorable stage moment, or if momentum builds on platforms like TikTok post-performance, Czechia could turn out to be one of the night’s most surprising qualifiers. Bettors looking for a high-reward risk might consider this the long shot with upside.
🇦🇹 Austria @ 1/100 to Qualify
Austria's JJ is entering tonight’s semi-final as one of the most heavily favoured acts to qualify, and the odds reflect that at a dominant 1/100. His entry “Wasted Love” is a soaring ballad that fuses classical vocal technique with modern production, creating a distinct, cinematic sound that easily stands out among this year’s lineup. JJ, 23, delivers spine-tingling falsetto vocals, reminiscent of early Sam Smith and even hints of opera, creating an emotional performance that’s hard to forget.
Much of JJ’s appeal lies in the contrast between his understated, almost fragile stage presence and the overwhelming power of his voice. His rehearsal clips have already gone viral, and the song has started picking up fan support across Europe. While there's little value in backing Austria to qualify—those odds reflect a done deal—but for those eyeing the bigger picture, JJ could become a dark horse for a top 10 finish in Saturday’s final. If you’re looking at accumulators or speculative each-way bets, keep Austria on your shortlist.
You can follow all Kayley's Eurovision Betting Tips over on Betfred Insights.
