A great song is essential for winning, but does the number on the screen impact the final result? Research into data from the last two decades reveals surprising conclusions about Eurovision’s running order.

The semi-final running order draw is already behind us, and while delegations prepare, everyone’s focus is shifting toward the ultimate goal—a strategic slot in the Grand Final. It is no secret that a song’s placement in the decisive stage carries immense weight, but how measurable is this advantage? A new study analyzing the performance positions of winners over the past 20 years (2006–2025) proves that the final running order is far from a random lottery. The figures unequivocally demonstrate that the path to the glass trophy passes not only through vocal chords but also through the scheduling board.

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Year	Winning Country	Artist	Song	Running Order Position
2025	Austria	JJ	“Wasted Love“	9
2024	Switzerland	Nemo	“The Code“	21
2023	Sweden	Loreen	“Tattoo“	9
2022	Ukraine	Kalush Orchestra	“Stefania“	12
2021	Italy	Måneskin	“Zitti E Buoni“	24
2019	Netherlands	Duncan Laurence	“Arcade“	12
2018	Israel	Netta Barzilai	“Toy“	22
2017	Portugal	Salvador Sobral	“Amar pelos dois“	11
2016	Ukraine	Jamala	“1944“	21
2015	Sweden	Måns Zelmerlöw	“Heroes“	10
2014	Austria	Conchita Wurst	“Rise Like a Phoenix“	11
2013	Denmark	Emmelie de Forest	“Only Teardrops“	18
2012	Sweden	Loreen	“Euphoria“	17
2011	Azerbaijan	Ell & Nikki	“Running Scared“	19
2010	Germany	Lena	“Satellite“	22
2009	Norway	Alexander Rybak	“Fairytale“	20
2008	Russia	Dima Bilan	“Believe“	24
2007	Serbia	Marija Šerifović	“Molitva“	17
2006	Finland	Lordi	“Hard Rock Hallelujah“	17

Statistical Trends and Key Findings

What do the numbers tell us? The most prominent conclusions are:

The Ultimate Position – Song Number 17: Statistically, this is the most successful number in the modern history of the competition. This slot has produced three iconic victories: Loreen in 2012, Marija Šerifović in 2007, and Lordi in 2006.
The Power of the Late Stage (Positions 21-24): This is the “comfort zone” for champions, as these positions offer the advantage of performing late in the evening. This section has delivered 6 victories in the last 20 years, including Nemo from Switzerland, Netta Barzilai in 2018, and the Italians Måneskin in 2021.
The Strategic Mid-Point (Positions 11-12): These slots, appearing just before the show’s midpoint, have become particularly popular, producing a notable streak of winners: Ukraine (2022), Netherlands (2019), Portugal (2017), and Austria (2014).
The New Dark Horse – Song Number 9: In recent years, a new phenomenon has emerged in the first half of the final, with the 9th position responsible for the victories of Loreen from Sweden in 2023 and JJ from Austria in 2025.

Conclusion: What is the Real Winning Position?

The unambiguous data from statistical trends over the last 20 years highlights the massive advantage of the second half of the Grand Final. Despite occasional outliers, the vast majority of winners performed after song number 10. This suggests that a placement near the end of the show ensures the song remains fresh in the memories of both the audience and the juries just before the voting lines open, significantly increasing the chances of victory.

Eurovision 2026: the 70th edition of the contest will take place in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th, 2026. The Wiener Stadthalle arena, which will host the event, is expected to accommodate around 16,000 spectators per show. The contest returns to Austria following the nation’s third historic win with the song “Wasted Love”, performed by JJ. It will be Austria’s third time hosting Eurovision, after previous editions held in the country in 1967 and 2015.