Following Bulgaria’s historic win, EuroMix ranks 10 countries that deserve their very first Eurovision victory, from Cyprus to Canada.
The sweeping and unprecedented victory of Bulgaria on Viennese soil in Eurovision 2026 completely reshuffled the deck, reminding everyone of the contest’s true magic: the moment a country that has never won breaks a long-standing drought and lifts the trophy for the very first time in its history. The Bulgarian triumph proved that with the right song, the exact staging, and the passion of an entire nation, anything is possible.
Just before the journey to Eurovision 2027 kicks off in Burgas, EuroMix’s “Top 10” project honors the countries that are still waiting for their moment of glory. From participation record-holders without a victory, through audience powerhouses that touched the top, to small nations or fresh debutants with massive ambitions – here are 10 countries that deserve to win for the first time in their history.
1. Cyprus
Contest History: Cyprus is the country with the most Eurovision appearances without ever taking first place. Since its debut in 1981, the Island of Love has provided dozens of unforgettable performances, with its closest moment to victory recorded in Lisbon 2018 with Eleni Foureira and the legendary hit “Fuego“, which finished in second place.
Why Does It Deserve to Win? Because no country has worked so hard, for so many years, without receiving the grand prize. Cyprus has become synonymous with polished pop, sleek choreography, and extraordinary professional dedication. Hosting Eurovision in Cyprus would be the fairest reward for four decades of devotion and total loyalty to the Eurovision brand.
2. Croatia
Contest History: Since joining Eurovision as an independent nation in 1993, Croatia maintained a notable presence and enjoyed solid successes in the 1990s. However, the most dramatic moment in its history occurred in Malmö 2024, when Baby Lasagna and the electro-rock track “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” completely swept the televote, winning the public vote and finishing in an overall second place that stands as a historic achievement for the country.
Why Does It Deserve to Win? Baby Lasagna’s victory in the public vote proved that Croatia understands the pulse of the modern contest better than ever. Croatians boast a rich and original musical culture, a vibrant rock and pop scene, and one of the warmest home fanbases on the continent. A maiden Croatian victory would bring the contest to Zagreb and provide the electrifying Balkan celebration everyone has been waiting for.
3. Romania
Contest History: Romania joined the European celebration in 1994 and established its status as one of the most colorful and creative countries in the contest. It reached a respectable third place three times: first in Kyiv 2005 with Luminița Anghel & Sistem and the song “Let Me Try“, then in Oslo 2010 with Paula Seling & Ovi and “Playing with Fire“, and again this year in Vienna with Alexandra Căpitănescu and the electrifying rock hit “Choke Me“.
Why Does It Deserve to Win? Despite budget constraints and shake-ups at the Romanian national broadcaster TVR over the years, Romania has proven time and again that with a strong entry, it can stage sophisticated, inventive, and soulful productions. The Romanian audience is hungry for international success, and a maiden Romanian victory would breathe new life into the entire music industry across Eastern Europe.
4. Moldova
Contest History: Ever since its electrifying debut in 2005 featuring the drumming grandmother of Zdob și Zdub, Moldova has become one of the most fun and unpredictable countries on the Eurovision stage. Its peak achievement belongs to the band SunStroke Project, which finished in third place in Kyiv 2017 with the viral hit “Hey Mamma“.
Why Does It Deserve to Win? Moldova is living proof that a massive budget is not a prerequisite for success, and that originality, authentic folklore, and self-deprecating humor are pure gold at Eurovision. A Moldovan victory would be a triumph of spirit, joy, and pure creativity, and the thought of a Eurovision week in Chișinău brings a massive smile to every Eurovision fan.
5. Australia
Contest History: The guest from the other side of the globe was invited for a one-off performance in 2015, but quickly became a beloved permanent fixture in the contest. Its peak moment arrived in its second appearance in Stockholm 2016, when Dami Im stunned Europe with “Sound of Silence“, won the jury vote, and finished in second place overall.
Why Does It Deserve to Win? Australia’s passion and commitment to Eurovision across decades of broadcasts in the country deserve every praise. Australian delegations consistently deliver world-class vocalists and uncompromising professionalism. Furthermore, the fascinating scenario in which Australian national broadcaster SBS wins and co-produces the contest on European soil alongside a European counterpart is a production dream that fans are eager to witness.
6. Georgia
Contest History: Georgia entered the contest in 2007 and provided plenty of groundbreaking moments. It recorded ninth place twice: in 2010 with Sofia Nizharadze and the song “Shine“, and in 2011 with Eldrine and “One More Day“. In recent years, Georgia often struggled to qualify for the final despite bold and rock-infused artistic choices. Alongside this, Georgia has won Junior Eurovision four times – in 2008, 2011, 2016, and 2024 – sharing the record for the most wins in the junior contest with France.
Why Does It Deserve to Win? Georgia is one of the bravest countries in Eurovision. It almost never goes for the safe or commercial route, consistently striving to deliver raw rock, ethnic fusion, and powerful mountain vocals. Furthermore, it is time for the nation to translate its undisputed dominance and record wins at Junior Eurovision into massive success on the main stage. A Georgian victory would reward artistic courage and a unique musical statement that never panders to mainstream conventions.
7. Armenia
Contest History: Since its debut in 2006, Armenia has built an impressive tradition of powerful performances and soaring ballads. It reached fourth place twice: in 2008 with Sirusho and the hit “Qélé, Qélé” (in English: “Come On, Come On”), and in 2014 with Aram MP3 and the dramatic ballad “Not Alone“. In addition, the song “Snap” by Rosa Linn from 2022 became the most streamed Eurovision song globally of all time, despite finishing in 20th place in the final.
Why Does It Deserve to Win? Armenia is a musical powerhouse that wonderfully blends authentic heritage with top-tier modern Western pop productions. With such a creative music industry and an uncompromising commitment to stage quality, Yerevan deserves to host the contest and bring Armenian energy, culture, and famed hospitality to Europe’s biggest stage.
8. Czechia
Contest History: Following difficult early years and a string of non-qualifications, Czechia executed a complete 180-degree turnaround in the mid-2010s, transforming into a powerhouse of indie and modern pop. Its peak moment came in Lisbon 2018, when Mikolas Josef owned the stage with “Lie to Me” and finished in sixth place.
Why Does It Deserve to Win? Czechia stands as a model for learning from past mistakes and reinvention. The Czech national broadcaster ČT repeatedly recruits young creators, contemporary productions, and indie-pop tracks that are ahead of their time. A Czech victory would grant immense legitimacy to the contest among local audiences in Prague and deliver an unforgettable Eurovision week in one of the world’s most beautiful and cultural cities.
9. Hungary
Contest History: Hungary staged a sensational debut in 1994 when Friderika Bayer finished in fourth place with the moving ballad “Kinek mondjam el vétkeimet?” (in English: “To Whom Can I Tell My Sins?”), the country’s best result to date. Over the years, the country provided native-language masterworks – from ByeAlex and “Kedvesem” (in English: “My Darling”) in 2013 to Joci Pápai and “Origo” (in English: “Origin”) in 2017. In 2020, Hungary withdrew from the contest due to the conservative direction of its government. However, amid political changes and public debate in Hungary, fresh discussions have re-emerged among Eurovision fans calling for the Hungarian national broadcaster to return to Europe’s biggest musical event.
Why Does It Deserve to Win? Following political shifts and a growing public call for a Hungarian comeback, returning to Eurovision and securing a maiden victory would be the most emotional and justified full-circle moment in Europe. Hungary proved that high musical quality, native-language lyrics, and cultural authenticity can overcome any gimmick, and taking the trophy to Budapest would mark a huge triumph for European culture.
10. Canada
Contest History: While the country is set to make its competitive debut this year, the Canadian connection to Eurovision is deeply rooted: from Céline Dion, who brought Switzerland an iconic victory in 1988 with the historic hit “Ne partez pas sans moi” (in English: “Do Not Leave Without Me”), to countless Canadian songwriters and producers who have contributed to European entries over the decades.
Why Does It Deserve to Win? Canada’s entry into the Eurovision family brings a breath of fresh air from North America and one of the finest global music industries, home to major superstars such as Drake, The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, and Shania Twain. A debut Canadian victory would set a high international production standard, connect millions of new viewers across the Atlantic, and demonstrate that great music truly crosses every geographic border.
Which country on this list deserves to lift the Eurovision trophy for the first time in Burgas? Is there another country waiting for its maiden win that we missed? Share your thoughts in the comments, and see you in the next Top 10!
Eurovision 2027: The 71st Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Bulgaria, following the country’s victory with the song “Bangaranga” performed by the singer DARA. This will be the first time the contest is hosted in Bulgaria.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +972-50-9441919
Neta Geffen is a respected journalist at Euromix, Israel’s leading news site for Eurovision coverage. Since 2010, Neta has been closely following the Eurovision Song Contest, bringing with him extensive experience, profound knowledge, and a broad understanding of the history, politics, and cultural influences that shape the event every year.
Neta publishes articles, analyses, and up-to-date reviews on all Eurovision developments, including musical trends, format changes, political influences, and audience reactions across Europe and Israel. Thanks to a deep connection to the contest’s history, Neta provides readers with wide-ranging context—from the impact of political events on results, to in-depth analyses of songs and languages within the competition. Neta specializes particularly in the Eurovision rock genre, Balkan ballads, and native language entries, with a special focus on Italian and Greek songs.
