Which countries have won Eurovision the most times?
The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is under way in Malmo, Sweden, with fans excitedly preparing for this weekend’s grand final.
The UK has had a tough time in the competition in recent years, with its last win 27 years ago. Hopes were briefly raised in 2022 with Sam Ryder and he ended up finishing second. But the golden streak ended last year, when Mae Muller finished 25 out of 26.
However, fans reckon things could be different this year, with Olly Alexander flying the flag for the UK.
So how many times exactly has the UK won? And which countries tend to do the best? We have a look at some Eurovision’s facts and figures.
Most successful Eurovision countries
Think of Eurovision successes, and two countries come to mind: Ireland and Sweden. Both have been hugely successful at the contest and they have racked up an impressive seven victories each. All eyes will be on both at the final, as each attempts to edge past the other and become most successful Eurovision country of all time.
While the UK hasn’t seen a win in a while, it has won five times before. This is on a par with Luxembourg, France and the Netherlands, making the UK one of the sixth most successful Eurovision countries.
Highest point scores across the years
While the Eurovision performances serve up all the sequins, glitter and pop anyone could want, it’s the scoring that has many viewers gripped. Who will get the most? Which countries will back each other? And will anyone get the dreaded “nul points” on the night?
Statistics show that Sweden has racked up the most points over the years, a whopping 6471. But the UK isn’t far behind, as its in third place behind Italy (4859), with 4571 points over the years. This means the UK ranks third out of the 52 nations for the highest total winning points in Eurovision history.
UK wins
The UK romped to victory for the first time in 1967, with Sandie Shaw and her song Puppet On A String. Two years later Lulu clinched the trophy with Boom Bang-a-Bang, but there was then a lull until 1976 when Brotherhood Of Man triumphed with Save Your Kisses For Me.
In 1981, winners Bucks Fizz provided one of Eurovision’s standout moments with their skirt-rip move during Making Your Mind Up, which has remained one of the most memorable moments of the contest for the UK.
Our last ever winner was in 1997, when Katrina & The Waves won with Love Shine A Light.
Of the UK winners, Shaw, Brotherhood Of Man and Bucks Fizz all had number ones with their Eurovision tracks. Lulu's had a number two and Love Shine A Light was number three.
Top countries dominate the wins
The Eurovision Song Contest started in the 1950s and although it has been held 64 times, so far there have been 67 winners because one year saw a four-way tie.
But, interestingly, while more than 50 countries have participated in the competition over the years, the majority of the wins come from the same few.
Statistics show that close to 50% of Eurovision victories come from the top few countries - Sweden, Ireland, the UK, France, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. They are responsible for 48% of wins.
Percentages may not add up to 100%, as they are rounded to the nearest percent.
The final of the Eurovision Song Contest takes place in Malmo, Sweden, on Saturday, 11 May.
