Greeks disappointed with 10th place in Eurovision final

Greek fans expressed disappointment after Akylas finished 10th in the Eurovision final in Vienna, despite hopes for a stronger result. The contest was won by Bulgaria in a final marked by political tensions and several country boycotts.

Reuters

17 May 2026 at 08:47:28

Greeks disappointed with 10th place in Eurovision final

Eurovision fans wave Greek flags as they watch Greece's contestant Akylas perform during the Eurovision Song Contest final at a cafe in Athens, Greece, May 16, 2026.

Stelios Misinas/Reuters

Greeks voiced disappointment early on Sunday (May 17) after their Eurovision contestant Akylas finished in 10th place with his song "Ferto" during the competition's final in Vienna.

Fans gathered in Serres and Athens to watch the contest, cheering as Greece received points but ultimately feeling let down by the final result.

"Unfair, very unfair, because it was a very special song and we haven't participated with a song so popular here and abroad in years," said 19-year-old Eurovision fan Rafaella Tsiata.

Many fans said they had had higher expectations for Greece's performance.

"I didn't expect the Greek contestant to win, but at least I expected him to make it to the top three," said Athina Maria Gkitakou, 26, watching from Athens.

Despite the disappointment, some fans acknowledged the quality of other performances.

“I am not satisfied with the result...However, I do recognise how good the others were, Bulgaria was amazing so it made sense that they won," said Giorgos Stefanidis, 20, from Serres.

Bulgaria won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time on Saturday in a final overshadowed by five countries' boycott over Gaza, claiming a dramatic victory despite another big public vote for Israel that again secured it second place.

Production: Alexandros Avramidis, Angelos Tsatsis, Valentini Anagnostopoulou, Malgorzata Wojtunik/Reuters