ESC
Jan 13, 2026, 3:58 p.mJan 13, 2026, 3:58 p.m
If you want to watch the Eurovision final in person this year, you’ll probably have to get your tickets on the black market.Image: keystone
The Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna is sold out. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced that practically all 90,000 tickets were sold in record time. The tickets for the final were sold out in 14 minutes.
For all other shows – during the ESC week there are nine shows, including two performances before the live broadcasts – the tickets were sold within an hour.
Any remaining tickets – for example if delegations do not use up all of their quotas – would be offered in due course, it was said.
“The response was phenomenal,” said ESC director Martin Green. The fact that every single show was sold out so quickly is a stark reminder of what the Eurovision Song Contest stands for – joy, togetherness and shared experiences at a time when this seems more important than ever.
“It’s wonderful to see that and it motivates us even more to deliver a really special show,” said Michael Krön from the host TV station ORF.
Germany is seeded for the final
A total of 35 countries are taking part in the 70th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC). The 15 participants in each of the two semi-finals have been determined since Monday. In the first semi-final on May 12th, the song from Israel will compete with contributions from artists from Greece, Belgium, Sweden and Croatia, among others, for a place in the final.
Germany, France, Italy, Great Britain and host Austria do not have to qualify, but have already been seeded for the final. (sda/dpa)