The Sanremo Festival 2026 is ready to kick off: at the Ariston, the singing will take place from February 24th to 28th, with Carlo Conti as host and artistic director. You can already bet on the winner: here are the updated predictions, a comparative table of ante-post odds on the 30 Big artists competing according to the best betting sites, and our analysis of the possible favorites.
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Please note: this page is constantly being updated. Check back soon for updated news regarding the Sanremo Festival 2026 predictions!
The Sanremo Festival 2026
The Sanremo Festival 2026 marks the second consecutive year with Carlo Conti at the helm of the event, following the positive reception in 2025. A familiar face at the Ariston, Conti—who previously hosted from 2015 to 2017 and returned in 2025—is appreciated for his ability to blend entertainment, musical quality, and mass appeal. The selection of the 30 Big artists, announced on TG1 on November 30th, aligns with this direction: showcasing contemporary Italian music through a balanced mix of established artists, new faces, urban sounds, singer-songwriters, and unprecedented collaborations.
Ample space will also be dedicated to the Newcomers: four artists (two from Sanremo Giovani 2025 and two from Area Sanremo 2025) who will compete in a separate contest, without crossing paths with the 30 Big artists. Hosting their performances alongside Conti will be Gianluca Gazzoli, previously host of Sanremo Giovani. However, anticipation remains high to discover the additional names who will lead the Ariston evenings.
The singers of the 2026 Festival
The list of 30 “Big” participants was announced on TG1 on November 30th, 2025. Among the 30 names are 11 absolute debutants on the Ariston stage, the return of legends like Patty Pravo and Raf, and anticipated collaborations such as that between Fedez and Marco Masini. The following is the complete list of artists with their song titles, announced on December 14th during the final of Sanremo Giovani.
- Tommaso Paradiso – “I romantici”
- Chiello – “Ti penso sempre”
- Serena Brancale – “Qui con me”
- Fulminacci – “Stupida sfortuna”
- Ditonellapiaga – “Che fastidio!”
- Fedez & Marco Masini – “Male necessario”
- Leo Gassmann – “Naturale”
- Sayf – “Tu mi piaci tanto”
- Arisa – “Magica favola”
- Tredici Pietro – “Uomo che cade”
- Sal Da Vinci – “Per sempre sì”
- Samurai Jay – “Ossessione”
- Malika Ayane – “Animali notturni”
- Luchè – “Labirinto”
- Raf – “Ora e per sempre”
- Bambole Di Pezza – “Resta con me”
- Ermal Meta – “Stella stellina”
- Nayt – “Prima che”
- Elettra Lamborghini – “Voilà”
- Michele Bravi – “Prima o poi”
- J-Ax – “Italia starter pack”
- Enrico Nigiotti – “Ogni volta che non so volare”
- Maria Antonietta & Colombre – “La felicità e basta”
- Francesco Renga – “Il meglio di me”
- Mara Sattei – “Le cose che non sai di me”
- LDA & Aka 7even – “Poesie clandestine”
- Dargen D’Amico – “Ai ai”
- Levante – “Sei tu”
- Eddie Brock – “Avvoltoi”
- Patty Pravo – “Opera”
Sanremo Festival 2026 Prediction: Odds and Betting
The Sanremo Festival is an event that never ceases to offer surprises. Although bookmakers can sometimes easily identify the favorite destined to win, there are no shortage of situations where their predictions prove spectacularly wrong, underestimating the impact of an artist, both in terms of lyrics and performance.
With the announcement of the song titles in mid-December, betting sites began to outline the first predictions. On the eve of the festival, attention is focused on the biggest names and the most anticipated collaborations. Fedez & Marco Masini, with their unprecedented partnership and the song “Male necessario,” and the solo return of Tommaso Paradiso with “I romantici” are considered among the main contenders for victory. However, keep an eye on major comebacks like those of Arisa and Ermal Meta, and the evergreen popularity of artists like Levante, who can always surprise.
However, it was at the end of January that the songs were previewed by the press: the impressions from the most accredited publications have propelled Serena Brancale, Sayf, and Ditonellapiaga forward, who are now among the favorites.
Below is the comparative table of updated odds from the main bookmakers. We will update this section again with comments from now until the end of the Sanremo Festival 2026.
| Singer |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sayf | 6.00 | 7.00 | 6.00 | 7.00 |
| Tommaso Paradiso | 6.00 | 7.00 | 6.00 | 7.00 |
| Fedez & Masini | 6.00 | 7.00 | 6.00 | 7.00 |
| Ermal Meta | 9.00 | 10.00 | 9.00 | 10.00 |
| Serena Brancale | 9.00 | 10.00 | 9.00 | 10.00 |
| Arisa | 12.00 | 13.00 | 12.00 | 13.00 |
| Ditonellapiaga | 12.00 | 13.00 | 12.00 | 13.00 |
| Fulminacci | 12.00 | 13.00 | 12.00 | 13.00 |
| Eddie Brock | 16.00 | 18.00 | 17.00 | 18.00 |
| Nayt | 20.00 | 22.00 | 21.00 | 22.00 |
| Malika Ayane | 25.00 | 27.00 | 26.00 | 27.00 |
| Maria Antonietta & Colombre | 25.00 | 27.00 | 26.00 | 27.00 |
| Tredici Pietro | 33.00 | 35.00 | 34.00 | 35.00 |
| Levante | 33.00 | 35.00 | 34.00 | 35.00 |
| Michele Bravi | 33.00 | 35.00 | 34.00 | 35.00 |
| Patty Pravo | 50.00 | 55.00 | 52.00 | 55.00 |
| Sal Da Vinci | 50.00 | 55.00 | 52.00 | 55.00 |
| Dargen D’Amico | 50.00 | 55.00 | 52.00 | 55.00 |
| Luchè | 50.00 | 55.00 | 52.00 | 55.00 |
| Chiello | 66.00 | 70.00 | 68.00 | 70.00 |
| Mara Sattei | 66.00 | 70.00 | 68.00 | 70.00 |
| Raf | 100.00 | 105.00 | 102.00 | 105.00 |
| Bambole di Pezza | 100.00 | 105.00 | 102.00 | 105.00 |
| Francesco Renga | 100.00 | 105.00 | 102.00 | 105.00 |
| J-Ax | 100.00 | 105.00 | 102.00 | 105.00 |
| Leo Gassmann | 100.00 | 105.00 | 102.00 | 105.00 |
| Samurai Jay | 200.00 | 210.00 | 205.00 | 210.00 |
| Elettra Lamborghini | 200.00 | 210.00 | 205.00 | 210.00 |
| LDA & Aka 7even | 200.00 | 210.00 | 205.00 | 210.00 |
Ante-post odds for “Sanremo 2026 Winner” updated based on the odds from bookmakers (Sisal, Snai, GoldBet). Odds can change at any time: it’s always advisable to compare them before betting.
Ante-post odds for “Sanremo 2026 Winner” updated based on the odds from bookmakers (Sisal, Snai, GoldBet, Eurobet). Odds can change at any time: it’s always advisable to compare them before betting.
Note: The odds indicated may be subject to change. It is recommended to consult the official websites of the bookmakers for the most up-to-date information.
Historical Surprises of the Festival
The opening odds for the Sanremo Festival offer an initial indication of the public and bookmakers’ sentiment, but they don’t always predict the final outcome of the competition. Over the years, there have been editions where artists starting with medium-high or outsider odds managed to overturn the predictions, thanks to the impact of their performances, the influence of the press room, and the televote.
Some emblematic recent examples:
In 2016, despite Francesca Michielin being the favorite, the Stadio won, with ante-post odds around 22;
In 2017, Fiorella Mannoia was the frontrunner, but it was Gabbani who won, initially offered at 8.00;
In 2024, it seemed everything was set for Annalisa‘s triumph, when instead it was Angelina Mango (odds 7.50) who prevailed over Geolier.
For this reason, from a betting perspective, the initial stages of the Festival can hide interesting value opportunities: monitoring the opening odds and the first market movements can be useful for identifying potential surprises before the odds settle.
The Regulations of the Sanremo Festival
Now that we have looked at the bookmakers’ odds, it’s important to pay close attention to the regulations, which will be decisive in identifying the final winner. In fact, it’s important to remember that in the 2026 Festival, there will be (exactly as last year) three juries that will determine the final rankings:
- the Televote
- the Jury of the Press, TV, and Web Room
- the Jury of the Radios
The ranking for each evening will be determined differently, involving the various entities to varying degrees. Let’s see how.
First Evening (Tuesday, February 24th)
The voting is entirely entrusted to the Jury of the Press, TV, and Web Room. A provisional ranking will be drawn up, with the communication of the top 5 positions, without a specific order.
Second Evening (Wednesday, February 25th)
- Big Artists: combined votes from Televote (50%) and Jury of the Radios (50%).
- Newcomers: mixed system with Televote (34%), Press Room (33%), and Radios (33%). The 4 Newcomers will compete in two head-to-head duels; the two winners will advance to the final.
Third Evening (Thursday, February 26th)
- Big Artists: combined votes from Televote (50%) and Jury of the Radios (50%).
- Newcomers: mixed system with Televote (34%), Press Room (33%), and Radios (33%). The 2 finalists will compete, and the winner of the category will be proclaimed.
Fourth Evening – Friday, February 27th (Cover Night)
- The cover performances of the 30 Big artists will be evaluated with the contribution of all juries (Televote 34%, Press Room 33%, Radios 33%).
- A single winner for the Cover category will be proclaimed. This ranking does not contribute to the score for the final.
Fifth Evening – Saturday, February 28th (Final)
The final ranking will be determined by the average of the votes accumulated in the previous evenings (first, second, and third), with an additional vote for the top 5 songs/artists. In this final phase, the weight of the juries will remain divided as follows:
- Televote (34%)
- Press Room (33%)
- Jury of the Radios (33%). At the end, the first-place finisher will be proclaimed the absolute winner of the Festival and, unless they decline, will represent Italy at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna.
Where to bet on the Sanremo Festival?
Now that we have seen the odds and regulations, it’s worth remembering that it is possible to bet legally on the Sanremo Festival, predicting your winner on one of the best Italian betting sites that offer odds on the outcome of the singing competition. Each of these sites also offers welcome betting bonuses for all new registered players (useful for starting to play with bonus credit), as shown in the table below:
Dargen D’Amico: When the Market Starts to Cool Down
The update as of January 28th tells a different story compared to other names on the board. For Dargen D’Amico, the market is not accelerating; it’s distancing itself. The odds are widening progressively and quite consistently across bookmakers.
Sisal was the first to signal the change, moving from 14.00 at the beginning of the month to 26.00 last week, and reaching 50 in the latest reading. Betsson follows a similar trajectory, more gradual but steady, leading to a final jump to 30.00. The harshest assessment comes from Eurobet, which after a brief rebound in early January, returns the odds to 61.00, the highest point in the period.
This is not a sudden crash, but a clear loss of centrality. Dargen remains a recognizable and cross-genre name, but the ante-post market seems to have progressively moved him out of the perimeter of potential protagonists. When bookmakers widen odds in a synchronized manner, the message is clear: the market, at least for now, is looking elsewhere.
Evolution of Odds for Tommaso Paradiso
The update as of January 28th does not change Tommaso Paradiso‘s position, but it makes the internal tensions more evident. He remains a favorite, but the market is no longer moving cohesively and is starting to differentiate its assessments. This is mainly done by Sisal, Eurobet, and GoldBet, each with its own balance between caution and anticipation.
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At the beginning of the month, the picture was still uncertain. Odds fluctuated between 6.00 and 5.50, without a dominant reference. The first to break the inertia was Sisal, which accompanied Paradiso downwards to 4.00, maintaining that level for several days. A sign of progressive confidence, more built than reactive.
The most decisive push came from Eurobet, which in mid-January compressed the odds to 3.50, the lowest point in the period. But it is precisely here that the graph tells us more: in the latest reading, Eurobet retreats and realigns Paradiso to 6.00, completely reversing the previous movement. A choice that signals caution, not distrust.
GoldBet follows a similar trajectory, but more controlled. After dropping to 4.50, it kept the odds stable and then also raised them to 6.00. The result is a widening gap, not because the market is changing its mind about Paradiso, but because it is redefining the risk.
Paradiso remains a credible favorite, but not a “closed” one. And it is precisely this intermediate zone—where some prefer to tighten and others retreat—that is the most readable part of the ante-post market. There’s no need to chase the minimum; it’s important to understand when the market decides to breathe.
Bambole di Pezza: The Market is Dancing!
The update as of January 28th presents a very different picture compared to mid-month. For Bambole di Pezza, the market is not moving cohesively: on the contrary, the odds show almost opposite assessments, a typical sign of a polarizing profile.
Bet365 remains the most evident exception. After the strong initial reduction—from 66.00 to 29.00—the odds stabilized and have not been adjusted since, as if the bookmaker had already incorporated everything it deemed relevant. A clear stance, which is not followed by other operators.
On Betsson and Eurobet, the signal is the opposite. Both, after a phase of apparent stabilization around 50.00–51.00, chose to widen sharply: 100.00 on Betsson, 101.00 on Eurobet. A movement that shifts Bambole di Pezza out of the perimeter of “hot” outsiders and returns them to a more marginal area of the odds board.
The result is an extreme gap between bookmakers, rare at this stage of the ante-post market. When this happens, the message is clear: there is no consensus. And it is precisely in these cases that comparison becomes central, as it reflects not only the odds but also the convictions—or doubts—of those who set them.
Nayt: The Silent Favorite Who Is Climbing the Odds
Among the names gaining attention as the days go by is Nayt, an artist who arrives at Sanremo 2026 with credibility built outside the more traditional circuits. His presence is less “loud” than other protagonists, but precisely for this reason, it is increasingly interesting to the public and industry insiders.
The update as of January 28th marks a change in pace in Nayt‘s ante-post journey. After the strong enthusiasm of the first few weeks, the market seems to have slowed down, taking the time to reassess expectations.
Betsson is the bookmaker that best captures this phase: after the rapid drop from 35.00 to 15.00, the odds stabilized and have not been adjusted since, indicating equilibrium reached rather than growing confidence. On Sisal, however, a partial step back is noted: after pushing Nayt down to 9.00, the odds rise to 20.00, as if to temper the mid-month optimism.
GoldBet maintains an intermediate line. The sharp shortening of odds initially (from 33.00 to 13.00) is followed by a slight widening to 16.00, without returning to the starting levels. The overall message is clear: Nayt remains a relevant name on the odds board, but the push phase seems to have ended. It’s not a rejection, but a normalization. After the initial euphoria, the market is seeking a stable point. In ante-post betting, this transition often distinguishes fleeting trends from those destined to last.
Sayf: The Market Changes Pace
Sayf falls into the category of artists who arrive at Sanremo without the label of favorite, but with a trajectory capable of attracting attention over time. A young profile, linked to a contemporary and unconventional scene, who tends to gain space as the narrative of the Festival takes shape.
The odds trend as of January 28th shows a fairly clear dynamic. Sisal and Lottomatica are the bookmakers who have shown the strongest conviction: both have progressively lowered Sayf’s odds to the 9.00–8.00 range, signaling a consolidated confidence that is no longer based on the surprise factor.
Snai’s path is more complex. After the initial drop from 30.00 to 10.00, the odds temporarily rebound to 15.00 before settling back around 10.00. This is a typical movement in markets that are still calibrating the real weight of a name, without discrediting its potential.
The result is a significant gap between bookmakers, particularly relevant for ante-post betting. When the odds do not move in a synchronized manner, the message is that the valuation is still under construction. In Sayf’s case, the market seems to have moved beyond the marginal bet phase and has consistently included him among the profiles to watch.
Duets and Guests of the Festival
Every day, new rumors emerge about the guests who might liven up the Ariston. Among the most intriguing surprises is the possible return of Belén Rodríguez, who this time might grace the stage in a completely original way: there’s talk of a recurring presence linked to the performance of rapper Samurai Jay, competing with the song “Ossessione“. According to recent rumors, it seems the Argentine showgirl’s voice might somehow be featured in the track.
Equally juicy are the rumors about the cover night: the name of Zucchero Fornaciari is being mentioned, who after some absence would return to the Ligurian stage alongside Samurai Jay, bringing that unmistakable blues touch that has been missing for a while. As for the hosting, Carlo Conti should be joined by his trusted friends Giorgio Panariello and Leonardo Pieraccioni, while the speculation for co-hosts is fierce: top singers like Laura Pausini and Giorgia are in the lead, but also the protagonists of the last season of Ballando con le Stelle, including the winner Andrea Delogu, Francesca Fialdini, and even the always-talked-about Barbara D’Urso. There are also hypotheses about international guests or those from the world of TV series: Can Yaman remains a hot name, perfect for capturing the younger audience thanks to the boom of the new fiction on Sandokan.
Update January 8th: we have confirmation of the first super-guest, and what a guest! Carlo Conti revealed that Max Pezzali will be a regular presence at the Festival: for all five evenings, the leader of 883 will be featured on the ship off the coast of Sanremo, a ship that will serve as a backdrop for the parallel show to the Festival that has been popular for several years. Max Pezzali is a name that speaks to multiple generations, currently experiencing a second youth, and is destined to become an integral part of the Festival’s narrative.
Update January 13th: the official confirmation has arrived regarding the first co-host. As rumored previously, Laura Pausini will join Carlo Conti every evening. A global icon of Italian music, she will undoubtedly add a mix of charm and professionalism to the stage that made her famous in the early ’90s.
The Covers of the Sanremo Festival
On January 31st, the duets and covers were announced: as usual, pay attention to the performances that can influence the final result.
| Singer | Guest / Featuring | Chosen Song |
|---|---|---|
| Arisa | Coro del Teatro Regio di Parma | Quello che le donne non dicono |
| Bambole di Pezza | Cristina D’Avena | Occhi di gatto |
| Chiello | Morgan | Mi sono innamorato di te |
| Dargen D’Amico | Pupo, Fabrizio Bosso | Su di noi |
| Ditonellapiaga | TonyPitony | The Lady is a Tramp |
| Eddie Brock | Fabrizio Moro | Portami via |
| Elettra Lamborghini | Las Ketchup | Aserejé |
| Enrico Nigiotti | Alfa | En e Xanax |
| Ermal Meta | Dardust | Golden hour |
| Fedez, Masini | Stjepan Hauser | Meravigliosa creatura |
| Francesco Renga | Giusy Ferreri | Ragazzo solo, ragazza sola |
| Fulminacci | Francesca Fagnani | Parole parole |
| J-Ax | Ligera Country Fam. | E la vita, la vita |
| LDA, Aka 7even | Tullio De Piscopo | Andamento lento |
| Leo Gassmann | Aiello | Era già tutto previsto |
| Levante | Gaia | I maschi |
| Luchè | Gianluca Grignani | Falco a metà |
| Malika Ayane | Claudio Santamaria | Mi sei scoppiato dentro al cuore |
| Mara Sattei | Mecna | L’ultimo bacio |
| Maria Antonietta & Colombre | Brunori Sas | Il mondo |
| Michele Bravi | Fiorella Mannoia | Domani è un altro giorno |
| Nayt | Joan Thiele | La canzone dell’amore perduto |
| Patty Pravo | Timofej Andrijashenko | Ti lascio una canzone |
| Raf | The Kolors | The Riddle |
| Sal Da Vinci | Michele Zarrillo | Cinque giorni |
| Samurai Jay | Belen Rodriguez, Roy Paci | Baila morena |
| Sayf | Alex Britti, Mario Biondi | Hit the Road Jack |
| Serena Brancale | Gregory Porter, Delia | Besame mucho |
| Tommaso Paradiso | Stadio | L’ultima luna |
| Tredici Pietro | Galeffi, Fudasca & Band | Vita |
All About the Festival 2026 Surroundings
In addition to the main competition, the Festival is accompanied by a series of side events that enrich the offering:
- Il PrimaFestival: hosted by Ema Stokholma, Manola Moslehi, and Carolina Rey, it will air immediately after Tg1 at 8:00 PM from February 21st to 28th, presenting the evening with insider information and interviews.
- Il Dopofestival: returns on Rai1 from February 24th to 27th, hosted by Nicola Savino with musical direction by Enrico Cremonesi, for comments and behind-the-scenes insights after each episode.
- Lo Suzuki Stage: the stage in Piazza Colombo, hosted by Daniele Battaglia, offers another opportunity to see the artists in a more informal setting.
Sanremo Festival 2026: Dates and Times
The 76th Sanremo Festival will take place from Tuesday, February 24th to Saturday, February 28th, 2026, and will be broadcast live on Rai 1, Rai Radio 2, and RaiPlay. Each evening will start around 8:45 PM; the duration of the evenings is traditionally long, often extending past 1:00 AM.
Recent Roll of Honor of the Sanremo Festival
The Sanremo Festival is a cultural and musical event that represents a true institution in Italy. Born in 1951, it has become the stage where some of the greatest Italian music performers have emerged. Over the years, Sanremo has consolidated its role as a launchpad for emerging artists and a celebration of established talents.
Below is a roll of honor listing the winners of the Festival since the year 2000, updated with the latest edition.
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| Year | Winner | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Piccola Orchestra Avion Travel | Sentimento |
| 2001 | Elisa | Luce (tramonti a nord est) |
| 2002 | Matia Bazar | Messaggio d’amore |
| 2003 | Alexia | Per dire di no |
| 2004 | Marco Masini | L’uomo volante |
| 2005 | Francesco Renga | Angelo |
| 2006 | Povia | Vorrei avere il becco |
| 2007 | Simone Cristicchi | Ti regalerò una rosa |
| 2008 | Giò Di Tonno e Lola Ponce | Colpo di fulmine |
| 2009 | Marco Carta | La forza mia |
| 2010 | Valerio Scanu | Per tutte le volte che… |
| 2011 | Roberto Vecchioni | Chiamami ancora amore |
| 2012 | Emma | Non è l’inferno |
| 2013 | Marco Mengoni | L’essenziale |
| 2014 | Arisa | Controvento |
| 2015 | Il Volo | Grande amore |
| 2016 | Stadio | Un giorno mi dirai |
| 2017 | Francesco Gabbani | Occidentali’s Karma |
| 2018 | Ermal Meta e Fabrizio Moro | Non mi avete fatto niente |
| 2019 | Mahmood | Soldi |
| 2020 | Diodato | Fai rumore |
| 2021 | Måneskin | Zitti e buoni |
| 2022 | Mahmood e Blanco | Brividi |
| 2023 | Marco Mengoni | Due vite |
| 2024 | Angelina Mango | La noia |
| 2025 | Olly | Balorda nostalgia |
- Sanremo 2026: the most credited singers for victory
- Sanremo 2026: the four surprises to watch out for according to betting sites
