Akylas will represent Greece at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna, following his victory in the national final. His song “Ferto” secured first place with a combined score of 48 points from the public vote and two juries, the Greek and the international.
The 70th edition of the contest will take place in Vienna.
Results of the Greek national final
“Ferto”, which had been considered the frontrunner from the outset of the selection process, prevailed among 14 entries competing in the Grand Final.
Good Job Nicky placed second with “Dark Side of the Moon”, receiving 33 points. Marseaux followed in third place with “Hanomai” on 32 points. Evangelia came fourth with “Parea”, scoring 24 points, while ZAF completed the top five with “Asteio”, earning 23 points.
Artist’s statement after the result
Following the announcement, Akylas stated: “I want to say that whoever you are, wherever you are from, what matters is to be real, positive, to love yourself, to follow your dreams and never stop, to be authentic.” He added that he was unable to speak further as he was in shock.
After the result was confirmed, he was seen embracing his mother with tears in his eyes.
Profile of the artist
Akylas, whose full name is Akylas Mytilinaios, was born in Serres in 1999. He belongs to a new generation of artists who combine personal experience with a contemporary sound.
His first substantial engagement with music began at the Music School he attended, where he developed an early interest in composition and performance. Raised in a household facing significant financial hardship, he transformed his experiences into artistic material, gradually building his presence with consistency and a distinct personal identity.
The concept behind “Ferto”
“Ferto”, characterised by an intense rhythm and extroverted energy, functions on two levels. It criticises greed and overconsumption in contemporary society, while also reflecting the artist’s own journey from deprivation to success.
Through lyrics describing the constant desire for “more and more”, the song highlights dissatisfaction that leads to the relentless pursuit of material goods. At the same time, it reflects the unfulfilled aspirations of a child raised with limitations. The artist has stated that although the song refers to a “hero”, it is deeply personal and dedicated to his parents and to all those who struggled to provide opportunities for their children under difficult circumstances.
Broadcast and production details
The national final was broadcast live on ERT1 and simultaneously via ERTFLIX, with accessibility services available.
The presenters were Giorgos Kapoutzidis, Betty Maggira and Katerina Vrana. Artistic direction and staging were undertaken by Fokas Evangelinos.