Finland erupted in chaos when Lordi won Eurovision 20 years ago

Finland’s first-ever Eurovision Song Contest victory in 2006 sparked nationwide celebrations, with fans recalling bets, public revelry, and a surge of national pride, public broadcaster Yle reports after collecting over 400 personal accounts from Finns who witnessed the historic moment.

Many had made wagers on the outcome, only to be stunned by monster-rock band Lordi’s triumph with Hard Rock Hallelujah. “My then-partner swore he’d shave his head if Finland won—so he did,” recalled Esko Koskinen, one of the respondents. Others tied the memory to life milestones: “I’d just given birth to my first son that day. A nurse burst in at night to tell me about Lordi’s win. A double victory I’ll never forget,” wrote Anni Uusitalo.

In Lordi’s hometown of Rovaniemi, the victory became a communal celebration. “Every bar blasted Hard Rock Hallelujah, and we were all so proud of our local monsters,” said Darja Heikkilä, a resident. The city later renamed a square Lordi’s Plaza in their honor.

Skepticism turned to euphoria as Finland racked up a record eight sets of top marks (12 points) from other countries. “We bet on taking a shot of salmiakki koskenkorva [Finnish salty liquorice vodka] for every 12 points—until we had to switch to sips,” admitted Sonja Nyström. In Helsinki, crowds flooded Market Square, while in bars across the country, strangers hugged as the win was announced. “I’ve never felt such unity,” said Suvi Lindell-Mäkelä.

The shockwave reached Finns abroad. “I was in Thailand when texts poured in about the win. Then a naked guy ran past waving a Finnish flag—I knew it was real,” recounted Anita Matuszewski. In Sweden, headlines declared, “The monster beat Carola!”—a nod to the country’s own Eurovision star.

For younger fans, the victory symbolized carefree optimism. “I was 18, a Eurovision superfan. Lordi’s win felt like the hopeful spirit of the 2000s—something my whole generation shares,” reflected Jaakko Ranta. The moment even led to police visits for some: “Our cheering after the win was so loud, neighbors called the cops. They just laughed and said, ‘Guess they don’t watch Eurovision,’” said Jenna Lindroos.

Two decades on, the memories underscore how Lordi’s win—Finland’s first in 45 years of competing—shifted the nation’s self-image from underdog to champion.