Rybak was not the bookmakers and experts' favourite to win the selection, but topped several public polls ahead of the competition. To his own surprise and to the surprise of both of the presenters, Rybak won the selection. During the show, Rybak topped four international juries – Russia, Estonia, North Macedonia and Czechia – more than any other contestant. Rybak proceeded to the last four, where he first beat Aleksander Wallman in a duel and then proceeded to the final duel with singer Rebecca, which he also won.