As the anticipation builds for the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature, prominent authors like Can Xue and László Krasznahorkai are emerging as frontrunners. According to odds from Ladbrokes, both writers are tied at 10/1, making them favorites in this year’s race.
Leading Candidates for the Nobel Prize
Can Xue, a 72-year-old Chinese avant-garde writer, and László Krasznahorkai, a 71-year-old Hungarian postmodern author, have garnered significant attention. They are noted for their unique literary styles and contributions to contemporary literature.
Can Xue’s Literary Contributions
- Real name: Deng Xiaohua
- Known for her experimental narrative techniques.
- 2019 International Booker Prize longlist for “Love in the New Millennium.”
If awarded the Nobel Prize, Can Xue would be the third Chinese-born laureate, joining the ranks of Mo Yan (2012) and Gao Xingjian (2000).
László Krasznahorkai’s Achievements
- Renowned for his dystopian and melancholic novels.
- Winner of the 2019 National Book Award for Translated Literature.
- Winner of the 2015 Man Booker International Prize.
Several of Krasznahorkai’s literary works have also been adapted into films, showcasing his influence in both literature and cinema.
Other Notable Contenders
In addition to Can Xue and Krasznahorkai, the Nobel Prize betting scene features several other noteworthy authors:
- Haruki Murakami – 76 years old, Japanese novelist (14/1 odds)
- Margaret Atwood – Canadian author of “The Handmaid’s Tale” (20/1 odds)
- Salman Rushdie – renowned novelist (20/1 odds)
- Cristina Rivera Garza – 16/1 odds
- Enrique Vila-Matas, Gerald Murnane, and Mircea Cărtărescu – 16/1 odds each
- Lyudmila Ulitskaya – 18/1 odds, among others
The announcement of the 2025 Nobel laureate in literature is set for Thursday, October 9, at noon BST. The winner will receive 11 million Swedish kronor, equivalent to approximately £870,000.
Recent Nobel Prize Winners
In 2024, the prize was awarded to South Korean author Han Kang, notable for her works, including “The Vegetarian” and “Human Acts.” The Nobel Committee recognized her poetic prowess and exploration of human fragility amidst historical trauma.
This year’s betting indicates a competitive landscape, with many authors in the running. As the date approaches, the literary community eagerly awaits which esteemed writer will be honored as the next Nobel laureate.
