The literary world is abuzz as Chinese novelist Can Xue and Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai have become the joint favourites to win the 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature, according to several international betting markets.
The official winner will be announced soon by the Swedish Academy, but readers and critics across the globe are already debating which author might take home one of the most prestigious awards in world literature.
Who Is Can Xue?
Can Xue, whose real name is Deng Xiaohua, is known for her experimental and surreal style of writing. Her stories often explore dreams, memory, and emotional isolation. Although her fiction can be challenging to interpret, it has earned her wide critical acclaim for originality and depth.
Over the years, Can Xue has been praised by both Chinese and Western critics as a writer who pushes the boundaries of modern storytelling. Her novels such as Love in the New Millennium and Frontier have been translated into multiple languages and discussed in major literary circles.
Who Is László Krasznahorkai?
Hungarian author László Krasznahorkai is famous for his dense, poetic prose and long, flowing sentences that reflect the complexities of human thought and moral struggle. His works, including Satantango and The Melancholy of Resistance, often explore themes of chaos, decay, and the search for meaning.
Krasznahorkai has previously received major international literary prizes, and his influence on contemporary European fiction is widely acknowledged. His frequent collaborations with filmmaker Béla Tarr have also expanded his reputation beyond literature into cinema.
Why They Are Favoured to Win
Both writers represent bold and unconventional voices in world literature.
- Can Xue symbolizes artistic innovation in Chinese fiction.
- Krasznahorkai embodies philosophical and stylistic experimentation in European writing.
Bookmakers such as Ladbrokes and other prediction sites currently list both at the top of their odds charts. While these predictions are unofficial, they often mirror the global literary mood leading up to the Nobel announcement.
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Other Possible Contenders
Though Can Xue and Krasznahorkai are currently leading, other well-known authors—such as Haruki Murakami, Margaret Atwood, and Cristina Rivera Garza—are also in the conversation. Each brings a unique voice and cultural perspective that could catch the Swedish Academy’s attention this year.
When Will the Winner Be Announced?
The 2025 Nobel Prize in Literature winner is expected to be announced later this month in Stockholm. The award recognizes an author’s entire body of work rather than a single book, focusing on writing that has “conferred the greatest benefit to humankind.”
What This Means for Global Literature
No matter who wins, this year’s shortlist reflects the growing diversity and global reach of literature today. Both Can Xue and Krasznahorkai challenge traditional storytelling, proving that literature can still surprise, provoke, and inspire readers around the world.