The challenger ends Viktor Orban's 16-year stretch as Hungary's prime minister.

CLOSELY WATCHED IN EU & US

The vote on Sunday was closely watched across Europe and in the United States.

Orban, a nationalist and self-described "thorn" in the EU's side, and a defender of "illiberal democracy", is close to both US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Trump threw his weight behind Orban, the European Union's current longest-serving leader, and dispatched US Vice President JD Vance to stand alongside Orban days before the vote - though the US ambassador to the EU denied any US "meddling".  

"FULL OF HOPE"

"I'm really excited. I came to this event full of hope... I'm optimistic about the change," Orsolya Rozgonyi, a 28-year-old HR manager, told AFP amid Tisza supporters who gathered in Budapest in a festive atmosphere.

The atmosphere was more subdued among hundreds of Fidesz supporters who gathered near the press centre, cordoned off from the press.

Orban, 62, who was seeking a fifth straight term, has transformed his country into a model of "illiberal democracy", publicly clashing with Brussels over rule-of-law issues, and over support for war-torn Ukraine. 

MAGYAR AMASSED SUPPORT IN 2 YEARS

Magyar burst onto the scene just two years ago, promising to fight corruption and offering better public services, amassing support against a backdrop of economic stagnation, despite an electoral system skewed in favour of Orban's Fidesz party.

Both camps have alleged foreign interference during the campaign in the central European country ...