World Chess Championship wins Singapore's Sports Event of the Year

by ChessBase
6/28/2025 – The 2024 FIDE World Chess Championship match between Gukesh D and Ding Liren has been named Best Sports Event of the Year (Exhibition/Competition) at the 2025 Singapore Sports Awards. Held in Singapore, the match crowned the youngest undisputed World Champion in history and captivated global audiences. The award recognises not only the thrilling contest but also the exceptional organisation and community engagement that made the event a landmark moment in chess history. | Photo: FIDE
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Press release by FIDE

The FIDE World Chess Championship Match 2024, between Gukesh D and Ding Liren, held in Singapore, was one of the most exciting events of the year for chess fans around the world. After 13 rollercoaster games, we crowned the youngest undisputed World Champion in history. Although the match took place seven months ago, the excitement and impact continue to resonate.

To that extent, we are proud to announce that the match has been awarded Best Sports Event of the Year (Exhibition/Competition) at the 2025 Singapore Sports Awards!

Reflecting on the win, Kevin Goh, CEO of the Singapore Chess Federation, shared:

We won the Sports Event of the Year! This is easily one of the proudest moments of my career. Grateful to the sponsors, Google, Resorts World Sentosa, the International Chess Federation, all our partners, the awesome local organising committee, volunteers, journalists, and photographers for putting up a spectacular show.

2025 Singapore Sports Awards

Organised by the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) and Sport Singapore, the Singapore Sports Awards are the country's highest recognition for sporting excellence. This year's edition celebrated standout performances and events from 2024, with FIDE's flagship event named the best in its category.

The award acknowledges not only the exceptional level of play, but also the world-class organisation, media production and community engagement that made the match a truly global spectacle. Supported by Google and hosted at Resorts World Sentosa, the event helped position Singapore as a hub for premier international sporting events.

Adding to the celebration, Singaporean photographer Chin An Eng was awarded Sports Photo of the Year for a powerful image taken during the match (below). The photograph captures the intensity of the match with both players mirroring each other with their heads in their hands, flags in view, as they navigate the mental tension of the game.

Gukesh Dommaraju, Ding Liren

Gukesh Dommaraju and Ding Liren | Photo: Chin An Eng

FIDE extends its heartfelt thanks to the Singapore Chess Federation, local organisers, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and fans who made this event such a resounding success. This recognition is a powerful testament to the growing stature of chess on the world stage.

Congratulations to everyone involved!

Read more about the 2024 World Championship match

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