Singapore is hosting the first-ever Asian Mind Sports Conference & Festival from 13 to 15 November 2025 at the Suntec Convention Centre, bringing together more than 350 athletes from 17 countries for three days of elite competition, strategic play, and international exchange.
Organised by the Asian Mind Sports Association (AMSA) in partnership with the Singapore Chess Federation, Singapore Contract Bridge Association, Singapore Xiangqi General Association, and Singapore Weiqi Association, the event marks a major step in elevating the profile of mind sports across Asia. Its debut comes as Singapore considers new legislation to formally recognise mind sports and esports as official sports — a milestone that underscores the growing importance of intellectual competition in modern society.
The festival will feature tournaments in Chess, Contract Bridge, Weiqi (Go), and Xiangqi (Chinese Chess), along with a dedicated Speedcubing segment. Each discipline showcases the precision, creativity, and cross-cultural energy that define mind sports today. With a prize pool exceeding SGD 40,000, athletes can look forward to world-class competition while engaging the wider community in the celebration of strategy and skill.
A key highlight is the flagship conference, “Mind Sport Matters 2025: The Game of Minds, The Future of Sports,” featuring four fireside chats with leaders from Deloitte, the Global Sports Innovation Centre Powered by Microsoft, Octagon, Dementia Singapore, and other industry experts. Discussions will explore mind sports’ growing role in tourism, youth development, healthy ageing, and Singapore’s emergence as a smart sporting nation.
AMSA President Gordon Tang said:
“Mind sports are already thrive globally, powered by online platforms and international championships. Greater awareness and recognition will accelerate growth and legitimacy, ensuring that intellectual competition is valued alongside physical sport.”
