Singapore is set to welcome some of Asia’s sharpest minds this November as it plays host to the inaugural Asian Mind Sports Conference & Festival, happening from 13 to 15 November 2025 at the Suntec Convention Centre.
Bringing together athletes, federations, and enthusiasts across chess, bridge, weiqi (Go), and xiangqi (Chinese chess), the festival marks a new chapter for the region’s growing mind sports movement. The event, co-organised by the Asian Mind Sports Association (AMSA) together with the Singapore Chess Federation, Singapore Weiqi Association, Singapore Xiangqi General Association, and Singapore Contract Bridge Association, aims to elevate the visibility and professional standing of mind sports across Asia.
More than just a celebration of mental mastery, the festival represents a long-term vision for the development of mind sports in the region. With over S$40,000 in prize money on offer, the event will feature friendly competitions, an industry-focused conference, and the AMSA Executive Board Meeting, all designed to foster collaboration and innovation.
“Mind sports have long held the power to unite cultures, sharpen intellect, and inspire excellence. Yet they have not been featured regularly in major multi-sport events such as the Asian Games. The event represents the beginning of a new chapter, where federations collaborate more closely, formats evolve, and athletes receive the recognition and support they truly deserve. It will also provide a benchmark for a potential new multi-mind sports games in the future, said Gordon Tang, President of the AMSA.
The festival’s arrival in Singapore builds on the country’s continued success in hosting major international events, including the FIDE World Chess Championship in 2024. That milestone helped solidify Singapore’s position as a global hub for strategic sports and inspired a new wave of participation at the grassroots level.
Kevin Goh, CEO of the Singapore Chess Federation, said: “Hosting the FIDE World Chess Championship last year greatly increased interest and participation in chess at all levels. We’ve seen how major events can energise communities and inspire new players. I believe the Asian Mind Sports Conference & Festival will spark that same enthusiasm – not only for chess, but for all mind sports.”
Beyond competition, the festival will also serve as a testing ground for new formats and innovations, with AMSA working alongside the Olympic Council of Asia to explore the inclusion of mind sports in future multi-sport events.
For more information, visit asianmindsports.org.
