With 2023 coming to a close and 2024 almost upon us, we look back on what has been a year of scintillating sporting action. In 2023 we were spoilt by some incredible performances as well as inspiration as athletes from a number of sports cemented their legacy in their individual expertise. We have a look at some of the best sporting moments of 2023.
5. A new era for tennis
There was a new name on the Wimbledon trophy as Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in the final 3 sets to 2. Only 20 years old, Alcaraz has burst onto the scene and is ranked World Number One.
His brilliant shots and defeat of arguably the greatest tennis player ever has got tennis fans excited that we could be witnessing a great in the making. With two major titles at only 20 years old, could he be the one to surpass Djokovic and Rafael Nadal as their eras come to an end.
4. An enthralling Women’s World Cup
2023 marked the ninth edition of the Women’s World Cup. We were treated to some thrilling spectacles with high class, entertaining football that showcased great goals, huge upsets and inspired a new generation of women’s footballers.
Holding it in Australia and New Zealand was ideal for the sport bringing more viewers to the Women’s game than ever before. Unfortunately, for the Lionesses it wasn’t to be as they were agonisingly defeated by Spain in the final, however, the reigning European Champions did their country proud attracting many new fans and shining a spotlight on women’s football.
3. The Aussies retain the Ashes but not without controversy
In one of the best Ashes Series of all-time it, the series ended in a draw. Not a single game was a one-sided affair with both sides in it right until the end. Gutsy performances from both sides saw the series finish 2-2 as a result of rain ruining England’s chances flipping the scoreline after they found themselves 2-0 down.
With that said, this year’s famous competition had everything; a controversial Jonny Bairstow runout at Lord’s kicked off an already fiery affair. With that incident, Ben Stokes was in the mood, hitting 155 in a 108 seventh wicket stand; however, it wasn’t to be the greatest Ashes innings ever as England ultimately lost by 43 runs.
Meanwhile, Stuart Broad announced that he would be retiring from test cricket in the final game of the series. It was a fairytale ending for the England legend taking the last two wickets as England won the match to draw the series.
2. A record-breaking year for the Springboks
In the 10th Rugby World Cup, it was South Africa who prevailed as they won the tournament for a record-breaking fourth time narrowly beating New Zealand in the final after a tight semi-final against England in two thrilling contests. The World Cup as a whole provided us with sensational games that went right down to the wire.
However, it was heartbreak for Ireland and Johnny Sexton as the Irish captain’s final World Cup ended in defeat to the All Blacks in arguably the game of the tournament with an astonishing 37 phases in the final moments of the game, but it wasn’t enough for Ireland. Nevertheless, it was a World Cup that had it all with wonderful tries, gripping matches and many shock results.
1. Max Verstappen Dominance
An incredible 86.4%-win rate this season, the Dutchman has dominated the world of Formula One in 2023 in unbelievable circumstances. 19 wins out of 22 he cruised his way to the Championship title helping Red Bull win the Constructors Championship alongside it.
He sent records tumbling with most wins in the season, most consecutive wins in a season (9), highest win percentage in a season, first driver to lead over 1000 laps and more. A simply breathtaking campaign, one that may not be beaten for years. Unless he can make it a perfect season in 2024?
So, there you have it, the top 5 sporting moments of 2023. It has been a compelling 2023 and with 2024 on the horizon, sports fans everywhere can’t wait to see what the new year has to bring. Why not watch 2024’s sporting action from the best seats in the house with Engage Hospitality.
‘Tis the season of celebration, and what better way to share joy than by delighting your loved ones with a thoughtful gift this festive season. Here at Engage, we recognise the significance of quality time spent with loved ones, and we advocate for creating those memorable moments while indulging in excellent hospitality.
In light of this, we have assembled a special Christmas Gift Guide of four tiers, Bronze to Platinum, to simplify your festive shopping. Whether it’s an evening filled with fantastic artists at Capital’s Summertime Ball, the thrill of festive football, or a summer’s day at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, we have the ideal gift waiting for you!
Our Bronze tier is tailored for those seeking a fantastic family day out. There’ll be enjoyment for all at these entertaining events.
Immerse yourself in the excitement of Showdown 4 at the spectacular Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Witness a memorable clash as Saracens take on Harlequins in a day that will linger in the memories of North London.
Alternatively, embark on a journey to Wembley for an unforgettable day. Be a part of the thrill as two of the finest women’s teams in the country face off in the FA Cup Final.
For those whose hearts beat to the rhythm of music rather than sports, worry not, we’ve got you covered. Experience the magic of Capital’s Summertime Ball in June, where heavyweights like Calvin Harris, Niall Horan, and Anne-Marie headlined in 2023. The promise of another spectacular day awaits next year.
In our Silver tier, we present an elevated setting for your loved ones to relish a truly unforgettable day.
Get ready as the much-anticipated BRIT Awards approach, now confirmed for 2nd March. This prestigious ceremony exudes glamour and promises a stellar lineup of acts for your enjoyment.
Experience the pinnacle of festive football with premium hospitality. Witness some of the Premier League’s most thrilling fixtures: West Ham travel to Arsenal on Boxing Day and Chelsea host Crystal Palace on the 27th.
Looking ahead to next summer, mark your calendars for the renowned Chelsea Flower Show in May. Once again, we proudly serve as official hospitality agents for this fabulous event, enabling you to plan and enjoy this spectacular show.
Step into the pinnacle of our offerings with the Gold tier, featuring unmissable events on the UK sporting calendar, all enhanced by our prestigious ICON hospitality.
Immerse yourself in the excitement of the 2024 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Our ICON facility at the track guarantees an exceptional race weekend experience in a premium setting.
For an indulgence in glamour, there’s nothing quite like Royal Ascot, a highlight in the horse racing calendar. Make Ladies’ Day truly unforgettable with our exclusive ICON facility.
Following the excitement of the 2023 Ashes series, gear up for England’s return to test action next summer. Join us at the iconic Lord’s for our outstanding ICON events and witness England take on Sri Lanka in August.
Elevate your Christmas gift-giving with our Platinum tier, designed for those seeking to bestow a truly bucket-list present, which are the unforgettable and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Delight in Wimbledon like never before with our outstanding debentures. Immerse yourself in the unparalleled atmosphere of the premier tennis tournament, seated in the best positions in the house.
Monaco, a jewel in the F1 calendar, takes on a whole new dimension with our exceptional hospitality packages. Ensure you experience this iconic race to the fullest.
For the golf enthusiasts in your family, grant them access to the pinnacle of golfing excellence at The Masters. Don’t miss a moment of the Augusta thrills with our range of hospitality options.
As the joys of Christmas make way for January blues, there is no better time to fill your diary with fun events for the future.
London can genuinely lay claim to being the event capital of the world, with its host of world-renowned venues showcasing the very best music concerts and sporting spectacles the world has to offer.
2023 promises to be a stellar year for live shows, as well as annual events such as Wimbledon and The Chelsea Flower Show, London will frequently attract the biggest stars in entertainment for one-off events all year round.
Below is a list of 10 London events to look out for in 2023.
The Championships, Wimbledon
The most prestigious tennis tournament in the world and it’s right on our doorstep! Every year SW19 welcomes 500,000 fans from all around the globe for two weeks in July for non-stop tennis action.
Last year’s winners were Novak Djokovic in the Men’s Singles and Elena Rybakina in the Women’s Singles, and they will be desperate to defend their titles at the 2023 tournament.
However, regardless of who comes out on top, The Championships, Wimbledon offers a fan experience like no other, from its serving of traditional strawberries and cream to the array of celebrity attendees that can be spotted around the grounds.
Will Andy Murray return for one last hurrah, can Emma Radacanu rediscover her 2021 US Open form and will Rafa or Novak reign supreme on Centre Court? All will be revealed at The Championships, Wimbledon 2023.
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Nick Kyrgios (AUS) serving Novak Djokovic (SRB) in the final of the Gentlemen’s Singles on Centre Court at The Championships 2022. Held at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. Day 14 Sunday 10/07/2022. Credit: AELTC/Joe Toth at The Championships 2022. Held at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. \{year4}{month0}{day0}\. Credit: AELTC/Joe Toth
Harry Styles – Wembley
Global pop superstar Harry Styles will be strutting the Wembley stage, flares and all, come June 2023 for his Love on Tour.
The multiple Brit Award winner enjoyed a stellar 2022 with the release of his third album Harry’s House, which debuted atop the US and UK charts and won the MTV Music Award for Album of the Year.
The former One Direction singer also performed 15 sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden in New York in 2022. To mark the achievement, a permanent banner was raised in his honour inside the venue, he is only the third artist to be honoured in such a way.
His homecoming at Wembley Stadium in 2023 will be a must-see event for any self-respecting Styles fan.
It’s the oldest competition in world football, and, every year, despite the naysayers, we always get caught up in the magic of the cup. 2023 will be no different, with the promise of giant killings, rundown stadiums and special goals all the way to the final at Wembley.
Last year’s final between Chelsea and Liverpool went all the way to a penalty shootout as The Reds came out on top. It’s a trophy every team in the league wants to win, and the 2023 final in June will be no different.
From Steven Gerrard’s long-range strike for Liverpool in 2006 to Ricky Villa’s solo goal for Tottenham in 1981, the FA Cup Final always produces famous goals and memorable moments for fans of the beautiful game.
The world’s greatest flower show includes show gardens designed by leading names, epic floral displays and an unrivalled shopping experience.
Between May 23-27 in 2023, the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea will provide horticultural inspiration for its guests, which, last year, paid tribute to The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee with laser-cut steel silhouettes of her late Majesty, surrounded by 70 planted terracotta pots planted with Lily of the Valley, the Queen’s favourite flower.
The 2023 show will be the first since The Queen’s passing so it’s safe to say a floral tribute to her late Majesty will be on display, amidst the many other breathtaking gardens.
The Ashes
It’s back, four years since the last Ashes Series in England which ended in a 2-2 draw, with Australia retaining the old trophy having won the 2017-18 series.
After England’s last Ashes humiliation in Australia, a 4-0 defeat, Ben Stoke’s men will be looking for revenge under new coach Brendon McCullum who led England to an unbeaten 2022 after he took charge in March.
With Lord’s and The Oval playing host to two of the five Test matches, London is the place to be to witness England’s road to redemption.
The prolific film composer is performing two shows in June at the O2 in Greenwich with music from films including, The Lion King, Inception, Gladiator, the Dark Knight trilogy andthe Pirates of the Caribbean.
The German-born musician has two Oscars to his name and is widely regarded as the greatest film composer of all time.
He rose to fame following the success of his first Hollywood feature score in Rain Man in 1988.
150 films later and Zimmer is still the most in-demand film composer in Hollywood. More recently, however, he has turned to other projects outside of the film industry, including the BBC television series Blue Planet II, for which he composed the score in 2017.
All of this and much more besides can be heard at the O2, performed by world-class musicians.
MLB World Tour London Series
Baseball is very much riding along the coattails of the NFL in this country, following a surge in popularity in the UK in recent years.
In June, St Louis Cardinals will play the Chicago Cubs at the London Stadium in a two-game series in Stratford.
The MLB London series has become a regular fixture on the London sporting calendar since its launch in 2019, when the New York Yankees faced the Boston Red Sox, in the first official MLB game in Europe.
Now it’s the turn of the Cardinals and the Cubs who have 11 and three World Series Championships respectively. The two will compete at the former Olympic Stadium which will transform into an authentic ballpark – don’t forget to bring your mitt!
From July to September the biggest names in classical music will descend upon The Royal Albert Hall in Kensington for a festival of music.
Across the eight-week summer season, daily orchestral concerts will be held culminating in the famous last night, where typically popular classics and patriotic British pieces will be performed.
Not much has been revealed ahead of the 2023 edition but the event always celebrates the anniversaries of preeminent composers. For instance, in 2022 many pieces were dedicated to the British composer Ralph Vaughn Williams to mark his 150th birthday.
The festival doesn’t only attract classical music buffs, movie themes feature regularly in the Proms programme. In 2011, Keith Lockhart famously conducted music from various James Bond films ending with rapturous applause.
NFL London Games
Typically held in the Autumn, America’s game will return to the capital for its NFL London Games. In the past matches have been held at Wembley and the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Teams are yet to be announced, but last year the Saints, Giants, Packers, Broncos, Jaguars and Vikings all competed in London.
The first ever London series game was played in 2007 at Wembley when the New Giants defeated the Miami Dolphins 13-10.
Since then London has annually sold out crowds for NFL games, featuring half-time shows and immersive fan parks to give Brits a proper Gridiron experience.
Such is the popularity of the event, rumours persist that one day London will have its own NFL franchise to support. Until that day comes, UK fans will continue to flock to the likes of Wembley Stadium to support their US team of choice.
The boys from Sheffield are back following the release of their seventh studio album The Car, which peaked at No. 2 in the UK album charts behind Taylor Swift’s Midnights.
The seven-time Brit award winners have reinvented themselves over the years, from their garage rock upstart in 2006 with their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not, to the lounge pop tone of Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino in 2017.
The Monkeys have headlined Glastonbury twice in 2007 and 2013 respectively, and are heavily rumoured to do so again in 2023.
Frequently lauded as one of the best bands of all time, even Bob Dylan has claimed to have made “special efforts” to see them live.
So there we have it, the top 10 London events to look out for in 2023. In truth, there will be hundreds of worthwhile events to see across the capital but the above will certainly be among the most in demand.
You can’t be a part of music or sporting history from your armchair, for a truly unforgettable 2023 why not book a once-in-a-lifetime event, one that can be experienced and treasured forever, whether it be The Ashes at Lord’s or Harry Styles at Wembley.
After two years of interruption due to the pandemic, 2022 promised much with its packed roster of sporting events and capacity crowds.
Elite-level competition will always be compelling to watch, from Wimbledon to Silverstone, The Grand National to the Premier League. However, 2022 produced much more than notable sporting triumphs and jaw-dropping statistics.
It was the year that sport became about storytelling again, whether it be honouring a tennis legend in one final match or celebrating England’s Lionesses ending 56 years of hurt.
Skill and technique can be admired in the moment, but witnessing the final act of a sporting drama is what elevates a great fan experience to one of those, ‘I was there’, once in a lifetime moments. So, without further ado, here are the Top 10 sporting highlights of 2022.
Winter Olympics – Curling to glory
It seems like a long time ago now but this year began with the 2022 Winter Olympic games in Beijing.
There wasn’t much to shout about from a Team GB perspective, as they fell below the 3-7 medal target set by UK Sport. In total, the team won two medals, both in curling, a Silver for the men’s team and a Gold for the women’s event.
It was the first time in 20 years that Great Britain had claimed Gold in the women’s curling. Captain Eve Muirhead led Team GB in her fourth Winter Olympics and, in doing so, has become Scotland’s most decorated curler; achieving medal successes at the World Championships, European Championships and, of course, the Olympic Games.
Italy shock Six Nations
Every Six Nations Italy always provides bravado, passion and a jaw-dropping national anthem, but their performances on the pitch always leave something to be desired. That was until the 2022 Six Nations in March, when the Azzurri defeated defending champions Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff. The victory ended a seven-year losing streak for the Italians and was claimed in dramatic fashion with a last-gasp try from fullback Edoardo Padovani before Paolo Garbisi converted the decisive kick, sending the Italian fans into raptures.
The 21-22 defeat for Wales was their first against the Italians on home soil in the Six Nations and their third in total, after losing in the 2003 and 2007 tournaments respectively.
Never in its 200 years has the Cheltenham Gold Cup celebrated a female winner. However, in March 2022, jockey Rachael Blackmore rewrote the history books as she claimed first place riding A Plus Tard to claim the Gold Cup.
The victory follows her triumphs in the Champion Hurdle and the Grand National in 2021, where she became the only female to claim those titles as well.
Her triumph at the Cheltenham Racecourse, which comprises 22 fences over three miles, was made even sweeter as Blackmore finished second the previous year riding A Plus Tard.
The 150th Open Championship
Originally scheduled for 2021, the 150th Open Championship was delayed by a year to ensure it could be played at the “home of golf,” on the Old Course at St Andrews, Scotland. The 2020 event had been cancelled due to Covid, which meant the 149th edition was played in 2021, at Royal St George’s, Kent.
The occasion celebrated winners from past and present, as the likes of Tom Watson, Sir Nick Faldo and Bill Rogers participated in a Celebration of Champions event before the official tournament teed off.
In the end, the Claret Jug was claimed by 28-year-old Australian Cameron Smith, in one of the great final rounds in Majors history, an unequalled eight-under par to defeat Cameron Young by one and former champion Rory Mcllroy by two.
The landmark Open was particularly poignant for Tiger Woods, as he walked down the fairway of the 18th hole to rapturous applause. This will most likely be the last time Woods contests The Open at St Andrews, a course he has mastered like few else.
St Andrew’s Golf Course
Ronnie O’Sullivan wins record-equalling 7th World Championship
“I thought at 35 I was done,” said a typically frank Ronnie O’Sullivan after winning his 7th World Snooker Championship, a feat that puts him joint-first with Stephen Hendry on the all-time winners list.
Frequently considered the sport’s most gifted player, O’Sullivan considered retirement in 2011 after losing in the second round to Judd Trump at the UK Championship. Following defeat he stated, “I thought I applied myself today, I feel in a good place and I don’t want to take the shine off Judd but I seriously can’t see me having much longer playing.”
O’Sullivan has been a box office attraction in the world of snooker since he burst onto the scene in 1993, where he won the UK Championship aged 17; the youngest player to achieve this feat to this day.
Fast-forward to May 2022 and O’Sullivan claimed his 7th World Title, defeating Judd Trump 18-13 and The Crucible in Sheffield. The win makes him the oldest World Champion at 46 and brings his total of ‘Triple Crown’ titles to 21, the most prestigious prizes in snooker.
The Lionesses bring football home
After England’s men came so close to claiming Euros glory the previous summer, the Lionesses went one step further, defeating rivals Germany no less, to win England’s first major trophy since 1966, ending 56 years of hurt.
The setting was Wembley, just as it was in 1966, in front of 87,192 fans; a record for a European Championship Final.
The majority of those fans were in good voice for England, especially when Chloe Kelly scored what turned out to be the winning goal, wheeling away in celebration as she removed her jersey proudly displaying her sports bra in a now iconic image for the women’s game.
Germany are eight times champions of this competition and presented England’s toughest test of the tournament. One of the defining moments of the final was Ella Toone’s second half chip over the German keeper Merle Frohms to make it 1-0, a goal deserving to win any final. However, when Germany equalised to make it 1-1 on the 79th minute, the narrative seemed all too familiar.
Unlike tournaments of the past, England held their nerve as Kelly scored the winner in extra time, changing the history of women’s football in this country forever.
Womens Football, England
Tour de France
It was a thrilling Tour de France this year which began in Copenhagen, Denmark, a befitting venue as the world’s most prestigious cycling event was eventually won by Dane, Jonas Vingegaard.
He did so by defeating pre-tour favourite and reigning champion Tadej Pogacar, who carried with him an aura of invincibility into the 2022 race. In third place was Tour veteran Gerraint Thomas, who claimed the Yellow Jersey in 2018 but had to settle for third on this occasion.
There were several defining moments throughout the Tour but chief among them in 2022 was Fabio Jakobsen’s epic comeback, from a coma in 2020 to a Tour de France stage winner in 2022.
In the Tour of Poland in 2020 the Dutchman almost lost his life after a horror crash, but on the biggest stage of them all he claimed victory by a whisker, narrowly beating Mads Pedersen and Wout van Aert to the Stage 2 finish line.
England win the T20 World Cup
In November England became the first team in white-ball cricket history to hold both the 50-over World Cup and the T20 World Cup.
The remarkable achievement was once again defined by the heroic exploits of all-rounder Ben Stokes, who scored an unbeaten 52 from 49 balls during the most intense overs of the match.
When history looks back on this era of white-ball dominance from England, which is now ladened with trophies, the clutch batting of Ben Stokes will stand out as a long-lasting memory.
In front of 80,000 fans at the MCG in Melbourne, Australia, England defeated Pakistan to cap off a remarkable year in one day and Test cricket. In doing so, they banished the demons of 2016, when England lost the T20 final to the West Indies, after Stokes was hit for four consecutive sixes in one devastating over.
Since then, however, Stokes’ redemption arc has been the stuff of Hollywood legend, capped off by the T20 World Cup last month.
Federer Farewell
The Swiss maestro finally brought his tennis career to a close, playing in tandem with his great rival and friend Rafael Nadal, at the O2 in London.
Friendly rivals may seem like an oxymoron but that’s what Federer and Nadal are, to see their opposing styles of play on the same side of the net, Nadal, a leftie with grit and determination and Federer, a rightie, with grace and guile, was a sight to behold for the London crowd.
The pair may have lost their doubles encounter in the Laver Cup vs Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe, but in truth, the result was an irrelevance as the world of tennis paid tribute to arguably its greatest ever player.
Federer finished his career with 20 Grand Slam Titles, one behind Novak Djokovic and two behind Rafael Nadal. He won a record eight men’s singles titles at Wimbledon and a record-tying five US Open titles. In 2009 he completed the career Grand Slam after winning the French Open; a tournament that had eluded him because of the imperious Nadal.
Federer’s farewell marked an end of an era for tennis, for many he is tennis, and that is why his rivals hold him in such high regard, as without Federer, there would be no Novak, no Rafa, no Murray.
The defining image of the occasion was when Federer and Nadal briefly held hands, struggling to hold back the tears as the reality set in that the most important player in the history of the game, would hang up his racket for good.
The World Cup – Messi’s crowning glory
This year’s winter World Cup in Qatar will forever be marred by controversy, before the tournament it was hard to imagine how a positive story could be gleaned from the competition. However, when you invite the world’s greatest players to compete for football’s most prestigious prize, moments of magic are bound to ensue, in spite of major issues away from the pitch.
Morocco’s back-to-back knockout victories against Spain and Portugal stands out, as they made history by becoming the first African nation to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup.
Japan caused a shock in their group by defeating Spain and Germany, eliminating the latter from the group stage for a second World Cup in a row.
England would predictably falter at the quarter final stage, losing 2-1 to holders France, who went on to face Messi and Argentina in the final.
The tournament undeniably belonged to Lionel Messi, as the little magician from Rosario scored two in the final to lead his Argentina side to a third World Cup triumph, arguably cementing his pace as the greatest footballer of all-time.
It was a truly epic final which saw France stage an unlikely comeback courtesy of Kylian Mbappe, who scored two goals to draw the sides level with just 10 minutes remaining of normal time.
The match finished 3-3 after extra time, with Mbappe, Messi’s teammate at PSG, scoring a hat trick. Both star players converted their penalties but it was Argentina who came out on top, solidifying Messi’s legacy as the greatest player of all time.
£17,000+ raised for the Disasters Emergency Committee
With the World Cup now on the eyes of the football world which is often a celebration of countries around the world sharing the global love of of the sport, Engage has been looking at ways to help do our part in supporting Ukraine.
Like the rest of the world, we are shocked and saddened by the continuation of the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. We welcome guests from far and wide to our events, as well as hosting events all around the world and we wanted to offer our support and solidarity with the people of Ukraine in a meaningful way, through the Disasters Emergency Committee.
10% of the revenue generated by sales towards England v Ukraine has been raised for the Disasters Emergency Committee.
We support the issues that are important to our team and organisation and we hope our donation of £17,000 to the Disasters Emergency Committee Appeal will help further the incredible support shown by farmers across the UK.
Thanks to everyone at Engage Sport Management and a massive thank you to our clients for attending and supporting our cause.
