Top 5 Sporting Moments of 2023

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.

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