Fort Worth, TX, June 7, 2025 — After two and a half weeks of thrilling performances at Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU and Bass Performance Hall, the Seventeenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition concluded on June 7 with the announcement of its 2025 winners. The competition, held May 21–June 7, featured 30 pianists from around the world and drew more than 20 million broadcast views from audiences across over 145 countries.
Gold Medal: Aristo Sham (Hong Kong, China, Age 29)
Awarded the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Gold Medal, Sham receives a cash prize of $100,000, the Van Cliburn Winner’s Cup, and three years of individualized career management, including U.S. and international concert tours. He will also release a live album with Platoon Records and receive a promotional package including press kits, videos, and website support. Performance attire will be provided by Neiman Marcus. Sham was also named the winner of the Carla and Kelly Thompson Audience Award, based on over 9,000 public votes, earning an additional $2,500.
Silver Medal: Vitaly Starikov (Israel/Russia, Age 30)
The silver medalist receives a $50,000 cash award, along with the same three-year career management package, Platoon Records live album, and promotional support.
Bronze Medal: Evren Ozel (United States, Age 26)
Ozel, who also won the Best Performance of the Mozart Concerto Award, receives a $25,000 bronze medal prize and the full suite of management and promotional benefits.
Other Awards:
- Beverley Taylor Smith Award for Best Performance of a New Work: Yangrui Cai (China, 24) – $5,000
- John Giordano Jury Chairman Discretionary Award: Mikhail Kambarov (Russia, 24) – $4,000
- Raymond E. Buck Jury Discretionary Award: Jonas Aumiller (Germany, 26) – $4,000
- Patricia and Neal Steffen Family Jury Discretionary Award: Alice Burla (Canada, 28) – $4,000
Finalists Not Receiving Medals:
Each of the three remaining finalists received the Kleinheinz Family Finalist Award and $10,000 in cash:
- Carter Johnson (Canada/USA, 28)
- Philipp Lynov (Russia, 26)
- Angel Stanislav Wang (USA, 22)
Additional Cash Awards:
- Semifinalists: $5,000 each
- Quarterfinalists: $2,500 each
- Preliminary Round competitors: $1,000 each
The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra joined the semifinal and final rounds, led by conductors Marin Alsop and Carlos Miguel Prieto. All performances were streamed live and remain available on demand, continuing the Cliburn’s mission of bringing world-class piano performance to global audiences.
Piano League® congratulates all medalists, award recipients, and participants on an unforgettable competition and looks forward to following their future artistic journeys.
