Why was first prize not awarded?

The thirteenth edition in 1995 again ended without a first prize. Second prize — the highest award that year — was shared by France's Philippe Giusiano and the Soviet-born pianist Alexei Sultanov, a decision that was widely debated.

Key facts

• First prize was withheld for a second consecutive edition in 1995.
• Second prize was shared by Philippe Giusiano (France) and Alexei Sultanov.
• Sultanov, already a Van Cliburn Competition winner, was a favourite for many observers.
• The absence of a first prize in 1990 and 1995 made Yundi Li's 2000 victory especially significant.