For now, receiving congratulations are the winners of CCTV-Cup English Speaking Contest. Over the past four days, 23 college students, proved their eloquence, engaged in spirited repartee -- and competed for supremacy in the final rounds of the CCTV Cup English Speaking Contest. The final competition, at the CCTV studios, Wednesday evening was intense. Six finalists battled for the highest honor in China's ultimate test of English.

The winner is Shan Liyang, from Beijing Foreign Studies University. The student, who majors in English Language and Literature, emerged as grand champion. 

Two second-place finishers and three who shared  third-prize, also were given golden awards as finalists.

The six finalists emerged from the pack after four days of stiff competition at the CCTV network studios. Competitors took time out from their academic studies. The winners are awarded tours to the UK and the US, where they will be able to further advance their English language skills.

The winners savored victory and reflected on the importance of mastering a second language -- as a significant achievement along their chosen career path.

The winners came a long way to reach the final rounds. All 23 who made it to the semi finals survived tough preliminary rounds in their home locales. The six finalists were selected from among those 23. 

Each contestant coming to the podium faced a contentious panel of inquisitors, who grilled them in a battle of wits, one-upmanship and provocation.  

Before that each competitor had to face down anxieties about speaking a foreign language before an argumentative panel and a television audience. 

Since last year, the grand finale has been broadcast live. The annual event is co-sponsored by China Central Television and the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. Organizers say that this year's event differs from previous years in many ways and this year's topics are more close to the daily life of college students.

Over the past eight years, the competition has grown to become the primary platform for Chinese college students, to demonstrate their knowledge of English and their insight of the language. 

Learning never to give up - was another significant challenge for competitors. Those who reached the upper echelons of the competition shared a common spirit, that there was nothing to lose and everything to gain.