noun
great match; memorable contest
Used for sports, games, or competitions that are exceptionally exciting, high-quality, or historic. Often carries a dramatic or nostalgic tone.
昨夜の決勝戦は本当に名勝負だった。
Last night's final was truly a great match.
この試合は語り継がれる名勝負になるだろう。
This game will probably become a memorable contest talked about for years.
名試合 is a near-synonym also meaning a great match, but 名勝負 often emphasizes the competitive struggle and drama more strongly.
Compound of 名 (めい, 'famous, excellent') and 勝負 (しょうぶ, 'match, contest'). The exact origin is uncertain, but it follows a common pattern of prefixing 名 to a noun to indicate a noteworthy or outstanding example.