Match
Showdown, A Gamble
noun, verbal noun
Win, lose... both will happen in tonight's match! What a showdown it will be!
Note that 勝負 can also describe situations where one takes a significant risk or makes a bold move— a gamble —with high stakes involved.
This is a jukugo word, which usually means on'yomi readings from the kanji. If you know the readings of your kanji you'll know how to read this as well. Just remember that ふ becomes ぶ because of rendaku here.
勝負は引き分けだった。
The match was a draw.
今年は、私にとって勝負の年だと思っています。
I think this year is the year of challenges.
これは一発勝負の大会なので、全力を出して下さいね。
You only have one shot in this tournament, so please do your best.