Red Bull BC One is an annual international breakdancing (B-Boy) competition organized by the beverage company Red Bull. Established in 2004, it has grown to be one of the most prestigious and anticipated events in the breakdancing world. What sets Red Bull BC One apart is its exclusive focus on individual breakdancers, eschewing the traditional crew format seen in other major breaking championships. This unique approach shines a spotlight on the personal skill, style, and creativity of each B-Boy and B-Girl, allowing them to showcase their talents on a global stage.

The competition's main event is a high-stakes knockout tournament featuring sixteen elite breakdancers. These dancers are meticulously selected not only for their extraordinary breakdancing abilities but also for their good character and sportsmanship, which are key criteria for participation. The format involves intense one-on-one battles judged by a panel of five seasoned experts in the field. This rigorous judging process ensures that each battle is evaluated with the utmost precision, and only the most exceptional dancers advance through each round, culminating in a dramatic final showdown to crown the champion.

Red Bull BC One's journey to the World Finals is comprehensive, with regional finals held in various parts of the world, including North America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. These regional winners earn the coveted chance to compete in the World Finals, representing their regions on the international stage. The inaugural Red Bull BC One event, held in Biel, Switzerland, in 2004, set the foundation for what has become a global phenomenon, inspiring countless breakdancers and elevating the art form to new heights.

An official Red Bull BC One DVD was released for the 2004 and 2005 events. The production of the DVDs has been criticized due to restrictive music playing rights, as the live music played during the competition had to be dubbed over. From 2006 onwards, Red Bull stopped releasing DVDs and made the videos available online for free.

In 2007, Alastair Siddons directed a film about the Red Bull BC One 2007 competition. The film was released in 2009 under the title, Turn it Loose.

Since 2014, Red Bull BC One had partnered with the World BBoy Series to help create Undisputed, which crowns a solo world b-boy champion.

Winners

2024

The 2024 Red Bull BC One is scheduled to take place on December 7, 2024 in Rio de Janeiro.

Judges:

MC:

DJ:

Competitors

B-Girl World Final

2023

The Red Bull BC One took place in Paris at the Roland-Garros on October 21, 2023.

Judges:

• Flea Rock (The Street Masters / Skill Methods)
• Movie One (Natural Moves)
• Dr. Hill (Unik Breakers)
• Babyson (Wanted Posse)
• Kill (Gamblers / C.A.Y. Crew)

MC:

• Amjad ($7 Crew)
• MyVerse

DJ:

• DJ One Up

Competitors

Results

Location: Paris, France

B-Girl World Final

Results

Location: Paris, France

2022

In 2022, the 19th Red Bull BC One took place in New York City on November 12, 2022.

Judges:

• Sick (Gamblers)
• Ayumi (Body Carnival)
• Jey (Legiteam Obstruction)
• Fabgirl (BSB Girls)
• Kid Glyde (Dynamic Rockers)

MC:

• Wicket (Renegade Rockers)
• MyVerse

DJ:

• DJ Skeme Richards (Rock Steady Crew)

Competitors

Results

Location: New York, United States

B-Girl World Final

Results

Location: New York, United States

2021

Breakers from around the world came together to represent their countries by participating in a solo B-Boy and B-Girl competition, with the winners being crowned the 2021 Red Bull BC One world champions and taking home the championship belts. The 18th edition of the breaking competition took place for the first time in Gdańsk, Poland, on November 5 and 6.

Judges:

• Menno (Hustle Kidz / Deaf Dogs)
• Sarah Bee (Zamounda)
• Kleju (Polskee Flavour / Funky Masons)
• Beta (Ground Zero Crew / Heartbreakerz / MF Kidz)
• El Niño (Floorlords / Flava Squad / Squadron / Boogie Brats)

MC:

• Amjad ($7 Crew)

DJ:

• DJ Plash One (Dons Crew)

Competitors

Results

Location: Gdańsk, Poland

B-Girl World Final

Results

Location: Gdańsk, Poland

2020

This year, in its 17th edition, eight of the best B-Boys and B-Girls jetting off to Salzburg, Austria, to compete in the biggest breaking 1 vs. 1 competition in the world, and become the world champions. Their destination is the Red Bull BC One World Final 2020 on November 28.

Judges:

• Omar (Mighty Zulu Kingz)
• Movie One (Natural Moves)
• AT (Flow Mo)
• Lilou (Pockemon Crew)
• Ayumi (Body Carnival)

MC:

• Redchild

DJ:

• Just a Kid

Competitors

Results

Location: Salzburg, Austria

B-Girl World Final

Results

Location: Salzburg, Austria

2019

In its 16th edition, the world's biggest breakdance competition will travel the world again for the best B-Boys and B-Girls in the world. Each year, thousands of dancers compete in the national finals, and the winners go to the Red Bull BC One World Final, in which 16 participate, but only one is crowned champion. This year, the world final already has a date and place to happen: November 9, in Mumbai, India.

Judges:

• Lil G (Speedy Angels / Team Vinotinto)
• Poe One (Style Elements / Mighty Zulu Kingz)
• Narumi (Body Carnival)
• Intact (Ruffneck Attack)
• Physicx (Rivers Crew)

MC:

• Amjad ($7 Crew)

DJ:

• DJ Smirnoff

Competitors

Results

Location: Mumbai, India

B-Girl World Final

Results

Location: Mumbai, India

2018

In 2004, the first Red Bull BC One Cypher went down at the cultural centre La Coupole in Biel. Fourteen years later, this breaking battle goes back to Switzerland. This time, the Hallenstadion in northern Zurich will host this clash of breakers on September 29, 2018.

Judges:

• Tuff Kid (Basel City Attack)
• Benny (Flying Steps)
• Wicket (Renegade Rockers)
• Junior (Wanted Posse)
• Taisuke (Flooriorz / Super Cr3w)

MC:

• Amjad ($7 Crew)

DJ:

• DJ Fleg (Lionz of Zion)

Competitors

Results

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

B-Girl World Final

Results

Location: Zurich, Switzerland

2017

The 2017 Red Bull BC One was held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, on November 4, 2017. This time around, BC One hopefuls go head-to-head in over 35 qualifying cyphers and six camps to determine who makes the Amsterdam cut. The three-day camps will be held in Spain, Russia, France, Turkey, Japan, and the Netherlands, reflecting the local creative landscape with lectures, workshops, art exhibitions, club nights and battles. All the winners will earn the chance to compete for the last open spot, just days before the hugely anticipated World Final gets broadcast to the world. Ayumi made history as the first B-girl in history to compete in Red Bull BC One.

Judges:

• Crazy Legs (Rock Steady Crew)
• Hong 10 (Drifterz / 7 Commandoz)
• Niek (The Ruggeds)
• Intact (Ruffneck Attack)
• AT (Flow Mo)

MC:

• Rakaa (Dilated Peoples / Rock Steady Crew / Universal Zulu Nation)

DJ:

• DJ Nobunaga (Extraordinary Gentlemen)

Competitors

Results

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

2016

In 2016, Red Bull BC One will hold camps around the world that will feature traditional cyphers. It will no longer hold the six regional finals from previous years. Camps will be held in Austria, France, South Africa, Italy, Japan, and Ukraine. The winners of each cypher will compete in a Last Chance Cypher to qualify to the World Finals. The winners of Last Chance Cypher will battle in Nagoya alongside fifteen Wild Card entries, chosen by an international team of B-Boy experts. Red Bull BC One World Finals 2016 will take place in Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, Nagoya, Japan on December 3. This also happened to be the final BC One that would feature Taisuke, as he announced his retirement from this competition. Meanwhile, Issei's victory meant that he would be the first Japanese champion of Red Bull BC One.

Judges:

• Storm (Battle Squad)
• Freeze (Ghost Crew)
• Wicket (Renegade Rockers)
• Kosuke (Waseda Breakers)
• Mounir (Vagabonds)

MC:

• Rakaa (Dilated Peoples / Rock Steady Crew / Universal Zulu Nation)

DJ:

• DJ Mar Ski (Universal Zulu Nation Japan)

Competitors

Results

Location: Nagoya, Japan

2015

On November 14, Red Bull BC One World Finals, the global B-Boy competition, will take place in the Eternal City, in Rome's Palazzo dei Congressi. Throughout the year, over 70 cyphers took place around the globe. Sixteen of each country's best B-Boys went head-to-head for the chance to represent at six regional Finals in Georgia, the United States, Peru, South Korea, Spain and Egypt. The winners of these finals will battle in Rome alongside ten Wild Card entries, chosen by an international team of B-Boy experts.

Judges:

• Cico (Spinkingz)
• Focus (Flow Mo)
• Wing (Jinjo Crew / 7 Commandoz)
• Lamine (Vagabonds)
• Poe One (Style Elements / Mighty Zulu Kingz)

MC:

• MC Supernatural

DJ:

• DJ Marrrtin (Funky Bijou)

Competitors

Results

Location: Rome, Italy

2014

Red Bull BC One took place in Paris, France. In 2014, Red Bull BC One utilized a round-by-round judging system used by Undisputed. The round-by-round judging format allows boys to see the judges decision after every round. The battle is set for 3 rounds (Finals is 5) but can end if a boy beats his opponent in 2. However, this judging system received a lot of criticism from Red Bull BC One fans throughout social media following the event. Bboys and fans alike, both disagreed heavily with the judges's decisions after many individual battles. Many argued that it was the worst Red Bull BC one competition since its initiation. Due to Menno () winning Red Bull BC One and Chelles Battle Pro, Gravity () was awarded the final spot at Undisputed at the end of the year following Red Bull BC One.

Judges:

• The End (Gamblers / C.A.Y. Crew)
• Yan the Shrimp (Allthemost Crew)
• Ken Swift (Rock Steady Crew)
• Yaman (Wanted Posse)
• Luigi (Skill Methods / Skill Brat Renegades)

MC:

• Joey Starr

DJ

• DJ Lean Rock (Squadron)

Competitors

Results

Location: Paris, France

2013

Red Bull BC One took place in Seoul, South Korea, on November 30, 2013.

Judges:

• Poe One (Style Elements / Mighty Zulu Kingz)
• El Niño (Floor Lords / Flava Squad / Squadron / Boogie Brats)
• Ducky (Drifterz / Floor Gangz)
• Storm (Battle Squad)
• Lamine (Vagabonds)

MC:

• Jay Park

DJ:

• DJ Lean Rock (Squadron)

Competitors

Results

Location: Seoul, Korea

2012

Red Bull BC One took place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on December 8, 2012.

Judges:

• Neguin (Tsunami All-Stars)
• Taisuke (All Area Crew / Flooriorz / Mighty Zulu Kingz)
• Moy (Havikoro)
• Niek (The Ruggeds)
• Storm (Battle Squad)

MC:

• Dughettu

DJ:

• DJ Skeme Richards (Rock Steady Crew)

Competitors

Results

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2011

Red Bull BC One took place in Moscow, Russia on November 26, 2011.

Judges:

• Bootuz (Predatorz)
• Lamine (Vagabonds)
• Machine (Killafornia / Mighty Zulu Kingz)
• Pelezinho (Tsunami All-Stars)
• Wing (Jinjo Crew / 7 Commandoz)

MC:

• Rakaa Iriscience (Dilated Peoples / Rock Steady Crew / Universal Zulu Nation)

DJ:

• DJ Renegade (Soul Mavericks)

Competitors

Results

Location: Moscow, Russia

2010

Red Bull BC One 2010 took place in Tokyo, Japan on November 27, 2010. This marks the first time the competition was held in Asia.

Judges:

• Ken Swift (Rock Steady Crew)
• Born (Rivers Crew / Floor Gangz / Mighty Zulu Kingz / Flava Squad)
• Storm (Battle Squad)
• Roxrite (Break Disciples / Renegades / Squadron)
• Lilou (Pockemon Crew)

MC:

• Rahzel (former member of The Roots)

DJ:

• DJ Mar Ski (Universal Zulu Nation Japan)

Competitors

Results

Location: Tokyo, Japan

2009

Red Bull BC One was held on November 18, 2009, at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Tickets went on sale at midnight, October 9, 2009, and were sold out within 30 minutes.

Judges:

• Katsu (All Area Crew / Mighty Zulu Kingz)
• Salah (Vagabonds / Massive Monkees)
• Ronnie (Full Force / Super Cr3w / 7 Commandoz)
• Cico (Spinkingz)
• Float (Incredible Breakers)

MC:

• KRS-One

DJ:

• DJ DP One (Turntable Anihilists / Supreme Beings)

Competitors

Results

Location: New York City, United States

2008

For 2008, Red Bull BC One was held in Paris on November 5 at the new 104 Cent Quatre avenue.

Judges:

• Ivan (Style Elements)
• Extremo (Addictos)
• Hong 10 (Drifterz)
• Lilou (Pockemon Crew)
• Storm (Battle Squad)

MC:

• Rakaa Iriscience (Dilated Peoples / Rock Steady Crew / Universal Zulu Nation)

DJ:

• DJ Tee

Competitors

Results

Location: Paris, France

2007

For 2007, qualifiers were held in May and June in 10 countries: Algeria, France, Japan, Germany, Brazil, South Africa, United States, Sweden, Taiwan, and Russia. The winner from each of these nine events, along with four wild card entries and the top 3 finishers from last year's 2006 main event, are the final 16 for the 2007 main event. However, two of the breakdancers – Baek (), a wild card selection, and Niek (), who won the Germany qualifier – had to withdraw from the competition due to injury. They were replaced by B-boys Cico () and Jed ().

Judges:

• Speedy (Battle Squad)
• Emile (Black Noise)
• Kazuhiro (King Ark)
• Kujo (Soul Control / Ill Abilities)
• Salah (Vagabonds / Massive Monkees)

MC:

• Rakaa Iriscience (Dilated Peoples / Rock Steady Crew / Universal Zulu Nation)

DJ:

• DJ Renegade (Soul Mavericks)

Competitors

Results

Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

2006

Judges:

• Storm (Battle Squad)
• Rokafella (Full Circle Soul / Collective 7)
• Andrezinho (Discipulos do Ritmo)
• Sonic (Natural Effects)
• Junior (Wanted Posse)

MC:

DJ:

Competitors

Results

Location : São Paulo, Brazil

2005

Judges:

• Asia One (Rock Steady Crew)
• Ducky (Drifterz / Project Seoul)
• David Colas (Compagnie Phorm)
• Poe One (Rock So Fresh / Style Elements / Mighty Zulu Kingz)
• Storm (Battle Squad)

MC:

• Rahzel (former member of The Roots)

DJ:

• DJ Ace and DJ Billy Brown

Competitors

Results

Location : Berlin, Germany

2004

Judges:

• Benny (Flying Steps)
• Lamine (Vagabonds)
• George (Wickid Force)
• Asia One (Rock Steady Crew)
• Tuff Kid (Basel City Attack)

MC:

• Rahzel (former member of The Roots)

DJ:

• DJ Supreme

Competitors

Results

Location : Biel, Switzerland

Red Bull BC One All Stars

Red Bull BC One All Stars is a crew of thirteen internationally renowned dancers, representing the best of the best in the scene. Together, they showcase the art of B-Boying in all of its many forms. Each of the 14 B-Boys has competed in the Red Bull BC One, the world's most important one-on-one B-Boy battle.

They serve as ambassadors of Hip Hop culture, with their main goal of giving back to the community and sharing their wealth of experience and skills with the younger generation of dancers. They travel the world to teach workshops, judge competitions and, of course, battle, continually challenging and pushing the limits of B-Boying.

Each crewmember is an outstanding individual in his community, bringing a certain style, skillset and original movement to the group, from hardcore power moves to intricate footwork. New members are chosen by the existing crewmembers, and one new member is added every year.

Red Bull BC One All Stars is not a just collected crew, but still as a real crew that battling worldwide. Some notable achievements are as follows:

• Winner of 2v2 Battle at Outbreak Europe 2015 (Roxrite & Menno)
• Winner of 3v3 Battle at Renegade Rockers 32nd Anniversary 2015 (Roxrite, Neguin, Menno)
• Winner of Crew Battle at UK B-Boy Championships 2016
• Winner of 3v3 Need For Dance 2017 (Lil G, Hong 10, Menno)
• Winner of 2v2 Battle De Vaulx 2017 (Menno & Wing)
• Winner of 3v3 Battle at Floorlords 36th Anniversary 2017 (Roxrite, Victor, Menno)
• Winner of Seven All Star 2 Smoke at The Notorious IBE 2017
• Winner of 2v2 LCB "Choose Your Destiny" 2017 (Taisuke & Issei)
• Winner of 3v3 Undisputed 2018 (Roxrite, Neguin, Victor)
• Winner of Crew vs Crew Circle Industry 2018 (Roxrite, Taisuke, Victor, Menno, Junior)
• Winner of 3v3 HIP OPsession 2018 (Hong 10, Wing, Ronnie)
• Winner of Crew Battle Legits Blast Winter 2018
• Winner of 4v4 SCAPE Radikal Forze Jam 2018 (Victor, Wing, Menno)
• Winner of 2v2 Battle De Vaulx 2018 (Victor & Roxrite)
• Winner of 2v2 Freestyle Session 2018 (Hong 10 & Wing)
• Winner of 3v3 United Styles 2019 (Hong 10, Menno, Neguin)
• Winner of 5v5 Checkmate - Circle Industry (Ronnie, Neguin, Menno, Lil Zoo, Ami)
• Winner of 4v4 Bucheon Bboy International Festival (Hong 10, Taisuke, Lil Zoo, Sunni)
• Winner of 3v3 Freestyle Session 2019 (Menno, Victor, Lil G)

Bboy in Bold denotes former Red Bull BC One champion.

References

External links

• Official site

Articles connexes

1. 2013 Red Bull BC One
2. 2014 Red Bull BC One
3. 2015 Red Bull BC One
4. Red Bull BC One India Cypher
5. Red Bull BC One USA Qualifier
6. Red Bull BC One (video game)
7. Red Bull GmbH
8. Red Bull BC One North American Finals
9. Red Bull BC One Latin American Finals
10. Hong 10
11. Red Bull BC One Eastern European Finals
12. Red Bull BC One Western European Finals
13. Red Bull BC One Asia Pacific Finals
14. Victor Montalvo
15. Ayumi Fukushima
16. Red Bull BC One Middle East Africa Finals
17. B-boy Lilou
18. Breakdancing
19. International B-Boy Championships
20. Jinjo Crew