After a year of fierce competitions, incredible displays of skill, and a global journey of dance, this past weekend Red Bull BC One crowned the 2023 World Champions in Paris, France. B-boy Hong 10 and b-girl Ami lifted their trophies in front of a highly energized crowd.
The home of world-class tennis, the iconic Stade Roland-Garros was transformed into the ultimate breaking arena as 32 b-boys and b-girls took to the stage to showcase gravity-defying dance and power moves in the hotly anticipated final of the global contest.
Veteran breaker Hong 10 outperformed his younger rivals and came out victorious for the third time in the b-boy bracket, pulling out some showstopper moves to beat Canada’s Phil Wizard in the final round. Hong 10 flexed his original moves and steps, including his famed Hong 10 Freeze, to win the judges’ votes. In the b-girl bracket, 24-year-old Ami of Japan took home the title following four intense battles to get to the final stage. Taking on China’s 671 in the final three-round battle, she showcased her characteristic smooth flow, razor-sharp footwork and explosive power moves.
South Africa was well represented by our very own b-boy Toufeeq and b-girl Keisha. A first for both, the Capetonians went into the competition with great pride and excitement. “To represent my country in Paris was a highlight of my life. This is my first World Final and last chance cypher so it was really a huge inspiration to me, even battling Kid Columbia in the Top 16, I never thought I would make it to the Top 16, it was just very surprising and I thank God,” commented b-boy Toufeeq. “I was surprised by the crowd’s reaction when I hit the stage, and I thought to myself I am going to treat this like back home and blow then away,” he added.
Red Bull BC One World Final 2023: B-boy Toufeeq
Image credit: Red Bull Content Pool
“My time at the Red Bull BC One World final was intense. The level of competition and difficulty was very high, and we as South African breakers have some catching up to do,” commented b-girl Keisha.
Red Bull BC One B-girl Keisha
Image credit: Red Bull Content Pool
As the curtain closes in this year’s competition, breaking fans can look forward to seeing some of the best battling it out at the Olympic Games in 2024 which will take place ahead of the 2024 Red Bull BC One World Finals taking place in Brazil’s vibrant heart, Rio de Janeiro, on December 7. The tournament’s 21st edition will be the third Red Bull BC One World Final to take place in the country after São Paulo hosted in 2006 and Rio welcomed breakers from around the world in 2012.
