Red Bull BC One is one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated breaking competitions in the world. Often described as the “World Cup of B-Boying”, Red Bull BC One brings together the best B-Boys and B-Girls from around the globe to battle it out for the world champion title. But how exactly does this iconic competition work?
What is Red Bull BC One?
Red Bull BC One is an annual international breaking competition founded in 2004 by Red Bull. It is open to the top 16 B-Boys and top 16 B-Girls from qualifying events held around the world each year. The dancers compete in head-to-head battles, showcasing their best moves and channeling raw energy, precision, and musicality.
The competition aims to find the best breaking dancer in the world each year. Winners receive prizes, glory within the breaking community, and a chance to defend their title the following year.
History of Red Bull BC One
The first Red Bull BC One event was held in Bahnhofanlage in Zurich, Switzerland in 2004. B-Boy Lilou from France won the inaugural competition, defeating B-Boy Morris from Switzerland in the final battle.
Since then, Red Bull BC One has been held in a different international city each year. Locations have included New York, Cape Town, Moscow, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Amsterdam, and Paris among others. It has become established as the most respected one-on-one breaking competition globally.
Prestige of winning
Winning Red Bull BC One brings dancers instant fame and recognition. Champions earn a reputation as the best B-Boy or B-Girl in the world for that year. It is an incredible achievement, especially as dancers have to qualify through their country’s national Red Bull BC One cypher first.
Many dancers describe winning the competition as the highlight of their breaking careers. They join an elite list of Red Bull BC One world champions. Thanks to livestreams and YouTube videos, champions also gain international exposure through the event.
How do dancers qualify?
Red Bull BC One has a comprehensive qualifying system to find the best 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls for the world final each year. There are several stages dancers must progress through:
- National Cyphers
- Last Chance Cyphers
- World Final
National Cyphers
Dancers qualify for Red Bull BC One through national cypher events held in over 30 countries. The cyphers take place from March through August annually. Each country sends their winning B-Boy and B-Girl to represent them at the World Final.
The cyphers showcase the talent of dancers in each country. Judges evaluate individuals and crews, considering criteria like foundations, originality, character, and musicality. The standard is extremely high, with only the best earning a spot in the World Final.
Last Chance Cyphers
In addition to the national cyphers, six Last Chance Cypher events provide a final opportunity to reach the World Final:
- Last Chance Cypher USA (Los Angeles)
- Last Chance Cypher Europe (Amsterdam)
- Last Chance Cypher Latin America (Buenos Aires)
- Last Chance Cypher Africa (Johannesburg)
- Last Chance Cypher North Asia (Seoul)
- Last Chance Cypher South Asia Pacific (Melbourne)
These events give dancers who missed out on selection through their national cypher another shot. The Last Chance Cyphers take place in July and August.
The World Final
The Red Bull BC One World Final brings together 32 dancers – the 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls who qualified through the earlier stages. It showcases the elite breaking talent on offer across the globe.
The event usually takes place in November each year. It is hosted in a different major city, though locations often rotate between the USA, Europe, and Asia/Pacific region.
Competition format
At the World Final, B-Boys and B-Girls battle in 1-on-1 knockout matches until a champion is crowned. The competition format works as follows:
- Prelims: Dancers are randomly matched up for preliminary battles. The 8 winners from each category (B-Boy/B-Girl) advance.
- Quarterfinals: The remaining 8 dancers battle, with 4 progressing from each side.
- Semifinals: The 4 dancers left battle, with the 2 winners of each progressing.
- Final: The 2 B-Boys and 2 B-Girls battle head-to-head, with the winners crowned world champions.
Battles take place in a circular arena called the Red Bull BC One Cypher Circle. DJs provide tailored beats and mixes for dancers to perform to.
Judging criteria
Experienced judges score each battle at the World Final based on specific criteria:
Criteria | Description | Weighting |
---|---|---|
Creativity | Original moves and sequences | 5 points |
Skills | Technique, execution, difficulty | 5 points |
Character | Attitude, persona, showmanship | 5 points |
Body Control | Foundations, footwork, freezes | 5 points |
Musicality | Timing, rhythm, phrasing | 5 points |
Each judge awards up to 5 points for the five criteria per round. The higher cumulative score wins the battle and progresses to the next stage.
The prizes
As well as prestige and glory, Red Bull BC One winners receive some excellent prizes:
- A Red Bull BC One World Champion belt and trophy
- $30,000 in cash
- A trip to the World Final the following year to defend their title
The prizes provide tangible rewards for being crowned the best B-Boy or B-Girl in the world. Winners gain financial support to continue pursuing their breaking careers after the competition.
World champion perks
In addition to the main prizes, Red Bull BC One world champions earn important perks for the year they hold the title:
- Paid travel to judge national Red Bull BC One cyphers
- Media appearances and interviews as an ambassador
- Performances and attendance at elite breaking events
- Featured profiles on Red Bull BC One’s website and social media
These opportunities help amplify their profile and cement their reputation within the global breaking scene.
The legacy of Red Bull BC One
In under two decades, Red Bull BC One has become an institution within street dance culture. The competition has:
- Provided a launching pad for iconic dancers like Lilou, Neguin, Issei, Wing, and Lemy
- Helped professionalize breaking, pioneering a competition model now used by other contests
- Brought together B-Boys and B-Girls from vastly different dance backgrounds
- Spread awareness of breaking to new audiences through media coverage
Thanks to savvy organization and marketing, Red Bull has created the premiere global platform for the best breakers on the planet to push their talents to the limit.
Mainstreaming breaking
Red Bull BC One has been instrumental in bringing breaking into mainstream pop culture. By promoting it through such a slick, high-budget event, it has enhanced the appeal and accessibility of the dance form.
Stars like Akon, Kanye West, and Eminem have performed at World Finals. YouTube streams now attract millions of viewers. This exposure has fueled breaking’s rise as a celebrated art form.
Olympic debut
Breaking’s inclusion as an official sport in the 2024 Paris Olympics is a watershed moment. Red Bull BC One’s excellence and professionalism since 2004 undoubtedly boosted breaking’s credentials and Olympic bid.
Many consider Red Bull BC One the proven benchmark for showcase competitive breaking on a global scale.
Conclusion
With its national qualifiers, elite world final battles, and polished presentation, Red Bull BC One has refined and elevated breaking competition to remarkable heights since 2004.
For B-Boys and B-Girls, the chance to win the Red Bull BC One title represents the pinnacle of achievement in their dancing careers. The event continues to highlight the astonishing talent, dedication, and culture within the breaking community worldwide.