At 4:00 PM today, one of the most remarkable events of the 2024 Olympic Games will take place as breakdance—now officially an Olympic discipline—makes its debut in Paris. This street dance, also known as breaking, is ready to take the stage by storm, with 16 of the world’s top male breakdancers competing in the qualification round. Only the most skilled will secure a spot in the final and get a chance to win Olympic gold.
The inclusion of breakdance in the Olympic program marks a historic milestone for this subculture. Originating in the streets of New York in the 1970s, breakdance has evolved from a niche activity to a globally recognized sport. The Olympics’ embrace of breakdance reflects its commitment to modern and urban sports that resonate with contemporary culture and trends.
This Olympic Games in Paris is the first time breakdance will shine on the Olympic stage, and it is a significant honor for the participating B-Boys, who are not only competing for medals but also for a place in history as the first Olympic winners in breakdance.
Among the 16 qualified B-Boys, a few have emerged as favorites for the gold medal. Leading the pack is B-Boy Victor (Victor Montalvo) from the USA. Victor has already demonstrated his superiority by winning the 2023 World Breaking Championship and is known for his impressive technique, dynamic movements, and ability to adapt to the music.
Another strong contender is Canadian B-Boy Phil Wizard (Philip Kim), who also possesses a series of world championship titles. Phil is recognized for his creative approach to breakdance, combining technical skill with innovative moves, making him a dancer who can always surprise.
Japanese B-Boy Shigekix (Shigeyuki Nakarai) is also a dancer to watch. Despite his young age, Shigekix has already established himself as one of the best in the world, winning the Asian Games in 2023. His lightning-fast footwork and creative improvisation make him a formidable competitor in today’s qualification round.
The breakdance Olympic event is organized in a format that ensures an intense and dynamic competition. The 16 participating B-Boys are grouped into four brackets, where they will face each other in round robin matches. Nine experienced breakdance judges will evaluate the dancers based on six key criteria: creativity, personality, technique, variety, execution, and musicality. Creativity and performance are given the most weight, meaning dancers who can bring something new and unexpected to their routines have a significant advantage.
France, as the host nation for the 2024 Olympics, also has a strong representative in the competition—B-Boy Dany (Danis Civil). With over two decades in the breaking scene, Dany is among the most experienced participants and has previously shown that he can compete at the highest level, winning gold at the 2023 European Games. Dany enjoys a home advantage in Paris, benefiting from the local audience’s support.
Dany’s experience and charisma make him a formidable competitor who can leverage the home crowd’s energy in today’s qualification round. For him, participating in the Olympics is not just about attendance but about capping his long and successful career with an Olympic medal.
While B-Boy Victor, Phil Wizard, and Shigekix are the strongest favorites, several other participants may create surprises in the Olympic breakdance competition. One of these is American B-Boy Jeffro (Jeffrey Mike Louis), known for his technical prowess and energetic style. Jeffro has shown he can compete against the best and might surprise during today’s qualification round.
Other challengers include Dutch B-Boy Menno (Menno Van Gorp) and South Korean B-Boy Hong10 (Kim Hong-Yul). Menno is known for his distinctive style, which often sets him apart, while Hong10 displays impressive control over his movements, making him a tough competitor.
The inclusion of breakdance in the Olympic program signals the dawn of a new era in the world of sports. The 2024 Olympics in Paris is not only a platform to showcase traditional sports but also an arena for new urban disciplines to flourish and gain global recognition. Breakdance at the Olympics is a testament to how the sport has evolved from the streets to become part of the world’s largest sporting event.
This Olympics will not only define who the best breakdancers in the world are but also set a standard for future Olympics. By bringing breakdance into the Olympics, it is conceivable that other street sports may follow suit and claim their place on the Olympic stage.
With so many talented participants in today’s qualification round, predicting the winner is challenging. B-Boy Victor is undoubtedly a strong favorite, yet with competition from Phil Wizard, Shigekix, and others, anything can happen. Additionally, the unpredictable elements of breaking—such as improvisation, music choice, and audience reactions—will play a crucial role in determining who advances to the final.
Regardless, one thing is certain: Breakdance at the 2024 Olympics will be an unforgettable experience. With the energy of Place de la Concorde, the iconic stage in Paris, and the world’s best B-Boys ready to give their all, this event will leave a lasting mark on Olympic history.
At 4:00 PM, the celebration begins—be prepared to be amazed by what breakdance at the 2024 Olympics has to offer. This is not just a competition; it is the beginning of a new era for the Olympics and for breakdance as a global sport.