Red Bull BC One Brazil 2006
„Let the battle begin!“ The atmosphere in the arena in São Paulo was so highly charged, it was about to take off like a rocket, when the hosts Rodrigo Brandao and Masta Ace welcomed the audience. After hours of pouring rain and maddening uncertainty, not knowing if the event might get cancelled, the Red Bull BC One finally started at 10pm.
The third edition of the legendary Red Bull BC One was held in the vibrant multicultural city of São Paulo. Last year’s Red Bull BC One made B-Boy history by being held in the former government building of the GDR in Berlin. This year, the arena was built at the Latin American Memorial in São Paulo, a symbol of the continent, surrounded by the magnificent buildings designed by renowned Brazilian architect Oscar Niemayer.
1.200 people who had held out in the rain to watch the battle of the giants poured into the arena - a mix of B-Boys, street artists, DJs, MCs, photographers, and Hip Hop aficionados.
Sixteen B-Boys from eleven countries competed to determine the champion in a sudden death battle. The opening show act Discipulos do Ritmo from São Paulo accompanied by percussionists Tuca e Mell set the vibe. And when the first two warriors entered the stage to battle, everybody jumped off their seats and screamed.
Did you see “Gladiator?” The Arena in São Paulo had just as much excitement to offer as the one in Rome. The Red Bull BC One is one of the last “real” battles of the 21st century and presents the gladiators of our times. Dancers agree, if you get invited to dance at the Red Bull BC One - you made it! You don’t need to win the battle, just being invited to dance at the Red Bull BC One is an honor!
Last year’s champion Lilou lost unexpectedly to the Brazilian youngster Muxibinha in the first round. The crowd celebrated the decision of the judges, but paid tribute to Lilou, shouting out his name as he left the stage. "Beating Lilou is already a trophy. I felt like I was the champion of the competition," said 17-year-old Muxibinha.
It was a night full of amazing battles and dazzling displays of creativity—one of the highlights definitely being the battle between Crazy Monkey from France and Pelézinho from Brazil. Everybody felt their adrenaline rise and jumped up and down in their seats. Crazy Monkey, who is one of the tallest B-Boys out there, made a fatal error and miscalculated the size of the stage. The judges voted for Pelézinho. The local hero finally lost to Roxrite from the US who won third place beating The End from Korea in the last battle before the finals.
But not only the B-Boy battles appealed to the crowd. The showcases by Discipulos do Ritmo and the Japanese performers Hamutsun Serve wowed the audience as well as the b-girl battle between b-girls from Brazil and from Spain that ended in a tie.
At 1am after the final battle the judges crowned the winner. Last year’s second place winner Hong 10 from Korea emerged victorious and beat Ronnie from the US. Hong 10 convinced the judges and the viewers with his flavour, stamina and clean powermove combinations and was the well deserved winner of the third Red Bull BC One. "Winning here in São Paulo was the most important thing for me. I know the title is temporary, but I will fight to keep it."