Red Bull BC One

Singapore was the host country for the inaugural Red Bull BC One Cypher South East Asian at Far East Square Pavilion yesterday. 16 B-Boys represented the 5 countries of Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Philippines and battled in a 1-on-1 knock-out format to an audience of 350 spectators. They were judged by a panel of 3 renowned international B-Boys made up of Red Bull BC One All Stars Cico (Italy) and Pelezinho (Brazil) as well as B-Boy Wing (Korea) who won the 2008 Red Bull BC One competition. Based on the judging criteria of originality, technique and stage presence, B-Boy Juicy (22, Malaysia), B-Boy Gerald (18, Singapore) and B-Boy Wild Son (12, Indonesia) won the top three spots and will represent their countries in the New Zealand Qualifiers on 1st September.  Beating other Asia Pacific champions at the New Zealand qualifier will see the winner go to the Red Bull BC One grand stage in Rio De Janeiro at the end of the year to battle for the title of “The One”.

The European Red Bull (Blue and Silver and not to be confused with the Thai gold can) has committed itself to holding local cyphers in countries within South East Asia yearly moving forward. “We brought Red Bull BC One series to Asia because we want to give Asian B-Boys a platform to nurture and further their talent. We flew in Red Bull BC One All Stars Cico and Pelezinho for a series of workshops in Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore so they could inspire and impart their knowledge for the next generation of B-Boys”, said a Red Bull spokesperson.

B-Boy Juicy, who won first place said, “It was an honour to have battled with B-Boys from all around the region. This is the first time Red Bull BC One Cyphers are held in Asia so it was a big deal for me. The level of competition in New Zealand is going to be way higher so I will train hard and represent Malaysia on a big stage!”  B-Boy Gerald from Singapore finished second place said, “I will practice every day to show everyone at the New Zealand qualifiers that Singapore has good B-Boys too.” A 12-year old B-Boy Wild Son from Indonesia beat a crowd favourite, B-Boy Reflex (Philippines), with his unique footwork and finished third.

Red Bull BC One All Star Cico (Italy) who was one of the judges said of the event, “It is so nice to see that all the competitors are so young in South East Asia. Because it is such a young scene, B-Boying in Asia can only grow bigger and competitions like Red Bull BC One Cyphers will help give them the competitive edge that they need to keep them sharp and on their feet.”