Sixteen competitors took the center stage of Paris, France’s Red Bull BC One World 2014 Final knowing that only one would emerge as the victor.
Ladies and gents, Menno of the Netherlands stole the show to be crowned the best B-Boy in the world.
“I feel so good,” said Menno of his win in the World Final at La Grande Halle de La Villette. “I feel very happy that the judges understand my style and what I was trying to do. I know they respect my style and they understand where I come from.”
Creativity and originality were awarded throughout the night. Cheerito (Russia), known for his individual style, was given a standing ovation from the crowd when he lost out to Red Bull BC One All Star Taisuke (Japan) in the Semi Finals. In the end, Menno’s creative flow conquered Taisuke’s explosive energy. “I travel the floor with unpredictable movements,” Menno explained. “I try to misguide people. I try to trick people with creativity. And I try to fish from different waters than other B-Boys.”
This is the second time the City of Light has hosted the World Final. All Star Wing (South Korea) took the belt in 2008. But neither Wing nor any of the three other former World Champions in the lineup managed to make their way to the Quarter Finals. It was a night of upsets, as crowd favorites and two-time World Champions Lilou (France) and Hong 10 (South Korea), and another former World Champion, Mounir (France), were voted out in the first round.
Judges The End (South Korea), Ken Swift (USA), Yaman (France), Yan (Russia) and Luigi (USA) voted based on a select criteria of technical and physical skills, choreography and creative interpretation of the music. It could have been anyone’s game, but Menno won with a 3-0 in the evening’s final battle.
Judge Ken Swift said of their decision: “If you master your style you can win. It’s not about old and new styles, it’s about mastering your movement, and that’s what Menno did in the end. Menno is an evolved B-Boy. He’s done his homework and his research. He knows this art form. He’s been paying his dues for a while, and I think he deserves this win.”
The victory marks Meeno’s first win on the World Final stage in four tries. If first you don’t succeed, kiddies.
Thumb through the gallery below to see the picture highlights from the Red Bull BC One World 2014 championship.
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Photo: Red Bull BC One
