Making its triumphant return for the first time in over two decades, 2v2 breaking contest Red Bull Lords of the Floor featured a blockbuster lineup of some of the world’s most iconic breaking duos and taking home the trophy were Stripes and Menno. Here is all you need to know:
Crews from across the world gathered at the WAMU Theater in Seattle, USA, for the highly anticipated return of the 2v2 breaking event. 16 teams of b-boys and b-girls showcased gravity-defying moves, footwork and impressive freezes for the chance to claim the third Red Bull Lords of the Floor title.
The historic event, hosted by renowned stand up comic and actor Jo Koy, returned to Seattle more than two decades since its inception as a tribute to the roots of breaking and its future, just months ahead of the art’s debut on the world’s largest sporting stage.
In 2001, Red Bull Lords of the Floor made its debut and marked a significant milestone in the evolution of competitive breaking. The event laid the foundation for Red Bull BC One, the global 1v1 breaking competition that recently held its 20th anniversary World Final.
Judges were a panel of respected breakers, including B-Boy The End from South Korea’s Gamblerz Crew; renowned breaking luminary and Seattle-based B-Boy Orb of the Circle of Fire, who competed in the 2001 edition of Red Bull Lords of the Floor; B-Girl A.T. of Finland; European hip-hop culture pioneer B-Boy Storm; and the legendary B-Girl Beta from Miami.
The evening paid tribute to breaking and hip-hop culture with beats provided by DJ Fleg and DJ Mar Ski. Audiences enjoyed a special performance by hip-hop icon Common and renowned stand-up comic and actor Jo Koy, who emceed the original Red Bull Lords of the Floor event and returned as host for the night.
After an evening of showstopping battles, the pairing of American Stripes and Menno of the Netherlands came out on top, after going head-to-head in the final battle with Latin American power movers Lil G from Venezuela and Colombia’s Alvin.
Stripes has been breaking for 20 years and as a representative of Main Ingredientz, Flipside Kingz and Sweet Technique, he’s renowned for his powerful yet seamless style that has clinched him numerous titles, including Unbreakable 2018, Outbreak Europe 2019 and Hip Opsession 2012.
Menno is a multi-time Red Bull BC One world champion with one of the most original styles on the breaking scene. A member of Hustle Kidz crew, Def Dogz and the Red Bull BC One All Stars, Menno has won almost every major solo title there is. He started breaking in 2001 and is now respected worldwide for creating his fluid transitional style where he seamlessly flows from one move to the next.
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