This article was written in 2020… check out my Forbes Contributor page for more recent posts!
It’s official — the dance/sport/art known as breaking is set to make its Olympic debut at the 2024 Paris games. To save you time, I’d like to point out the countries that are most likely to win gold, along with their best breakers. You’ll be able to appreciate these talented competitors regardless of your familiarity with breaking.
Here are my favorites to win Olympic gold in 2024, followed by contenders who also have a chance at medaling.
*Selections are primarily based on 1st/2nd placings in solo events at major international competitions in the last 10 years. Other considerations include age and activeness.
Favorites
Canada: Phil Wizard
Although less represented in major breaking competitions, Canada is home to some of the world’s best. Phil Wizard is my pick: He’s 23 years old, and has been both active and successful on the world stage. His trophies include winner of IBE in both 2019 and 2018, and runner-up at Outbreak Europe 2019. Phil’s strengths are his unorthodox combinations and variations, as well as his quirky attitude.
Japan: Issei & Shigekix
There’s a lot to say about Japanese breaking, but I’ll keep it short here: Issei & Shigekix. Like Phil from Canada, Issei is 23 years old with a long list of accolades: First place at Battle Pro 2018, Silverback Open 2017 and 2016, and Red Bull BC One 2016, to name a few. Shigekix is even younger at just 18, but his resume is equally impressive. He has 46 self-stated international wins, including first place at Red Bull BC One 2020 and third place at the 2018 Youth Olympics. Issei and Shigekix both execute extremely difficult techniques cleanly, have great stamina, and are consistent to a T.
The Netherlands: Menno
The Netherlands is one of the smaller countries that have developed a flourishing breaking community. Their champion is Menno: 31 years old, two-time winner of Red Bull BC One, and winner of the first WDSF World Breaking Championship in 2019. He has indisputably influenced breaking with his abstract approach and effortless, fluid transitions. But if Menno’s age concerns you, Holland isn’t short on talented breakers — see Zoopreme or Shane.
United States: Victor
Finally, it’s the birthplace of hip hop—the USA. Out of the many American superstars of past decades, one stands out today. His name is Victor, age 26, repping Orlando, Florida. His knack for stringing together difficult moves with a classic b-boy flavor have led him to victory at Outbreak Europe 2017 and 2019, Silverback Open 2015 and 2018, Freestyle Session 2015, and Red Bull BC One 2015.
Contenders
There are plenty of other amazing breakers from all across the world, and I can’t help but mention a few more. These breakers barely missed the cut because of age and/or past performance against the aforementioned favorites.
South Korea: Hong 10, 36. Red Bull BC One 2016 (2nd), Red Bull BC One 2006 and 2013 (1st). An icon of the breaking world, with an extensive career and an equally extensive repertoire of high energy blow-up moves.
Russia: Alkolil, 30. Red Bull BC One 2020 (2nd), Green Panda Festival 2019 (1st), Silverback Open 2017 (2nd). His arsenal is full of smooth sequences with intricate details that you don’t want to miss.
United Kingdom: Sunni, 25. Unbreakable 2018 (2nd), UK B-boy Championships 2016 and 2017 (1st), IBE 2015 (1st). Known for his carefree demeanor and unpredictably dynamic techniques.
The best part of all this is that anything can and will change in the next 4 years.
We can never know for sure who will step down or level up, especially when it comes to younger breakers who have yet to make their mark. Also, major international competitions tend to show a Western-centric view of breaking, but there’s incredible talent elsewhere in the world, too.
It’s a great time to be a breaking fan. Despite the lull in events, competitors are in the lab, sharpening their skills for the next inevitable battle. Olympics or not, I hope you’ll join me in following the world’s top breakers and looking out for new challengers on the horizon.
As always, feel free to comment here or message me on Instagram @glissando. If you liked the article, I’d be grateful if you share it or click the clap button. Thanks for reading — peace!
