Four world champions headline 2026 Kaohsiung international breaking competition at Weiwuying

Four world champions took the stage in Kaohsiung as the city’s international breaking competition moved into a professional theater for the first time. The two-day event took place at the Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts and attracted nearly 500 competitors from 20 countries.

The lineup included Phil Wizard, the first Olympic men’s breaking champion, women’s Olympic champion Ami, 2025 Red Bull BC One world champion Issin and 2025 WDSF World Breaking Championship winner Shigekix. The competition offered total prize money of NT$1.5 million.

Phil Wizard won the men’s division, followed by American dancer Thesis. Canada’s Illz and South Korea’s Madmoon shared third place. Japan’s Ren won the women’s event, while Kaohsiung dancer Jinx finished second. Bar-B of India and Hong Kong’s Ifree shared third.

“

We are honored to represent the mayor at this event. Moving the Kaohsiung International Breaking Competition to the Weiwuying theater has brought street culture onto the international competitive stage.

Taiwan’s Nana won the under-16 division. Japan’s Ko-taro placed second, with Taiwan’s Rawmang and Russia’s Orlan sharing third. Japan’s The D soraki won the Open Style category, and Japanese crew Body Carnival took the team title. The event also featured a fan zone at Banyan Plaza, created with streaming platform DAZN, offering activities including sports DJ and commentator sessions, breaking aerobics and a live broadcast.

Kaohsiung officials said the event aimed to connect street culture with international competition and bring elite dancers closer to local residents. The city said it would continue building a diverse sporting environment through international events, with support from Taiwan’s sports ministry, local agencies and corporate partners.

“

The benefits of an international event should extend beyond the competition itself.