It was an epic showdown of the best B-Boying talent from across the country in the second edition of the Red Bull BC One India Cypher, held at Bandra amphitheatre on Friday evening. The top 16 breakers took center stage and battled it out to win the coveted title of Red Bull BC One India Champion 2016. 21 year-old Abdul Shaikh aka B-Boy Abdul emerged the winner after four rounds of intense one on one battles.

The evening saw an infectious vigor and energy of the entire B-Boying community of the city cheering for their fellow B-Boys at one of the most scenic locations of Mumbai. The final face-off was between B-Boy Abdul and B-Boy Nevermind, who was also last year’s finalist. After a tough fight and exhilarating moves, B-Boy Abdul was declared winner by the judges – Red Bull BC One All Stars Hong 10, who was also a judge for the first edition last year, and Menno, as well as star South Korean B-Boy Differ. Abdul will now represent India in the Red Bull BC One World Championship, Japan in December 2016.

“My journey with Red Bull BC One has been full of ups and downs. I didn't make it last year but this year I have finally won. What I truly believe in is inspiration is the key to achieve success, be inspired rather than being influenced. My plan is to continue practicing and never give up. Red Bull BC One is all about pushing yourself until you achieve success. In the World Finals I'm looking forward to absorbing, learning and giving it my best,” said an excited Abdul.

On DJ duties for the night was DJ Uri one of the country’s foremost hip-hop DJs. MC, DJ and rapper Bob Omulo, aka Bobkat, returned as emcee for the second edition and kept the energy quotient high. The showcase acts by V-Company and Divine added to the hip vibe of the evening.

What is Red Bull BC One?

Red Bull BC Oneis a 1-on-1 B-Boy World Championship that was established in Biel, Switzerland, in 2004. Within the scene, it is widely regarded as the foremost competition of its kind, and every year, thousands of dancers compete in Red Bull BC One Cyphers – preliminary, national and regional level competitions – across the globe, for a chance to be one of 16 finalists to compete at the World Finals and win the prestigious Red Bull BC One World Championship.

Over 90 Red Bull BC One Cyphers are conducted across the world, followed by – with the revamped format – one World Final. One of the biggest aspects of Red Bull BC One is to support and strengthen the communities and to open opportunities to the dancers to develop their skills and perform on a global stage.