Battle of the Year

Battle of the Year, commonly referred to as BOTY, is an annual international breakdancing competition that began in 1990. It has been regarded as the premier b-boying competition in the world [1] and has been referred to as the "World Cup of B-Boying".[2] Regional qualifying tournaments, also known as preliminaries, are held worldwide culminating in the BOTY International, the world finals event which is currently held at Sud de France Arena in Montpellier, France.

For the 2013 feature film based on this event, see Battle of the Year (film).

For the first twenty-three editions, Battle of the Year was a crew competition; in 2013, a one-on-one competition was added. Since 2014, the one-on-one portion of Battle of the Year is one of ten tournaments that are a part of the World BBoy Series.

The competition spawned the 2007 documentary Planet B-Boy as well as a 2013 eponymously named feature film Battle of the Year, both directed by Benson Lee. It has also gained attention for positive promotion of hip-hop culture and social unity.[3]

Past Battle of the Year results

In 2006, 2 semifinal battles were implemented, with the winner of each battle advancing to the finals. The losers of the semifinal battles do not battle each other; therefore, there is no longer a fourth-place award.

Year First place Second place Losing Semifinalists Best show
2019 Last Squad Artistreet Body Carnival / Team Vinotinto Artistreet
2018 Jinjo Crew Foundnation Top Coalition / Vagabonds Jinjo Crew
2017 Flooriorz Vagabonds Kienjuice / Mortal Combat Flooriorz
2016 Flooriorz Melting Force Body Carnival / Kienjuice Melting Force
2015 Flooriorz Kienjuice U-Taipei / Doble K.O. Doble K.O.
2014 Predatorz Fusion MC Body Carnival / S.I.N.E. Crew Fusion MC
2013 Fusion MC The Ruggeds B-Town All Stars / Flooriorz Flooriorz
2012 Vagabonds Flooriorz Pockémon / Morning of Owl Vagabonds
2011 Vagabonds Battle Born Nine State B-boyz / TPEC Vagabonds
2010 Jinjo Crew Mortal Combat Gamblerz / La Smala Mortal Combat
2009 Gamblerz Top 9 All Area Crew / Phase-T All Area Crew
2008 Top 9 T.I.P. Crew Formosa / Smokémon Top 9
2007 Extreme Crew Turn Phrase Crew Legiteam Obstruxion / Funk Fellaz Turn Phrase Crew
2006 Vagabonds Last For One Drifterz / B-Town Allstars Vagabonds

Until 2006, one battle was held solely for first place and one battle was held solely for third place.

Year First place Second place Third place 1 Fourth place Best show
2005 Last For One Ichigeki Gamblerz Phase-T Ichigeki
2004 Gamblerz Fantastik Armada Stuttguard Break the Funk Break the Funk
2003 Pockémon Expression Crew Gamblerz Fire Works Fire Works
2002 Expression Crew Vagabonds Deep Trip Top 9 Vagabonds
2001 Wanted Team Ohh HaviKoro Visual Shock Visual Shock
2000 Flying Steps Waseda Breakers Scrambling Feet South African Allstars Waseda Breakers
1999 Suicidal Lifestyle Rock Force Bag of Trix The Family Spartanic Rockers
1998 Rock Force The Family Phase 2 Suicidal Lifestyle Spartanic Japan
1997 Style Elements South Side Rockers Black Noise Suicidal Lifestyle South Side Rockers
1996 Toys in Effect Enemy Squad Wedding B-Boys & Flying Steps Passo Sul Tempo None awarded
1995 The Family Enemy Squad Out of Control Flying Steps None awarded
1994 Vlinke Vuesse Enemy Squad Always Rockin Tuff Crazy Force Crew None awarded
1993 Always Rockin Tuff Fresh Force Enemy Squad TDB None awarded
1992 Battle Squad Second 2 None Enemy Squad TDB None awarded
1991 Battle Squad TDB Enemy Squad Fresh Force None awarded
1990 TDB Crazy Force Crew City Rockers Robot Force

Past Battle of the Year Solo Champions results
Year Winner Crew Runner-up Crew
2019 Zeku Future Force Crew / Monster B-Boys Pac Pac Bad Trip Crew / Tekken Crew
2018 Dany Vagabonds Beetle Navi
2017 Onel Black Out Crew Mowgly Marittima Funk
2016 Bruce Almighty Momentum Crew Nasso Melting Force/Arabiq Flavor
2015 Menno Hustle Kids/Def Dogs/RBBC1AS Alkolil Original Breakers Circle
2014 Alkolil Original Breakers Circle Kleju Funky Masons/Polskee Flavour
2013 Menno Hustle Kids/Def Dogs/RBBC1AS Thesis Knuckleheads Cali/Massive Monkees
2012 Niek The Ruggeds Hill Unik Breakers
2011 Niek The Ruggeds Vicious Victor MF Kidz/Squadron
2010 Thesis Knuckleheads Cali/Massive Monkees Alkolil Original Breakers Circle
2009 Lilou Pockemon/RBBC1AS Morris Fallen Kings/Rock Force

2016 season

2016 World Finals results
First Round Semifinals Finals
   
1 Melting Force W  
6 STO L  
5 Kienjuice L    
5 Kienjuice W  
  1 Melting Force L
 
    2 Flooriorz W
2 The Flooriorz W
4 Taoyuan City Top Coalition L  
3 Body Carnival L  
3 Body Carnival W  

Best Show: Melting Force

2016 International 1 on 1 Battle results
 
Round of 16Quarter-finalsSemi-finalsFinal
 
              
 
 
 
 
 Bruce Almighty W
 
 
 
 Inside L
 
 Bruce Almighty W
 
 
 
 Fernandinho L
 
 Fernandinho W
 
 
 
 Elia L
 
 Bruce Almighty W
 
 
 
 Poter L
 
 Poter W
 
 
 
 Kid Colombia L
 
 Poter W
 
 
 
 Ayumi L
 
 Ayumi W
 
 
 
 Zoob L
 
 Bruce Almighty W
 
 
 
 Nasso L
 
 Nasso W
 
 
 
 Aleks L
 
 Nasso W
 
 
 
 Lil Zoo L
 
 Lil Zoo W
 
 
 
 Admiracles L
 
 Nasso W
 
 
 
 Taisuke L Third place
 
 Taisuke W
 
  
 
 Spin L
 
 Taisuke W  
 
 
 
 Pac Pac L  
 
 Pac Pac W
 
 
 Akorn L
 

Bruce Almighty () earned a bid to the Undisputed World BBoy Series in Prague at the end of the 2016 year by winning BOTY Solo.

2015 season

2015 World Finals results
First Round Semifinals Finals
   
1 Doble KO L  
4 MB Crew L  
5 Kienjuice W    
5 Kienjuice W  
  5 Kienjuice L
 
    2 The Flooriorz W
2 The Flooriorz W
3 U-Taipei W  
3 U-Taipei L  
6 MOS Crew L  

Best Show: Doble KO

2015 International 1 on 1 Battle results
 
Round of 16Quarter-finalsSemi-finalsFinal
 
              
 
 
 
 
 Menno W
 
 
 
 Rafastil L
 
 Menno W
 
 
 
 Shigekix L
 
 Shigekix W
 
 
 
 Lawson L
 
 Menno W
 
 
 
 Sunni L
 
 Sunni W
 
 
 
 Kacyo L
 
 Sunni W
 
 
 
 El Niño L
 
 El Niño W
 
 
 
 Taower L
 
 Menno W
 
 
 
 Alkolil L
 
 Alkolil W
 
 
 
 Akorn L
 
 Alkolil W
 
 
 
 Victor L
 
 Victor W
 
 
 
 Lagaet L
 
 Alkolil W
 
 
 
 Fleau L Third place
 
 Fleau W
 
  
 
 Onel L
 
 Fleau W  
 
 
 
 Poter L  
 
 Poter W
 
 
 Dany L
 

Menno () earned a bid to the Undisputed World BBoy Series at the end of the 2015 year by winning BOTY Solo.

2014 season

2014 World Finals results
First Round Semifinals Finals
   
1 Fusion MC W  
4 Infamous L  
5 Body Carnival L    
5 Body Carnival W  
  1 Fusion MC L
 
    2 Predatorz W
2 Predatorz W
3 Ruggeds L  
6 S.I.N.E. Crew L  
6 S.I.N.E. Crew W  

Best Show: Fusion MC

Crew List for 2014 World Finals
Crew Qualification
Fusion MCWinner, BOTY Korea 2014
Black Out CrewWinner, BOTY BALKAN 2014
Body CarnivalWinner, BOTY Japan 2014
Last AliveWinner, BOTY Italy 2014
619 FellerzWinner, BOTY Nigeria 2014
Street Son CrewWinner, BOTY Brazil 2014
Soul MavericksWinner, BOTY UK 2014
PredatorzWinner, BOTY Rusia 2014
Crazy ElementsWinner, BOTY West Africa 2014
InfamousWinner, BOTY France 2014
Ten Years in a MomentWinner, BOTY Taiwan 2014
Gravedad ZeroWinner, BOTY Central America 2014
S.I.N.E CrewWinner, BOTY SEA 2014
The SaxonzWinner , BOTY Germany 2014
The RuggedsWinner, BOTY BeNeLux 2014
UnstopabullzWinner, BOTY Israel 2014

2014 International 1 on 1 Battle results
 
Round of 16Quarter-finalsSemi-finalsFinal
 
              
 
 
 
 
 Gravity W
 
 
 
 Hugga L
 
 Gravity L
 
 
 
 Alkolil W
 
 Alkolil W
 
 
 
 Kacyo L
 
 Alkolil W
 
 
 
 Kazuki Roc L
 
 Kazuki Roc W
 
 
 
 Ziprock L
 
 Kazuki Roc W
 
 
 
 Kid Columbia L
 
 Kid Columbia W
 
 
 
 Rafastil L
 
 Alkolil W
 
 
 
 Kleju L
 
 Noe L
 
 
 
 TRock W
 
 TRock L
 
 
 
 Benny W
 
 Benny W
 
 
 
 Onel L
 
 Benny L
 
 
 
 Kleju W Third place
 
 Kleju W
 
  
 
 Mini Joe L
 
 Kleju W  
 
 
 
 Lil Zoo L  
 
 Lil Zoo W
 
 
 Khalil L
 

Alkolil () earned a bid to the Undisputed World BBoy Series at the end of the 2014 year by winning BOTY Solo.

2013 season

2013 World Finals results

Like in 2012, Battle of the Year 2013 included an additional semifinals placer to add additional battles to the tournament. Six crews qualified after the showcase stage of the competition consisting of the two highest scoring crews automatically qualified for the semifinals and four crews competing for the two remaining places against them.

Semi final placers Semifinals Finals
   
1 B-Town All Stars L  
3 Fusion MC W  
0 Fusion MC W    
6 Vino Tinto L  
  Fusion MC W
 
    The Ruggeds L
2 The Floorriorz L
4 The Ruggeds W  
0 The Ruggeds W  
5 KGB TC United L  

Best Show: The Floorriorz

Crew List for 2013 World Finals
Crew Qualification
WaveOmaticWinner, BOTY Balkans 2013
De KlanWinner, BOTY Italy 2013
KGB TC UnityWinner, BOTY Taiwan 2013
The FloorriorzWinner, BOTY Japan 2013
UnstopabullzWinner, BOTY Israel 2013
Hunters CrewWinner, BOTY Central Europe 2013
Space UnlimitedWinner, BOTY Nigeria 2013
B-Town AllstarsWinner, BOTY Germany 2013
Soul MavericksWinner, BOTY UK 2013
S.I.N.E CrewWinner, BOTY SEA 2013
Melting ForceWinner, BOTY France 2013
Knuckle Head ZooWinner, BOTY USA 2013
Fusion MCWinner, BOTY Korea 2013
VinotintoWinner, BOTY Central America 2013
The RuggedsWinner, BOTY BENELUX 2013

2013 International 1 on 1 Battle results
 
Round of 16Quarter-finalsSemi-finalsFinal
 
              
 
 
 
 
 Pocket W
 
 
 
 Mat L
 
 Pocket L
 
 
 
 Issei W
 
 Issei W
 
 
 
 Hulk L
 
 Issei L
 
 
 
 Menno W
 
 Tonio L
 
 
 
 Menno W
 
 Menno W
 
 
 
 Nori L
 
 Nori W
 
 
 
 Lil Zoo L
 
 Menno W
 
 
 
 Thesis L
 
 Slav L
 
 
 
 Thesis W
 
 Thesis W
 
 
 
 Wing L
 
 Wing W
 
 
 
 Bootuz L
 
 Thesis W
 
 
 
 Lil G L Third place
 
 Lil G W
 
  
 
 Titris L
 
 Lil G W  
 
 
 
 Robin L  
 
 Cherry L
 
 
 Robin W
 

2012 season

2012 World Finals results

Battle of the Year 2012 included an additional semifinals placer to add additional battles to the tournament. In 2012 six crews qualified after the showcase stage of the competition consisting of the two highest scoring crews automatically qualified for the semifinals and four crews competing for the two remaining places against them.[4]

Semi final placers Semifinals Finals
   
1 Floorriorz W  
3 Morning of Owl W  
0 Morning of Owl L    
6 Formosa L  
  Floorriorz L
 
    Vagabond Crew W
2 Vagabond Crew W
4 De Klan L  
0 Pockemon Crew L  
5 Pockemon Crew W  

Best Show: Vagabond Crew

Crew List for 2012 World Finals
Crew Qualification
VagabondsChampion, BOTY International 2011
Dead PrezzWinner, BOTY Balkans 2012
ProdigyWinner, BOTY Central Europe 2012
SupremosWinner, BOTY Iberica 2012
PockemonWinner, BOTY France 2012
FlooriorzWinner, BOTY Japan 2012
Kosher FlavaWinner, BOTY Israel 2012
Hunters CrewWinner, BOTY Belarus 2012
Upper UndergroundWinner, BOTY North Africa 2012
Reckless GangWinner, BOTY Germany 2012
De KlanWinner, BOTY Italy 2012
Formosa CrewWinner, BOTY Taiwan 2012
Radical ForceWinner, BOTY SEA 2012
Space UnlimitedWinner, BOTY Nigeria 2012
Team ShmettaWinner, BOTY BeNeLux 2012
Unity CrewWinner, BOTY South Africa 2012
Lhiba KingZooWinner, BOTY West Africa 2012
Morning of OwlWinner, BOTY Korea 2012

kamikaz crew Algeria

2011 season

2011 World Finals results
Semifinals Finals
      
1 Battle Born W
4 Nine States B-boyz L
Battle Born L
Vagabonds W
3 Vagabonds W
2 TPEC L

Best Show: Vagabonds

Crew List for 2011 World Finals
Crew Qualification
Jinjo CrewChampions, BOTY International 2010
BattlebornWinner, BOTY USA 2011
CT GroupWinner, BOTY Scandinavia 2011
VagabondsWinner, BOTY France 2011
Nine States B-BoyzWinner, BOTY Japan 2011
TPECWinner, BOTY Taiwan 2011
Kosher FlavaWinner, BOTY Israel 2011
Simple SystemWinner, BOTY Kazakhstan 2011
Guatemaya CrewWinner, BOTY Central America 2011
Maximum CrewWinner, BOTY Korea 2011
Battle BornWinner, BOTY USA 2011
Amazon B-BoysWinner, BOTY Brazil 2011
Ruff'n'XWinner, BOTY Switzerland 2011
Fusion Force CrewWinner, BOTY North Africa 2011
Flavaz ArmyWinner, BOTY West Africa 2011
Reckless BunchWinner, BOTY Germany 2011
OnePiece UD TownWinner, BOTY SEA 2011
Hoochen CrewWinner, BOTY Benelux 2011
De KlanWinner, BOTY Italy 2011
Slam Fam & Over BoysWinner, BOTY Middle East 2011
BMT & Mafia 13Winner, BOTY Russia 2011

2010 season

2010 World Finals results
Semifinals Finals
      
1 Jinjo W
4 Gamblerz L
Jinjo W
Mortal Combat L
3 Mortal Combat W
2 La Smala L

Best Show: Mortal Combat

Crew List for 2010 World Finals
Crew Qualification
GamblerzChampion, BOTY International 2009
JinjoWinner, BOTY Korea 2010
Mortal CombatWinner, BOTY Japan 2010
Top CoalitionWinner, BOTY Taiwan 2010
La SmalaWinner, BOTY France 2010
Big Toe (S.I.N.E)Winner, BOTY SEA 2010
De KlanWinner, BOTY Italy 2010
2DR SquadWinner, BOTY Switzerland 2010
PredatorzWinner, BOTY Russia 2010
/ Team ShmettaWinner, BOTY Benelux 2010
PRODIGYWinner, BOTY South East Europe 2010
Bio All StarsWinner, BOTY Brazil 2010
Simple SystemWinner, BOTY Kazakhstan 2010
Dead PrezzWinner, BOTY Balkans 2010
FlowjobWinner, BOTY Germany 2010
Chapin CrewWinner, BOTY Guatemala 2010
UnstopabullzWinner, BOTY Israel 2010
Kamikaz CrewWinner, BOTY Algeria 2010
La Halla King ZooWinner, BOTY Morocco 2010

2009 season

For the first time in the Competition's history, a 1 on 1 Tournament was held for b-boys who weren't competing as a part of a crew. The first 1 on 1 Battle of the Year final saw Lilou of Algeria defeat Morris representing the U.S..

2009 World Finals results
Semifinals Finals
      
1 Gamblerz W
4 Phase-T L
Gamblerz W
Top 9 L
3 All Area L
2 Top 9 W

Best Show: All Area

Crew List for 2009 World Finals
Crew Qualification
Top-9Champion, BOTY International 2008
Soul MavericksWinner, BOTY UK 2009
Phase TWinner, BOTY France 2009
Prodigy CrewWinner, BOTY SEE 2009
Breakers Without FearWinner, BOTY Balkans 2009
Belarusian B-BoysWinner, BOTY CIS 2009
Team ShmettaWinner, BOTY Benelux 2009
Gamblerz2nd place, BOTY Asia 2009
Formosa3rd place, BOTY Asia 2009
All AreaWinner, BOTY Asia 2009
MyztikalWinner, BOTY Caricom 2009
UnstopabullsWinner, BOTY Israel 2009
OctagonWinner, BOTY Scandinavia 2009
De KlanWinner BOTY Italy 2009
Funk FellazWinner BOTY Germany 2009
Ubuntu B BoyzWinner BOTY Africa 2009
Knuckle Head ZooInvited Directly
Ghost RockzWinner BOTY Switzerland 2009
Amazon B BoyzWinner BOTY Brazil 2009

2008 season

2008 World Finals results
Semifinals Finals
      
1 T.I.P. W
4 Formosa L
T.I.P. L
Top 9 W
3 Top 9 W
2 Smokémon L

Best Show: Top 9

Crew List for 2008 World Finals

This list is in chronological order by date qualified.

Crew Qualification
Extreme CrewChampion, BOTY International 2007
Bad Taste CruWinner, BOTY UK 2008
Groove KingzWinner, BOTY Benelux 2008
SmokemonWinner, BOTY France 2008
Dead PrezzWinner, BOTY Balkans 2008
Crazy Twisting Tribal TeamWinner, BOTY South East Europe 2008
Top 9Winner, BOTY Russia 2008
La Halla King ZooWinner, BOTY West Africa 2008
T.I.P.Winner, BOTY Asia 2008
Formosa2nd place, BOTY Asia 2008
Kaiten Ninja3rd place, BOTY Asia 2008
Now or NeverWinner, BOTY Canada 2008
UnstopabullsWinner, BOTY Israel 2008
Ghost RockzWinner, BOTY Switzerland 2008
Tsunami AllstarsWinner, BOTY Brazil 2008
TNT CrewWinner, BOTY Germany 2008
OctagonWinner, BOTY Scandinavia 2008
Fallen Angels CrewWinner, BOTY Iberica 2008
Furious SoldiersWinner, BOTY USA 2008

2007 season

2007 World Finals results
Semifinals Finals
      
1 Legiteam Obstruktion L
4 Extreme Crew W
Extreme Crew W
Turn Phrase Crew L
3 Turn Phrase Crew W
2 Funk Fellaz L

Best Show: Turn Phrase Crew

Crew List for 2007 World Finals

This list is in chronological order by date qualified. Preliminaries that have not occurred yet have a colored background.

Crew Qualification
HoochenWinner, BOTY Benelux 2007
Sick 7Winner, BOTY South East Europe 2007
Plastic Def SquadWinner, BOTY Balkans 2007
Legiteam ObstruktionWinner, BOTY France 2007
Rapid Soul MovesWinner, BOTY Italy 2007
Fallen Angels CrewWinner, BOTY Iberica 2007
Extreme (Obo Wang) CrewWinner, BOTY Asia 2007
Turn Phrase Crew2nd place, BOTY Asia 2007
Ground Scatter Crew3rd place, BOTY Asia 2007
BreakerholicsWinner, BOTY Israel 2007
Ultimate DesperadosWinner, BOTY Scandinavia 2007
Funk FellazWinner, BOTY Germany 2007
Ruff'n'X CrewWinner, BOTY Switzerland 2007
DF Zulu BreakersWinner, BOTY Brazil 2007
Vagabonds (withdrew)Champion, BOTY International 2006
Last Minute Crew (withdrew)Winner, BOTY South Africa 2007

2006 season

2006 World Finals results
Semifinals Finals
      
1 Vagabonds W
4 Drifterz L
Vagabonds W
Last For One L
3 Last For One W
2 B-Town Allstars L

Best Show: Vagabonds

Crew List for 2006 World Finals
Crew Qualification
Last For OneChampion, BOTY International 2005
VagabondsWinner, BOTY Asia 2006
Electric Force CrewWinner, BOTY Balkans 2006
OctagonWinner, BOTY Scandinavia 2006
Top 9Winner, BOTY Russia 2006
Moving ShadowsWinner, BOTY South East Europe 2006
Ormus ForceWinner, BOTY Italy 2006
CamelotWinner, BOTY North East Europe 2006
Mortal CombatWinner, BOTY Japan 2006
Fallen AngelsWinner, BOTY Iberica 2006
Lions of ZionWinner, BOTY Israel 2006
STOWinner, BOTY China 2006
Knuckle Head ZooWinner, BOTY USA 2006
Ground Scatter CrewWinner, BOTY South East Asia 2006
UbuntuWinner, BOTY South Africa 2006
HRCWinner, BOTY Taiwan 2006
B-Town AllstarsWinner, BOTY Germany 2006
Ruff'n'X CrewWinner, BOTY Switzerland 2006
Drifterz CrewWinner, BOTY Korea 2006
Floor BurningWinner, BOTY Benelux 2006

Series Format

World Finals Format

The format comprises firstly a showcase round in which all crews perform a routine of no more than six minutes in length demonstrating their ability in the different styles of breakdance. Judges rank all competing crews by evaluating certain criteria based on the shows.

Following the showcase round, the top four crews are selected to take part in a crew-vs-crew battle playoff. In the semifinals, the top-ranked crew battles the 4th-ranked crew and the 2nd-ranked crew battles the 3rd-ranked crew. The winner of each semifinal then battle each other for the championship.

An award, "Best Show", is also given to the crew that had the best-scoring showcase.

Scoring Criteria

Judges evaluate the showcase round on two main elements, artistry and technicality, each of which includes several criteria. The artistry element includes theme, music, synchronicity, and choreography, among others. The technicality element includes toprock, uprock, footwork, and power moves, among others.[5]

Qualification and Preliminaries

The champion of the world finals is always invited directly to the following year's world finals to defend their title. All other crews qualify via preliminary tournaments, although historically there have been a few instances of directly-invited crews (usually when there is no preliminary in that crew's region).

Qualification is moving towards a two-step system consisting of individual country preliminaries followed by regional preliminaries. Historically, each country had an individual preliminary and sent one crew to the world finals; however, countries have become more and more regionalized over the years. For example, starting in 2007, there is a new BOTY Asia regional preliminary that will send the top 3 finishers to the world finals; in 2006 and years prior, Asia region countries such as South Korea, Japan, China, and Taiwan had their own preliminaries and sent one crew each to the world finals.

The following is a chart showing the regions and countries in the region, as well as number of crews sent to the world finals, for the 2007 season.

Region Crews Sent Member Countries
BOTY Asia3 China,  Indonesia,  Japan,  South Korea,  Laos,  Malaysia,  Philippines,  Singapore,  Taiwan,  Thailand,  Vietnam, India*
BOTY Balkans1 Albania,  Bosnia and Herzegovina,  Bulgaria,  Cyprus,  Greece,  North Macedonia,  Montenegro,  Romania,  Serbia,  Turkey
BOTY Benelux1 Belgium,  Luxembourg,  Netherlands
BOTY Iberica1 Portugal,  Spain
BOTY North East Europe*0 Belarus,  Estonia,  Latvia,  Lithuania,
BOTY Scandinavia1 Denmark,  Finland,  Norway,  Sweden; also, BOTY North East Europe member countries are invited to participate*
BOTY South East Europe1 Austria,  Bosnia,  Croatia,  Hungary,  Slovenia,  Czech Republic,  Poland,  Slovakia

* Winner of BOTY India will participate in BOTY Asia from 2011
* BOTY North East Europe regional preliminary was canceled. On July 10, 2007, it was announced that BOTY North East Europe member countries would be allowed to enter BOTY Scandinavia.[6]
** On September 7, 2007, the BOTY USA 2007 qualifier was announced;[7] however, it was canceled less than one month later.

World Finals Format History

Prior to 2006, the current championship playoff system was not used. Instead, there were only two battles: two crews would compete for first place, while two other crews would compete for third place. While a "Best Show" award was still granted based on showcase performance, the judges would also rank the crews as to who they thought should participate in the championship battle. This resulted in frequently-occurring situations where the crew that received the "Best Show" award was not even able to compete for the championship, as they were picked for the third place battle instead of the championship battle. Examples include three "Best Show" winners in the final five years under the old format: Break the Funk (2004), Fire Works (2003), and Visual Shock (2001).[8] The change to the playoff system also brought the world finals format into line with some of the qualifier formats, such as the BOTY Korea Preliminary, which has been using the four-crew playoff system for years.

Starting in 2004, a strict 6-minute time limit per crew on the showcase was enforced for the world finals, with scoring penalties assessed for going over time. This was enacted so that the world finals event would finish in a shorter time period. The 6-minute limit was quickly adopted at preliminaries.[9]

In 1990, when the event was known as the International Breakdance Cup,[10] there were only shows and no battles. From 1991-1996, there were battles resulting in a crowned champion, but no "Best Show" award was given.

Media

An official DVD documenting the event is usually released a few months after the tournament. It is a perennial best seller on breaking and hip-hop media retail web sites.

Several documentaries have been produced based on the competition, including the 2007 feature-length documentary Planet B-Boy. The film premiered at the 2007 TriBeCa Film Festival[11] and was released on DVD on November 11, 2008.

A movie based on this competition, called Battle of the Year, was released on September 20, 2013. The film was directed by Benson Lee, who produced Planet B-Boy, and featured famous artist Chris Brown in the primary role.[12]

On occasion with the annual competition, a CD/LP titled "The Official Battle Of The Year Motion Soundtrack" is released since 1998.[13] It features some of the leading B-Boy Funk artists such as Mr. Confuse, Cosmic EFI, DJ Nas'D, Esone, Def Cut, Cutmaster GB, and DJ Phantom. The cover artwork is drawn by Graffiti artist Mode 2.[14]

References
  1. Hong 10: B-Boy Champion Archived November 1, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Retrieved August 21, 2007
  2. Planet B-Boy Plot Summary, Retrieved August 21, 2007
  3. Chang, Jeff. "It's a Hip-Hop World". Foreign Policy (November/December 2007): 58–65. "Hip-hop events such as the Battle of the Year create spaces for a globalization from the bottom, bringing people together across the barriers of geography, language, and race."
  4. http://allstreetdance.co.uk/2012/08/23/battle-of-the-year-2012-world-finals-montpellier-judges-new-battle-format/
  5. Judge POEONE (Stylelements) Post on Scoring Criteria on BBoyWorld.com forums Archived September 28, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Retrieved August 21, 2007
  6. Battle of the Year Official Site - News, Retrieved August 22, 2007
  7. BOTY USA 2007 Announcement Archived November 1, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, BBoyWorld.Com, Retrieved September 12, 2007
  8. BOTY Official Website: Past Events Archived September 28, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Retrieved August 21, 2007
  9. Breakdance battle Archived September 21, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Retrieved August 21, 2007
  10. DJ Junk. "Junk's breaking- a history of John (Junk) from Second To None and the Second To None Crew". DJ Junk. Retrieved 2 May 2011.
  11. Planet B-Boy (Tribeca Film Festival Official Website), Retrieved August 21, 2007
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1532958/
  13. https://www.discogs.com/de/search/?q=Battle+of+the+year&type=all
  14. http://www.mode2.org/drawings
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