Breaking Sets Chengdu on Fire at The World Games 2025

matita TWG2025
After the elegance of Latin and the intensity of Standard last week, it was finally time for DanceSport Breaking to take the stage at The World Games 2025. Following its thrilling debut in Birmingham 2022 and the unforgettable showcase at the Paris Olympic Games, Breaking returned in Chengdu with even greater force. The Chengbei Gymnasium, which just last December hosted the WDSF World Championship Breaking 2024, once again welcomed the world’s best athletes—this time for The World Games. The venue was packed to the rafters, with an electrified audience eager to witness creativity, power, and style at the very highest level.

Qualified Athletes – B-Girls

Qualified Athletes – B-Boys

Behind each name lies a remarkable story, and the lineup alone guaranteed a fascinating event.

On the B-Girl side, fans came into Chengdu with fresh memories of the spectacular WDSF Asian Breaking Championship held in Shanghai just weeks earlier. There, the Chinese star 671 faced off against 16-year-old prodigy Royal in an electrifying battle that ended with Royal achieving the historic feat of winning both the Youth and Adult divisions. And what better sign of the sport’s richness than seeing athletes like Japan’s legendary Ayumi, 42 years young, still performing at an exceptional level and consistently placing among the best. Rising star Riko—silver medalist also in the recent Asiatic Continental event—arrived determined, though she will have to contend with Olympic silver medallist Nicka of Lithuania. Adding even more intrigue, reigning World Champion India returned to the very venue where she claimed gold last December, though her road is blocked by Olympic names such as Syssy (France), Kate and Stefani (Ukraine), Vanessa (Portugal), and Italy’s Anti. So many strong contenders, but only one can stand on the top step of the podium.

For the B-Boys, the challenge was equally fierce. All eyes were on newly crowned Asian Champion Shigekix, joined by silver and medal winners and local favorites Lithe-Ing and X-Rain, ready to ignite the crowd in their home country. Japan also counted on Hiro10, a viral sensation for his signature moves that storm social media after every performance. France’s Killian returned to China with his powerful style and explosive powermoves, while Europe and the Americas also brought heavy hitters: Olympic competitor Kuzya (Ukraine), Brazil’s Luan San, Chile’s Matita, and Spain’s Xak, who announced this would be his final international appearance before dedicating himself to coaching. Australia’s Benmx, just 16 years old, stood out as one of the youngest participants in TWG2025, making his debut with great promise.

It was a promising start, as the competition recovered the Olympic Round Robin format: athletes were split into groups of four, facing each other across three battle blocks. Every vote mattered—while victories decided the standings, ties were broken by the judges’ individual votes. With only the top two from each group advancing to the Top 8 on Sunday, August 17, athletes were ready to give everything from the very first round.

B-Girls – Every Vote Counts

NICKA TWG2025 The first block of battles already hinted at the surprises to come. Anti vs Ayumi (0–2), Kate vs Mini Japa (2–0), India vs Syssy (1–1), and Alessandrina vs Stefani (0–2) seemed to set the stage nicely for the Ukrainian representatives. Kate dominated her first rounds convincingly, while Stefani edged Alessandrina with a tight 4–5 score. Anti also came close with her narrow 4–5 loss against Ayumi—votes that would later prove crucial. Meanwhile, Nicka vs Riko (2–0) and Ayane vs Vanessa (2–0) gave Japan both a win and a loss, before Starry took her opening set 2–0 against Ying Zi. The block closed with a highlight: the anticipated all-Chinese showdown between 671 and Royal, where the 16-year-old prodigy once again stunned by defeating the Olympic bronze medallist 2–0.

The second block flipped the script. Ayumi vs Kate ended 1–1, nearly guaranteeing Ukraine’s Kate a place in the next round, while Anti kept her hopes alive with a 2–0 against Mini Japa. Stefani stumbled against India (0–2), and Syssy impressed with her bold style, taking a 2–0 over Alessandrina. In the Japanese derby, Riko outclassed Ayane (2–0), and Nicka followed with another solid 2–0 against Vanessa. Local hopes dimmed further as Ying Zi fell to 671 (0–2), before Royal sealed her second victory with a 2–0 against Starry.

ROYAL TWG2025 The decisive third block brought dramatic turns. Ayumi closed strong with a 2–0 over Mini Japa, securing the top spot in her group. In one of the most paradoxical twists, Kate fell 4–5 in both rounds against Anti—meaning Kate collected more judge votes overall (33 vs. 32) but fewer round victories (3 vs. 4), leaving her shockingly eliminated in third place. True to the format, a single vote made all the difference. Elsewhere, India (2–0 Alessandrina) and Syssy (2–0 Stefani) sent both Ukrainians out despite their promising starts. Vanessa bowed out after a 0–2 against Riko, who advanced, while Olympic silver medallist Nicka proved her consistency with a 2–0 over Ayane. To close, 671 showed her class with a 2–0 against Starry, and Royal sealed Ying Zi’s fate, as the home athlete—unfortunately competing with physical limitations—could not deliver her best.
ANTI TWG2025

Qualified for the Top 8 (Day 2):

Ayumi (Japan)
Anti (Italy)
Syssy (France)
India (Netherlands)
Nicka (Lithuania)
Riko (Japan)
Royal (People’s Republic of China)
671 (People’s Republic of China)

B-Boys – Surprises, Highlights, and a Dramatic Finish

X-RAIN TWG2025 The first block opened with fireworks: rising Chinese star X-Rain met Shigekix in what felt like the sequel to their Asian Championship semifinal. Once again, the Japanese champion imposed his rhythm, winning 2–0. Australia’s youngest hope BenMX fell 0–2 against Wigor, while Olympic contender Kuzya couldn’t hold off a powerful Lithe-Ing (0–2). Spain’s Xak and Poland’s Cis split rounds for a 1–1, and crowd favorite Monkey Z pushed hard but narrowly lost both against Issin (0–2, 4–5 and 3–6). Elsewhere, Luan San was outpowered by Wing (0–2), Hiro10 gave Japan another boost with a 2–0 over Quake, and the high-energy battle between Matita and Killian ended with the Frenchman prevailing 2–0.

SHIGEKIX TWG2025 The second block brought even more spectacle. Shigekix reinforced his dominance with a 2–0 against Wigor, while X-Rain matched him with a clean 2–0 against BenMX, putting both Asian breakers firmly on top of their group standings. Lithe-Ing showed no mercy in a 2–0 over Xak, while Kuzya revived his hopes with a crucial 2–0 over Cis. Issin continued Japan’s winning streak with another 2–0, this time over Luan San, as Wing added another victory 2–0 against Monkey Z. Quake’s situation worsened after falling 0–2 to Matita, while Hiro10 proved unstoppable, defeating Killian 2–0.

The decisive third block delivered the biggest surprises. Shigekix closed his group flawlessly with a 2–0 over BenMX, and X-Rain followed with the same result against Wigor. Lithe-Ing thrilled the home crowd with explosive powermoves worthy of a movie scene in his 2–0 over Cis, while Kuzya eliminated Xak (2–0) despite the Spaniard’s determination in what turned out to be his last international performance. Then came one of the night’s highlights: Issin vs Wing. After the Japanese breaker took the first round, Wing pulled off a breathtaking sequence capped by a sideflip that landed dangerously close to Issin—outside the Field of Play—leaving everyone stunned. The battle ended 1–1, and both advanced. Closing the block, Monkey Z earned a 2–0 over Luan San (though both were mathematically out), while Quake finished with a shock elimination, losing 0–2 to Killian—meaning the Frenchman overtook Matita in the group standings despite later falling to Hiro10, who finished his pool in first place.

Qualified for the Top 8 (Day 2):

Shigekix (Japan)
X-Rain (People’s Republic of China)
Issin (Japan)
Wing (South Korea)
Lithe-Ing (People’s Republic of China)
Kuzya (Ukraine)
Hiro10 (Japan)
Killian (France)

A Day to Remember – All Eyes on the Finals

Day 1 of Breaking at The World Games 2025 could not have delivered more drama: unexpected eliminations, historic duels, and performances that once again showcased why Breaking has become one of the most exciting DanceSport disciplines on the global stage. The Top 8 line-ups for both B-Girls and B-Boys are now set, and with so much talent on display, the battles ahead promise to be unforgettable.

The spotlight now shifts to Sunday, August 17, when the world’s best will return to the Chengbei Gymnasium for the finals. With only one gold medal up for grabs in each category, the stakes could not be higher. Fans across the globe can follow all the action live on the official WDSF website—an opportunity no DanceSport enthusiast should miss.
SYSSY TWG2025

WDSF President Shawn Tay summed up the atmosphere of the day:

“Breaking once again showed why it belongs on the world’s biggest stages. The energy, the stories, and the passion of these athletes inspire us all. Chengdu and The World Games have set the perfect stage for what promises to be a truly spectacular final.”

Stay connected and relive the best moments by following us across all WDSF social media channels. The journey continues, and the best is yet to come.

Photos by Haru Graphics.

Published on 16 August 2025