"Xiong Zheng Wu Dou" Kicks Off with a Bang! HRC Sniper Force Claims Victory and BOTY World Finals Ticket

Kaohsiung's annual street dance extravaganza, the '2026 Xiong Zheng Wu Dou International Street Dance Competition,' kicked off热血ly yesterday (15) at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, with the first day dedicated to Breaking. The event attracted 21 dance crews, 217 dancers, and 100 solo 1-on-1 competitors, and for the first time partnered with the prestigious international breakdancing competition 'Battle of the Year (BOTY)' Taiwan qualifier, directly connecting Kaohsiung's dance scene to the global stage. After a full day of intense battles, 'HRC Sniper Force' emerged victorious in the crew category, claiming the championship title and a prize of NT$280,000, as well as the ticket to represent Taiwan at the BOTY World Finals. Now in its 6th edition, '2026 Xiong Zheng Wu Dou' has upgraded from a one-day event to a two-day street dance carnival and is part of the Kaohsiung Youth International Month series. Six international judges were invited on the first day, five of whom hailed from Japan, South Korea, Canada, and Slovenia. The international judging panel even took to the floor mid-event, performing high-difficulty moves and dazzling techniques that electrified the audience and brought the essence of world-class Breaking up close. HRC Sniper Force Crowned Champion, Secures BOTY World Finals Qualification In the highly anticipated 'Breaking Crew Battle,' 21 elite crews fought fiercely from morning until evening. After multiple elimination rounds, 'HRC Sniper Force' stood out with powerful stage presence, seamless team coordination, and explosive moves, securing the championship and NT$280,000 in prize money. Crucially, HRC Sniper Force also earned qualification for the BOTY World Finals, where they will represent Taiwan and compete against the world's top breakdance crews. Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai attended the event last night to cheer on the young dancers, striking the classic 'B-Boy Stance' pose alongside competitors, showing strong support for youth performing arts and further energizing the atmosphere. The '1 ON 1 Breaking Battle' was equally intense, with 100 dancers improvising head-to-head battles to random DJ beats, competing in footwork, rhythm, and high-difficulty techniques. After multiple elimination rounds, 'Gluttony' demonstrated exceptional composure and skill, overcoming fierce competition with intricate footwork and original moves to claim the solo title and a NT$30,000 prize. Gluttony also secured seeding status for the '2026 Kaohsiung International Breaking Competition' on August 29–30, adding another highlight to the first day. Lin Kai-hsuan, Director of the Youth Bureau, stated that this year's 'Xiong Zheng Wu Dou' has seen a comprehensive upgrade in scale and international integration, expanding from a one-day competition to a two-day carnival and adopting BOTY's international competition standards. With Breaking as the focus on day one, the high-intensity competition and interaction with international judges provide young dancers with a broader platform for performance and competition, fostering cultural exchange between local and international street dance communities in Kaohsiung. Lin emphasized that street dance is more than just a youth hobby—it is a vital part of Kaohsiung's youth culture and performing arts energy. By connecting with international events, the goal is to give more young dancers opportunities to shine globally and showcase Kaohsiung's thriving street dance culture to the world. The '2026 Xiong Zheng Wu Dou International Street Dance Competition' continues today (16) at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Center, featuring choreographed dance open competitions for student and adult divisions, as well as the '1 ON 1 Open Styles Battle.' From freestyle improvisation to synchronized group routines, diverse dance styles will take center stage. The Youth Bureau announced that admission is free throughout the event, inviting citizens and dance enthusiasts to seize the final day, experience the热血 spirit of street dance, cheer for the young performers, and witness Kaohsiung's youth culture and artistic energy shining brightly on the international stage. Breaking Crew Battle teams showcase combo moves to win judges' favor. (Photo/ Kaohsiung Youth Bureau)