The Notorious IBE 2024 saw a surge in attendance this year, driven by the recent inclusion of Breaking in the Olympics. Held in Heerlen, the Netherlands, the event featured the prestigious FUJIFILM instax™ Undisputed Masters Breaking Competition, attracting top-tier talent from around the globe, including Olympic stars Syssy from France, Stefani from Ukraine, and Hiro10 from Japan.
Following Breaking’s historic debut at the Olympic Games just a week earlier, the competition drew record-breaking crowds eager to witness world-class breakers perform jaw-dropping moves and gravity-defying tricks. The event served as a platform for over 300 breakers, including several Olympians, to showcase their skills and unique styles in what proved to be a thrilling celebration of Breaking culture.
The competition culminated in electrifying battles across multiple categories, with the women’s solo battle seeing Syssy from France emerge victorious over her fellow Olympian Stefani from Ukraine. In the men’s solo battle, Alvin from Venezuela took the top spot, defeating Quake from Taiwan in a closely contested final. The Crew Battle final saw Green Panda, a worldwide crew, triumph over the formidable Formless, also representing a global mix of talent.
A Celebration of Breaking Culture
This year’s FUJIFILM instax™ Undisputed Masters was more than just a competition; it was a vibrant celebration of Breaking culture. The event, which spanned three days, honoured the deep cultural roots of Breaking while highlighting its explosive growth on the international stage. The collaboration between The Notorious IBE and FUJIFILM instax™ resulted in an unforgettable weekend, filled with fierce battles, unparalleled creativity, and remarkable athleticism.
In addition to the headline battles, the event introduced a new Junior category, shining a spotlight on the next generation of Breaking talent. This addition underscores the growing appeal of the sport among younger audiences, reflecting its increasing recognition and popularity worldwide.
Tyrone Van der Meer, the creator of Undisputed Masters, reflected on the event’s success, stating, “The Notorious IBE proved once again why it is the ultimate stage for the FUJIFILM instax™ Undisputed Masters. The level of talent, creativity, and passion we witnessed this weekend was truly extraordinary. It is a pivotal moment for the global Breaking community, and it was great to capture the energy created by the Olympics last week.”
Shin Udono, Senior Vice President of Imaging Solutions at Fujifilm Europe, echoed this sentiment, adding, “We have seen breakers redefine the dance scene time and again, and this weekend was no exception. FUJIFILM instax™ is honoured to be a part of this journey, supporting Breaking as it continues to reach new heights of recognition and popularity. The performances in Heerlen were a testament to the art and athleticism of Breaking, and we are excited to see what the future holds for this sport.”
The Notorious IBE, known as one of the most iconic hip-hop dance festivals in the world, continues to celebrate the essence of hip-hop culture and community. The success of this year’s FUJIFILM instax™ Undisputed Masters marks a significant milestone for Breaking, as it continues to gain momentum on the global stage.