One spot for the WBC World Final will be on the line for Duos
In partnership with World Breaking Classic (WBC), Plus Seven Company is excited to announce today that the 2022 WBC USA Open Qualifier, powered by Tulsa Sports Commission, will be held Saturday, June 4, in Tulsa, OK. The event, which will be held at Legacy Hall at the Cox Business Convention Center, is one of only three WBC world qualifiers scheduled this year.
Alongside an array of Tulsa-centric breaking activations, the WBC USA Open Qualifier will welcome Bboys, Bgirls and breaking influencers from around the country, including an iconic judges panel featuring Alex “El Niño” Diaz, Kareem “Bboy Kareem” Gwinn and Macca “Bgirl Macca” Malik. Respected for their cypher success and global impact on the culture, the judges trio will identify the battle’s winning duo that will automatically qualify for a trip to the WBC World Final 2022.
“On June 4, Tulsa will be the center of the breaking universe,” said G.T. Bynum, Mayor of the City of Tulsa. “Not only will we see a significant economic impact to our city, Tulsa will be broadcast on the world stage. I want to thank the Tulsa Regional Chamber for their efforts in attracting this event to our city, and for Tulsa voters who have provided WBC with a venue that can now play host to world-class events like this one.”
Amazing athletic dance feats on display. Photo courtesy of World Breaking Classic.
To commemorate and amplify the WBC USA Open Qualifier 2022, Plus Seven Company has worked alongside Tulsa Sports Commission in engaging local partners to create additional programs that spotlight breaking and hip hop. To date, Circle Cinema and local artist VNICE have joined forces for a graffiti art and film exhibit set to debut at the Circle theater in early May, while Silhouette Sneakers & Art has agreed to be the official merchandise partner of the WBC USA Open Qualifier 2022. Additional programs will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
“We’re honored to bring the World Breaking Classic brand back to the United States, and thankful to the Tulsa Sports Commission for making this a reality in Tulsa,” said Nick Povalitis, WBC USA Open Qualifier 2022 Event Director. “Tulsa’s arts, breaking and sports scenes have been so supportive throughout the site selection process, and that will shine through when the city welcomes breaking competitors and fans for an amazing experience June 4.”
The WBC USA Open Qualifier 2022 will feature a showcase (preliminary) round before a top-16 session determines who will advance to the WBC World Final. General admission tickets cost $20 (first-come, first-served chair seats, floor or standing room), while children 15 and under are free. Registration to compete is free and open to all ages and genders, but each competitor over the age of 15 must purchase a ticket to enter the facility. Competitor registration, ticket, hotel and Visit Tulsa information is available at www.WorldBreakingClassicUSA.com.
With roots tracing back to 1970s street dancing on corners and at block parties in the South Bronx, NY, breaking has ascended the global sports landscape to set the stage for inclusion at the World Games 2022 and 2024 Paris Summer Olympics. Since the inaugural WBC World Final in 2009, World Breaking Classic has helped propel breaking to new heights by providing a platform for the world’s best breakers. Past WBC World Final champions include two WBC USA Open Qualifier 2022 judges—El Niño in 2011 and Bboy Kareem in 2012.
Main photo of BBoy Tou courtesy of Plus Seven Company
