Section 5: Rules of Play
5.1 Battle Format
Breaking competitions use a 1v1 head-to-head battle format. Two athletes face each other across multiple rounds, alternating throwdowns (solo dance sets). The athlete who wins the majority of rounds advances. At the Olympic level, preliminary rounds consist of best-of-one battles (round robin), while knockout rounds from the quarterfinals onward are best-of-three.
5.2 Throwdowns and Round Structure
Each round consists of alternating throwdowns. A throwdown is a single continuous performance by one athlete. During a throwdown, the athlete enters the battle area and performs a set of movements. A standard round consists of two throwdowns per athlete (one each, alternating). The athlete who goes first is determined by a coin toss or the MC's direction for the opening round; the order alternates in subsequent rounds.
5.3 Time Limits
Each throwdown is limited to 60 seconds maximum. The DJ provides the musical framework, and the athlete must complete their set within the allotted time. A visible countdown timer or an audible signal (provided by the DJ fading the music) indicates the approaching time limit. Athletes who significantly exceed the time limit receive a warning; repeated time violations may result in a score deduction or round forfeiture at the head judge's discretion.
5.4 Music and Rhythm
The DJ plays continuous music throughout each round. Athletes do not choose their own music — they must adapt to whatever the DJ plays in real time. This tests musicality, adaptability, and the ability to interpret unfamiliar tracks. The DJ may change tracks between throwdowns within a round. The tempo typically ranges from 100 to 130 BPM, though the DJ has creative freedom within breaking-appropriate genres.
5.5 Competition Progression
The Olympic competition structure proceeds as follows:
- Round Robin: 16 athletes divided into four groups of four, each athlete battles every other group member (best-of-one rounds). Top two from each group advance.
- Quarterfinals: Eight athletes in best-of-three battles
- Semifinals: Four athletes in best-of-three battles
- Final: Two athletes in a best-of-three battle for gold and silver; losing semifinalists receive bronze (no bronze medal match)
A battle is won by the athlete who wins the majority of rounds as determined by the aggregate judging panel scores.