Qi Xiangyu (front row, second from left) poses for a photo after winning the championship. [Photo/Qingdao News]

Qi Xiangyu, the 18-year-old dancer from Jimo district in Qingdao city of Shandong province, was crowned the champion in the men's division at the final of Outbreak 2023 in Slovakia in July.

"I hope to bring the experience and confidence to the upcoming World Championships and Asian Games and strive for better results," Qi said.

Qi represented China in the men's 1-on-1 Breaking category, advancing through the auditions as the top performer in his half of the bracket. During the knockout rounds, he incorporated elements of Chinese martial arts and showcased breakdance with Chinese characteristics to the world.

Established in 2003, Outbreak is an internationally renowned breakdance competition known for its large number of high caliber competitors and challenging auditions. This year's competition attracted many top international figures. Only 32 out of 500 men made it past the auditions.

'Destiny' since childhood

Born in Jimo in 2005, Qi started practicing martial arts at the age of 5 under the guidance of his father, Qi Liying. When he was 8 years old, he chanced upon breakdance, which he soon regarded as a "destiny" he needed to fulfill. 

At the age of 9, Qi participated in the children's breakdance competition in Qingdao for the first time. Starting from the age of 12, he frequently emerged champion at children's division competitions. 

Qi has been showing off his talents in major events in recent years. For example, he claimed second place in the men's division at the breakdance event of the 2022 BRICS Games. In April, Qi finished 12th in the men's division at the 2023 WDSF BfG World Series in the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Aiming for Olympic qualification

The breakdance event at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games has only 16 slots for both men and women. This year's champions for the World Championships and Asian Games will directly qualify the Olympics, while other athletes will have the opportunity to compete for the remaining Olympic slots through next year's qualifying tournaments.

"The ideal situation is to qualify directly. My goal is to strive for that," Qi said.

Qi, along with his teammates Shang Xiaoyu, Liu Qingyi and Zeng Yingying, will participate in the Hangzhou Asian Games in September.