Hiphop Forever 2026

For the first time Hiphop Forever is coming to the Weekender, bringing together the Top 24 of the world’s best Hiphop dancers to battle it out at Paradiso. Visitors can watch the heat as dancers go head-to-head for a spot in the Top 3, and those who get that far must even challenge the three legendary judges themselves. From 2026, the Weekender battles will move into Duo-Mode from the judge battles onward (the summer edition stays classic 1-on-1!). Learn more a about the battle system below.

JUDGES:
• Marvin Gofin
• Tatiana
• Sapoo

DJ’S:
• Joseph Wu
• Mad L Sow (Lumi Sow)

HOSTS:
• JNM The Naked MC
• John Agesilas
 

WANT TO PARTICIPATE?
Registrations and preselections for Hiphop Forever take place on the same day. If you want to participate in the battles, you first need to register and participate in the preselections. The top 24 best dancers will go through to the actual battle.

Minimum age for participation is 15 years.

⮕ Registration opens 11:30
⮕ Preselections start 13:45 (doors open 13:o0)


HOW DO THE SDF WEEKENDER BATTLES WORK
Preselections: Everyone is welcome at the Preselections: whether you're participating or just there to enjoy the vibe. Dancers will hit the floor and have 45 seconds to show what they've got. After this, the three judges will select 48 dancers that each get one more minute to impress them and try to earn a spot in the Top 24 that will continue to the battles.

Battles: In the Battles, those Top 24 dancers will go head-to-head in 1vs1 rounds to reach the Top 12, Top 6, and ultimately the Top 3. They will face off against the three Judges, who step into the battle themselves: the so called legendary Judge Battles. This is what sets Summer Dance Forever apart: our judges don’t just sit behind a desk, they jump into the action and battle on the floor. Don't talk about it — be about it! 

Duo-mode: From the Judge Battles on, we switch to Duo Mode - 2vs2 battles! Each Top 3 dancer and each Judge chooses a partner from the Top 24 to form a duo. Together, they’ll battle side by side for the title. Yes... a duo takes the win!

Audience vote: And you, our audience in Paradiso play a vital role… In the Semi-Finals and Final, it's up to the duos themselves to answer the legendary question: Did you win or lose? But if they can’t agree, you will have the final vote to crown our Forever champions who will earn prize money, eternal glory, and the chance to judge at a future event.