How to Watch Breaking at the 2024 Paris Olympics: Stream on Peacock LIVE, Event Times, and More

You’ve heard the terms pop, lock, and headspin, but this summer, they’re going to be everywhere. Here’s what to know about the new Olympic sport Breaking and how to tune in to this must-watch event.  

The 2024 Paris Olympics kick off on Friday, July 26. Every moment, every medal will be streaming live on Peacock.  

What is Breaking and how will it work at the Olympics? 

Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is a sport that involves dance, strength, and flexibility. Breaking began in New York in the 70s, developed from hip-hop culture, and gained international popularity over the years. Breakers use spins, kicks, flips, and other movements to create a routine on the spot in most cases. It was introduced as an Olympic event at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games but will be making its Summer Olympics debut in Paris.  

During the tournament, a Breaker will go head-to-head with another in a performance known as a “battle.” They will perform to music selected by a DJ and the music is not known beforehand, making it important that the Breakers can be flexible and improvise their moves. Each performance lasts 60 seconds and battles are best-of-three, with the winner advancing to the next round or winning gold at the end.  

The Olympics will have 16 B-Boys and 16 B-Girls competing to win gold. The event starts with four groups of four in a round-robin stage. The four Breakers will compete against everyone in their group, with the top two from each going to the quarterfinals. From there, they will be ranked 1 to 8 and begin a knockout format with the highest seed going against the lowest until a winner prevails.

What are some of the Breaking terms I should know? 

B-Boys/B-Girls: a breaker.  

Crash: when an attempted move fails. 

Down Rock: moves that happen when the Breaker is on the floor supported by their feet or hands. 

Freeze: when the athlete stops and holds a unique position for a bit of time.  

Power Move: a dynamic move of multiple spins executed using strength and flexibility, usually the most impressive part of the performance.  

Throw Down: when the Breaker begins their routine.  

Top Rock: moves that happen when the Breaker is standing.

How is Breaking scored? 

Breakers are judged by a panel on their performance in five categories which include execution, musicality, originality, technique, and vocabulary. Each category is worth 20% of their score.   

In addition, Breakers may also be penalized during their performance if they do anything inappropriate (gestures, profanity, etc.). The judges each have a mild, moderate, and severe misbehavior button they can press which will lower the athlete’s total score.  

The judges submit their votes after the round, and whoever has the higher number of points wins.  

What venue will host Breaking? 

Breaking will take place at La Concorde, one of the largest public squares right in the heart of Paris. While a temporary set-up, it is an open arena design to provide a more natural urban environment for the events.  

What Breaking athletes should I look out for?  

Representing Team USA are four breakers — Jeffrey Lewis (B-Boy Jeffro), Victor Montalvo (B-Boy Victor), Sunny Choi (B-Girl Sunny), and Logan Edra (B-Girl Logistx.) Jeffro won silver at the 2022 World Games. Victor was the first American to be chosen for the team and won the 2022 World Games gold medal. Sunny won the silver medal at the 2022 World Games and won gold at the 2023 Pan American Games. Logistx won bronze at the 2023 Pan American Games and the 2024 Olympic Qualifier Series.  

Internationally, Japan’s Ami Yuasa (B-girl Ami) and Ayumi Fukushima (B-girl Ayumi) will be gunning for gold. Ami won gold at the 2022 World Games and Ayumi was awarded bronze at the same event. Canada’s Philip Kim (B-boy Phil Wizard) won gold at the 2023 Pan American Games and is also considered a favorite to win. The competition is sure to be thrilling with a stacked list of participants.  

What is the schedule for Breaking at the 2024 Paris Olympics? 

Friday August 9 

10a ET: B-Girls Round Robin 

2p ET: B-Girls Quarterfinals 

2:45p ET: B-Girls Semifinals 

3:15p ET: B-Girls Finals 

Saturday August 10 

10a ET: B-Boys Round Robin 

2p ET: B-Boys Quarterfinals 

2:45p ET: B-Boys Semifinals 

3:15p ET: B-Boys Finals 

Stream Breaking and the 2024 Paris Olympics on Peacock.