NSW dancer ROME has been crowned the 2026 Red Bull Dance Your Style Australian champion, triumphing over 15 of the country’s leading street dancers at the competition’s biggest National Final to date.
The 19-year-old secured the title before a sold-out crowd at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion on Saturday, July 25, earning the opportunity to represent Australia at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final in Zurich this October.
ROME advanced through four one-on-one battles, with each result determined entirely by the audience. His movement style, stage presence and ability to connect with the crowd carried him into a final against reigning national champion Nonoy.
The pair faced an unpredictable selection of music, with ROME dancing to DMX’s Party Up (Up in Here) and Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ Heads Will Roll during the deciding battle.
“It’s a blessing for me to win tonight. I can’t believe I just did that,” ROME said.
“Dancing freely to thousands of people was just so special. I’m so excited to share the Australian energy and flair with people around the world. The chance to represent Australia is something I will always hold on to.”
Unlike competitions judged by a professional panel, Red Bull Dance Your Style places the outcome in the hands of the audience. Dancers compete to tracks selected by the DJ without knowing what will play, testing their musicality, improvisation and ability to win over the room.
This year’s Australian final brought together artists working across hip hop, waacking, popping, locking and other street dance forms. National qualifier winners ROME, Jeff Hu, 4MAN and Waackyoume were joined by 12 invited wildcard dancers, including returning crowd favourites Amanda Va and Jiggy Jaya. Several battles were decided by narrow audience votes as competitors improvised to music ranging from Jessica Mauboy to Skrillex.
The event was hosted by House of Silky Father Xaddy Xander, creator Unice Wani, former dancer and parkour athlete Dom Di Tommaso, and street dancer and DJ Kez.
The battles were accompanied by showcase performances from Trace, former Red Bull Dance Your Style champion Mr. Liberty and Unity member Hannah Balanay. Australia’s first DMC World Champion, DJ Beast Mode, also presented a special trick set with Venezuelan-born, Sydney-based reggaeton artist Lamira.
ROME earned his place in the National Final through an open qualifier earlier this year. The competition followed a series of workshops and events held across Australia, culminating in the sold-out Sydney final.
He will now travel to Switzerland for the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final on October 24, where national champions from around the world will compete for the global title.