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Reverse crowned Red Bull Batalla U.S. champ at Brooklyn Steel
Watch Vicky Mezquita take us inside the Red Bull Batalla U.S.
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On September 26, 2025, the raw power of Spanish-language freestyle took center stage at Brooklyn Steel in New York City. The venue, a temple of sound in the birthplace of hip-hop, became the battleground for sixteen MCs from across the country competing for a single goal: the chance to represent the United States at the Red Bull Batalla International Final in Santiago, Chile, next year.
When the mic finally dropped, it was Reverse who emerged victorious, making history in front of a roaring crowd and cementing his status as one of the U.S. scene’s fiercest lyricists.
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A Night Charged With Energy and Wordplay
From the moment the doors opened, the tension was electric. By the time hosts Racso White Lion and Sayonara hit the stage, the crowd was pulsing with anticipation. The judging panel, composed of respected veterans Freites, Jay-Co, and Tito Yang, was ready for an intense night of lyrical warfare.
The lineup was stacked: defending champion AdonysX of Miami, former national winner Oner, the legendary Reverse, and rising stars like Sourious, Lil Panda RCK, Desnivela, and Cuban from McAllen, Texas. Regional cup winners Jordi (Austin), EL DØMI (Orlando), RAIIDEN (New York), Magimbri (San Antonio), and ADV (Los Angeles) rounded out the mix, each bringing their own style, accent, and story to the mic.
The format was simple but ruthless: one-minute freestyles, knockout rounds, and no room for error. DJ Popeye kept the beats sharp and the crowd hyped as bars and metaphors collided.
The Final Battle: Reverse vs. Nico B
The night reached its fever pitch when Reverse faced Nico B in a showdown that will be remembered for years. Reverse dropped one of the most memorable lines of the evening, “Soy lo que ellos querían que tú fueras, pero no pudiste ser” (“I am what they wanted you to be, but you couldn’t be”), sealing his third national title.
Despite some controversy after a minor technical glitch during Nico B’s turn, the mutual respect between both MCs was clear. “This was one of the best finals I’ve ever experienced,” Reverse said after the win. “It’s not about the titles, it’s about representing the culture and sharing this energy with my brothers.”
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In the third-place battle, Adonys (NYC) defeated Jordi, securing his ticket to compete again in the 2026 season.
20 Years of Red Bull Batalla
This year’s U.S. Final wasn’t just another stop on the freestyle calendar, it was part of Red Bull Batalla’s 20th anniversary celebration. What started as a small Latin American showcase two decades ago has become a global movement, uniting MCs from Spain to Chile to the U.S. under one banner of linguistic creativity and cultural pride.
Closing out the night, Dominican rapper Lismar delivered a powerhouse performance that turned the competition into a celebration, a reminder that freestyle is more than a contest; it’s a community.
What’s Next: Mexico City and Santiago de Chile
The freestyle season is far from over. Next up is the Red Bull Batalla Mexico National Final, set for October 17, 2025, at Quarry Studios in Mexico City. The event will feature top-tier competitors battling for the national crown, with Lobo Estepario, Eric El Niño, and Milkman on the judging panel, DJ Sonicko on the decks, and Serko Fu as host.
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It will be followed by el Torneo de Plazas, next February, and the South American and Central American Finals, both on March 2026.
All eyes then turn to April 11, 2026, when the Red Bull Batalla International Final lands at the Movistar Arena in Santiago, Chile, marking the competition’s return to Chile for the third time. The lineup already promises fireworks, with Chuty, Gazir, El Menor, and Éxodo Lirical among the confirmed MCs.
Can Spain repeat its dominance? Will Chile finally see its first homegrown champion in El Menor? Or will Éxodo Lirical’s relentless drive bring the crown to the Dominican Republic?
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Whatever happens, one thing is clear, the world of freestyle has never been louder, sharper, or more global. And this season, all roads lead to Santiago.
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