Cebuana dancer Sam “Nemesis” Rivera will carry the Philippine flag at the Red Bull Dance Your Style 2025 World Finals after clinching the national crown in Cebu earlier this year. The freestyle specialist will compete against more than 50 champions from across the globe at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Oct. 11–12.

The World Finals will feature head-to-head battles where dancers showcase improvisation, creativity and stage presence in front of live audiences. Winners are decided by crowd vote, making energy and performance as important as technical skill.

Road to Los Angeles

Rivera, a krump freestyle dancer, earned her spot by winning the Cebu national finals in May. She had previously reached the national finals in 2024, falling short before returning stronger this year.

“This year I’m really in it to win, but I also remind myself to have fun on stage when I’m dancing,” Rivera said. “I just need to condition my body, rely on muscle memory and drills, and generate movements from concepts and ideas.”

She added that the challenge goes beyond physical preparation. “Readying myself mentally and emotionally for the pressure, because LA is where the best dancers are. But I take it as an opportunity to learn from them.”

Philippine pride on the world stage

The Cebuana said she hopes to showcase Filipino talent in Los Angeles. “As long as you give a good performance, people will see you’re amazing,” she said.

The World Finals will be streamed live on Red Bull TV on Oct. 11 at 9 p.m. PDT (Oct. 12, 12 p.m. Philippine time). Fans can also follow updates through Red Bull Philippines’ and Red Bull Dance’s social media channels.