The world's best breakdancing crews converged on the French city of Montpellier on Saturday (November 17) to compete in the world championship of breakdancing, the Braun Battle of the Year (BOTY). 19 teams in total fought it out at a packed Park and Suites Arena in the south of France.

The night unfolded with each crew performing a six-minute choreographed routine. The five judges looked at synchronicity, stage-presence, choreography and their choice of music. In contrast to previous years, the six best crews, not four, then went forward to the final battles stage.

After an epic night of b-boy action, French crew Vagabonds were crowned the 2012 Braun Battle of the Year champions for the second year in a row after an electric battle against Flooriorz of Japan. Vagabonds secured their victory with another signature display of incredible power moves, fast and furious footwork and choreographed routines that left the crowd whooping and screaming in delight.

One member of the b-boy crew was thrilled with his groups' achievement: "Vagabonds are the winners of the 2012 battle. We've represented all the French, and represented France... We put on the best show... that's how it is: we are Vagabonds."

The triumph for Vagabonds was a great victory for French fans who could not contain their delight at the home victory, but it was disappointment for Asian and other crews who had travelled far.

BOTY started in Germany in 1990 and is now the longest-running and biggest b-boying competition in the world.