After entering the competition late in the year, the UK went online in search of the best baller to represent the nation in Sao Paulo. The UK's top freestylers from London to Liverpool sent in video's of themselves performing their best tricks which were then posted on the Red Bull Street Style websites UK section. In the standard 'battle' format, each video competed against another for votes from freestyle fans across the land. After 3 intense weeks of voting, the public had made their decision and John Whetton from Derby emerged victorious.

Brazil represented a different challenge for John as he now had to compete in live competition. Pre tournament confidence was high and John rose to the occasion, dispatching of everyone in his qualifying group to finish top of the table. John displayed some outrageous skills including an amazing dive where he caught the ball horizontally, mid air, in the small of his back, landing on his front without losing control of the ball!!

After the success of the qualifying round, John was hopeful of a good run in the finals the following evening. Up against Nedzad from Serbia in the first round, John did his best but unfortunately was beaten in a close match.

Having had an incredible experience in Brazil, John will be competing in this years regional heats, hoping to represent the uk once more in 2010.

In 2009, all of the UK will experience Street Style fever as the search for the 2010 finalist reaches all corners of the nation. There will be four epic regional heats culminating in the national final in London where the UK Red Bull Street Style champion will be crowned and the journey to South Africa begins...

Regional Qualifiers:
London - 26th September
Newcastle - 10th October
Nottingham - 24th October
Bristol - 7th November

National Final:
London - 21st November