UKBC entry submission info

How can I enter the UKBC?

Once entry submissions are announced you can then read the entry submissions guidelines, record your entry and fill out the entry form for your chosen category.

Please enter one submission form per category you wish to enter (i.e. if you want to enter the Solo & Loopstation category please enter two separate submission forms for each category).

What battle categories are there?

Solo, Team (2 vs 2), Loopstation & Under 18s categories. Info on guidelines and rules are below.

Do I need to be UK Citizen/Resident to enter the UKBC?
Nationality and Residency Requirements

All participants in the UK Beatbox Championships must be either a UK citizen or a UK resident.

If you are not a UK citizen, or have only recently become a UK resident, you may still be eligible to participate provided you intend to continue residing in the UK and are willing to represent the UK as reigning champion at future events and international competitions, where applicable.

Dual and Multiple Nationalities

Participants who hold dual or multiple nationalities are eligible to enter the UK Beatbox Championships. However, to maintain the integrity of national championship representation, participants may only compete in one national championship cycle during a 12-month period.

For example, if you hold both French and UK nationality and have competed in the French Championships within the previous 12 months, you will not be eligible to enter the UK Beatbox Championships during that period. Likewise, if you compete in the UK Beatbox Championships, you may not compete in another national championship within the following 12 months.

These requirements are not intended to exclude participants based on nationality. Rather, they exist to ensure that UK Beatbox Championships winners are able to represent the UK consistently at future events and competitions.

If you are unsure whether you meet the eligibility requirements, please contact us at admin@ukbeatboxchampionships.com and we will be happy to discuss your circumstances.

How do i enter the battle clock (international category)?

The Battle Clock (International Category) will be returning for 2026 … more info on the entry process is coming very soon!

Can I enter more than one category?

Yes! You may enter multiple categories. However, you must complete and submit a separate entry form for each category you wish to enter.

The following category-specific age restrictions apply:

  • Solo Category – Participants must be aged 18 or over to enter.
  • Under 18 Category – Participants must be aged 12 to 17 years old to enter.

All other categories are open to eligible participants in accordance with the event rules and entry requirements.

Can I process the audio of my entry?

Audio Processing Rules for Entries

Entries submitted to the UK Beatbox Championships may be mixed and mastered after recording, subject to the rules below.

Permitted Audio Processing

The following processing is permitted for each category:

  • Solo: EQ, Compression (including Multiband Compression) and Reverb.

  • Under 18: EQ, Compression (including Multiband Compression) and Reverb.

  • Tag Team: EQ, Compression (including Multiband Compression) and Reverb.

  • Loopstation: EQ and Compression (including Multiband Compression) only.

In addition, the use of noise reduction software is permitted solely for the removal of unwanted background noise, such as microphone hiss or room noise.

Prohibited Processing

Automation of any kind is not permitted on any processing or effect used within an entry.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Changing effect or processing parameters during the entry.

  • Applying different processing settings to different sounds within the same performance.

  • The use of AI-assisted or automated processing tools that dynamically alter settings during playback, including Dynamic EQ, LFO-driven effects, adaptive processing, or similar technologies.

Team (2v2) Category

For the Team Category, each participant may use a different microphone and may have separate permitted processing applied to their individual microphone signal, as outlined above.

However, automation remains strictly prohibited.

Verification and Enforcement

The UK Beatbox Championships reserves the right to verify compliance with these rules.

If the judges or UKBC team reasonably suspect that an entry does not comply with the Audio Processing Rules, participants may be required to:

  • Provide the original raw audio recording(s).

  • Provide project files or other supporting materials where appropriate.

  • Participate in a discussion with the UKBC team and/or the individual responsible for mixing or mastering the entry.

Failure to comply with these requests, or evidence that these rules have been breached, may result in the entry being disqualified.

Raw Audio File

Each participant must keep RAW audio files of their demo entry and have these ready to send (if they are requested by the judges).

Please keep these ready until AFTER DEMO SUBMISSION RESULTS ANNOUNCEMENT

What are the Solo Entry guidelines?
Solo Category Entry Requirements

Submit a Solo video entry of up to 1 minute 30 seconds (90 seconds) ±5% in length. Entries that exceed or fall short of the permitted time limit may be marked down by the judges.

Your spoken introduction is not included within the time limit.

At the beginning of your video, you must clearly state:

“My name is ________ and this is my submission to the UK Beatbox Championships 2026 Solo Category.”

Upload your video to YouTube using the following title format:

Your Name – 2026 UK Beatbox Championships Solo Entry

*You may also include your track/song name in the title if you wish

Recording and Audio Requirements

Entries must be recorded live. Overdubbing, layering, or adding sounds after recording is strictly prohibited.

Minimal audio processing is permitted, including:

  • EQ

  • Compression (including Multiband Compression)

  • Reverb

Automation of any kind is not permitted.

For full details regarding permitted audio processing, please refer to the “Can I process the audio of my entry?” section above.

Qualification Process

Judges will rank all submitted entries and select the highest-ranked competitors to participate in the Live Eliminations on 17th October 2026.

Following the Live Eliminations, a Top 16 will be selected to compete in the Solo Battles on 18th October 2026.

Qualification format and event schedule are subject to change.

What are the Team (2v2) Entry guidelines?
Team Category Entry Requirements

Submit a Team (Duo) video entry of up to 1 minute 30 seconds (90 seconds) ±5% in length. Entries that exceed or fall short of the permitted time limit may be marked down by the judges.

Your spoken introduction is not included within the time limit.

At the beginning of your video, you must clearly state:

“Our name is ________ and this is our submission to the UK Beatbox Championships 2026 Team Category.”

Upload your video to YouTube using the following title format:

Team Name – 2026 UK Beatbox Championships Team Entry

*You may also include your track/song name in the title if you wish

Recording and Audio Requirements

Entries must be recorded live. Overdubbing, layering, or adding sounds after recording is strictly prohibited.

Minimal audio processing is permitted, including:

  • EQ

  • Compression (including Multiband Compression)

  • Reverb

Automation of any kind is not permitted.

For full details regarding permitted audio processing, please refer to the “Can I process the audio of my entry?” section.

Entry Forms

Both team members’ details must be included on the entry form. Please ensure that both participants are present or that you have their details available when completing the form.

This allows us to communicate important event updates, competition information, and other relevant notices directly to both team members.

Qualification Process

Judges will rank all submitted entries and select a minimum of Top 6 Teams to participate in the Live Eliminations on 17th October 2026.

Following the Live Eliminations, a Top 4 will be selected to compete in the Team Battles.

Qualification format and event schedule are subject to change.

What are the Loopstation Entry guidelines?

The loopstation category guidelines for entry are the same as 2025 with the new expanded category rules, for all info please visit the Loopstation Rules page.

What are the Under 18 Entry guidelines?

IMPORTANT: Participants entering the Under 18 Category must be at least 12 years old and no older than 17 years old at both the time of entry and on the day of the competition.

All Under 18 participants must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or approved event guardian who is 21 years of age or older. Guardians must present valid photo ID at the event.

If an Under 18 participant is unable to attend with a qualifying parent or guardian, they must contact the UK Beatbox Championships in advance. Participants who do not meet the guardian requirements may be refused entry to both the venue and the event.

Please refer to the Under 18 attendance requirements below for further information.

Under 18 Category Entry Requirements

Submit an Under 18 video entry of up to 1 minute 30 seconds (90 seconds) ±5% in length. Entries that exceed or fall short of the permitted time limit may be marked down by the judges.

Your spoken introduction is not included within the time limit.

At the beginning of your video, you must clearly state:

“My name is ________ and this is my submission to the UK Beatbox Championships 2026 Under 18 Category.”

Upload your video to YouTube using the following title format:

Your Name – 2026 UK Beatbox Championships Under 18 Entry

*You may also include your track/song name in the title if you wish

Recording and Audio Requirements

Entries must be recorded live. Overdubbing, layering, or adding sounds after recording is strictly prohibited.

Minimal audio processing is permitted, including:

  • EQ

  • Compression (including Multiband Compression)

  • Reverb

Automation of any kind is not permitted.

For full details regarding permitted audio processing, please refer to the “Can I process the audio of my entry?” section.

Qualification Process

Judges will rank all submitted entries and select the Top 8 competitors to participate in the Live Eliminations on 17th October 2026.

Following the Live Eliminations, a Top 4 will be selected to compete in the Under 18 Battles later that same day (17th October 2026).

Qualification format and event schedule are subject to change.

What are the entry requirements for under 18s?
What are the entry requirements for persons under the age of 18?

Participants and attendees must aged 12 years old or older to attend the event.

All persons under the age of 18, whether competing or attending, must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or approved event guardian at all times.

Guardian Requirements

To act as a guardian, an individual must:

  • Be at least 21 years of age.
  • Not be a competitor in the event.
  • Not be a member of the event or venue staff, organising team, crew or volunteer team.
  • Act as guardian for only one person under the age of 18 (a 1:1 guardian-to-minor ratio).

Prior to the event, guardians must provide:

  • Their full name (as shown on valid photo ID).
  • Their address and contact details.
  • Details of the person under the age of 18 for whom they are acting as guardian.

This information must be submitted in advance so that guardian status can be verified.

Your information is collected and processed by the UK Beatbox Championships solely for the administration of the guardian requirements for minors at the event.

We do not sell or share your personal data with third parties for commercial purposes.

You may request access, correction, or deletion of your data at any time by contacting the UKBC team.

For more information you can view our Privacy Policy here.

Consent Form

All participants under the age of 18 must provide a signed participation consent form completed by a parent or legal guardian. If you have not received this form, please contact us.

Admission Requirements

Guardians must present valid photo ID at the event. Failure to provide valid identification may result in both the guardian and the person under the age of 18 being refused entry.

After Parties

Persons under the age of 18 are not permitted to attend any official event after party, if applicable.

Need Help?

If you have any questions regarding acceptable forms of identification, require an under-18 participation consent form or need further information about attending the event as a person under the age of 18 or as a guardian, please contact us at:

admin@ukbeatboxchampionships.com

What is the judging criteria for entries?

Judging criteria will be based on but not limited to Originality, Musicality, Technicality, Flow/Performance and Stage Presence (live battles only).

For more information on judging criteria examples visit the battle info page here.

Media Release Form
Media Release Requirement

All competitors must complete, agree to and sign a Media Release Form before the event in order to participate in the live competition.

For competitors under the age of 18, the Media Release Form must be completed and signed by a parent or legal guardian on their behalf.

Failure to provide a completed and signed Media Release Form may result in the competitor being unable to participate in the live event.

Code of Conduct

All competitors must agree to, complete and sign a Code of Conduct form prior to the event to be allowed to participate in the live event. Under 18 competitors must get their parent or legal guardian to sign on their behalf. 

The Code of Conduct can be found here.

UKBC battle timings

eliminations

Solo Eliminations – 1 x round of 1 minute 30 secs.

Team Eliminations – 1 x round of 1 minute 30 secs.

Loopstation Eliminations – 1 x round of 3-3:30 minutes.

U18 Eliminations – 1 x round of 1 minute 30 secs.

under 18 category

Semi Finals – 2 x rounds of 1 minute 30 secs.

Finals – 2 x rounds of 1 minute 30 secs.

solo category

Top 16 Finals – 2 x rounds of 1 minute 30 secs.

Quarter Finals – 2 x rounds of 1 minute 30 secs.

Semi Finals – 2 x rounds of 1 minute 30 secs.

Finals – 2 x rounds of 1 minute 30 secs.

team category

(UPDATED FOR 2026)

Semi Finals – 2 x rounds of 1 minute 30 secs.

Finals – 2 x rounds of 1 minute 30 secs.

loopstation category

Semi Finals – 2 x rounds of 3-3 minute 30 secs.

Finals – 2 x rounds of 3-3 minute 30 secs.

BATTLE CLOCK BEATBOX CHAMPIONSHIPS
battle timings

eliminations

Showcase Eliminations – 1 x round of 3 minutes.

BATTLES

Quarter Finals – 2 x rounds of 2 minutes.

Semi Finals – 2 x rounds of 2 minutes.

Finals – 2 x rounds of 2 minutes.

All battles using the ‘chess clock’ or ‘buzzer’ system. Each beatboxers gets 2 mins to use in their round and can buzz to their opponent when they like for a maximum of 6 times.

judging criteria

During the elimination rounds, judges will assess and rank competitors based on their performances to determine who will progress to the battle stage. Eliminations are not judged as battles; instead, competitors should focus on demonstrating the skills, qualities and overall performance level required to compete successfully in the later rounds of the competition.

For elimination rounds, judges will primarily assess competitors using the following criteria:

  • Musicality
  • Technicality
  • Originality
  • Performance / Stage Presence


During the battle rounds, judges will continue to assess the above criteria, while also considering:

  • Battle Engagement

 

The criteria descriptions provided below are intended as guidance to help competitors better understand what judges may be looking for within each category. They are not exhaustive, and judges may consider additional factors where relevant when evaluating a performance.

Musicality

Musicality refers to how effectively you use beatboxing as a form of music. Judges will assess the overall composition, arrangement and musical structure of your routine, including how ideas are introduced, developed and concluded. A strong performance should feel intentional, engaging and well-crafted from beginning to end.

Competitors should consider elements such as melody, harmony, bass lines, rhythm, dynamics and song structure. Judges will evaluate how these elements work together to create a cohesive and enjoyable musical experience. Routines that demonstrate effective build-ups, transitions, climaxes and endings are likely to score higher in this category.

Where melodic elements are used, competitors will be judged on pitch accuracy, tone, timbre and overall musical execution. Vocal melodies, bass lines and lead parts should be delivered with confidence and control, contributing positively to the overall composition.

If lyrics, spoken word or vocal samples are included, judges will also consider their clarity, audibility and how effectively they complement the performance. All musical elements should work together to create a routine that is both technically sound and musically engaging.

Technicality

Technicality refers to the execution, complexity and control of a competitor’s beatboxing. While speed can be a factor, judges will place greater emphasis on the clarity, precision and consistency of the sounds being performed.

Judges will assess the range and diversity of sounds, techniques and patterns used throughout a routine, as well as how effectively they are combined. Competitors should demonstrate strong control over their sounds and be able to execute complex ideas cleanly and confidently.

Timing, rhythm and structure are also key components of this category. Judges will evaluate how accurately beats, patterns and technical sequences are delivered, as well as how smoothly transitions and routines flow from one section to another. Performances that combine complexity with clarity, musical purpose and consistency are likely to score higher in this category.

Originality

Originality refers to the uniqueness and creativity of a competitor’s performance. Judges will assess how effectively competitors develop and showcase their own identity, style and artistic approach through their routines.

This category rewards fresh ideas, innovative sounds, creative combinations of techniques and distinctive performance concepts. Judges will be looking for performances that stand out from the field and offer something memorable or unexpected.

Competitors are encouraged to develop their own material rather than relying heavily on established routines, trends or concepts commonly associated with other performers. Originality can be demonstrated through sound design, composition, performance choices, battle strategy or a unique overall artistic vision. Performances that showcase individuality and creativity are likely to score higher in this category.

Performance // Stage presence

Performance and Stage Presence refers to a competitor’s ability to engage an audience and command the stage throughout their performance. While beatboxing is judged on technical and musical merit, it is also a live performance art and judges will consider how effectively competitors present themselves in front of a crowd.

Judges will assess confidence, energy, charisma and overall stage presence. This includes how competitors use the performance space, connect with the audience and communicate the emotion, intention and impact of their routines.

Audience reaction may also be considered as an indicator of how effectively a performance is being received. Competitors who demonstrate confidence, professionalism and strong stagecraft while maintaining a compelling and entertaining performance are likely to score higher in this category.

Battle Engagement

Engagement refers to how effectively a competitor interacts with and responds to their opponent during a battle. Battle beatboxing is not simply a showcase of prepared material; it is a direct competitive exchange that rewards adaptability, awareness and strategic decision-making.

Judges will assess how competitors react to their opponent’s strengths, weaknesses, routines and battle choices. This may include musical responses, creative counters, tactical round selection, crowd interaction and the ability to shift momentum during a battle.

Competitors who demonstrate strong battle awareness, quick thinking, confidence and effective use of strategy are likely to score higher in this category. The most successful performances will not only showcase individual skill but will actively contribute to the competitive narrative and excitement of the battle itself.

event rules & regulations

1. Eligibility & Categories
  1. Competitors must be ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom at the time of entry to enter the national competition. See above FAQ for more info on this.
  2. Solo competitors must be aged 18+
  3. Team (2v2) and Loopstation battlers may be 12+ (Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult with valid ID – please see U18 Guardian info above).
  4. Competitors must be 12+ and under 18 years old, as well as a resident in the UK to enter the Under 18 battle (again Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult with valid ID). See above FAQ for more info.
  5. Competitors who have entered, competed in, or represented another country in that country’s official national beatbox championship during the same competition season may not enter the UK Beatbox Championships.
  6. All applicants are given equal opportunity to enter regardless of race, sex or experience.
  7. The Championships is split into four categories: Solo (open to all genders), Teams (open to all genders, 2 performers per team), Loopstation (open to all genders) and Under 18 (open to all genders).

2. Entry & Qualification
  1. Competitors will be selected in accordance with the event format from entries received via the demo submission process (also known as wildcards).
  2. The previous year’s champion(s) (e.g. in 2026, the 2025 Champion(s)) are permitted to defend their title if they wish and, by doing so, will gain automatic entry to the Elimination Round and will not be required to submit a wildcard or demo entry.
  3. A reigning champion may defend their title for a maximum of two consecutive years following their initial championship victory. A competitor who wins three consecutive UK Championship titles in the same category will not be eligible to compete in that category the following year.

3. Competition Format
  1. The competition will consist of an Elimination Round and Battle Rounds as outlined in the event format. As formats vary between categories, competitors should refer to the relevant category guidelines for full details of their competition format, progression and battle rules.
  2. Except where expressly permitted within the Loopstation rules, no external musical instruments or sound-generating devices may be used. Performances must be created using sounds produced by the competitor’s own body and voice.
  3. Judges are instructed to avoid tied decisions wherever possible, and overtime rounds are not planned. However, in the unlikely event that an overtime round is required in any judging stage, the outcome will be determined using the competition judging system and procedures in effect at the time. The judges’ decision will be final.

4. Competition Day Procedures
  1. Please read the entry guidelines for all rules for each category including the updated Loopstation guidelines and audio guidelines.
  2. Microphones, monitors and water will be provided. Sound levels will also be set to ensure a fair competition for all.
  3. Competitors are expected to perform original material and should avoid knowingly reproducing routines, compositions or signature sequences associated with other performers.
  4. Competitors should be alert and near the stage at the beginning of the proceedings. Failure to arrive on stage when called up may result in disqualification.
  5. Technical difficulties, safety concerns or circumstances beyond the organisers’ control may require a performance or battle to be paused, restarted or rescheduled. In such situations, the organisers, or event hosts acting on their behalf, will communicate any decisions and next steps to competitors.

5. Conduct & Behaviour
  1. Competitors who are rude, abusive, offensive, dangerous or deemed otherwise unsuitable by the organisers will be disqualified from the competition, asked to leave the venue immediately and may be banned from participating in and attending future events. This includes, but is not limited to, discriminatory, harassing, threatening, intimidating or otherwise inappropriate conduct towards competitors, staff, volunteers, judges or audience members. For more information, please view the Code of Conduct here.

6. Privacy & Media
  1. Personal information submitted as part of the entry process will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and may be used for the administration of the competition, communication with participants and the development and delivery of future UK Beatbox Championships events, activities and projects.
  2. By participating in this event, competitors acknowledge that their performances and contributions may be photographed, filmed and recorded for use by the UK Beatbox Championships and its partners. Recordings, photographs and other media may be used in connection with the promotion, documentation and development of the UK Beatbox Championships and related activities. As part of this, participants may feature in promotional content, event coverage, interviews and other media relating to the UK Beatbox Championships.

    Successful competitors will be required to complete a Media Release Form prior to participating in the event. Further details can be found in the Media Release Form, which will be provided to successful competitors and, where applicable, their parent, legal guardian or accompanying responsible adult prior to the event.

  3. While every effort will be made to ensure the event runs smoothly, the organisers cannot accept responsibility for any loss, disappointment or inability to participate arising from circumstances beyond their reasonable control.
  4. We reserve the right to amend the competition format, schedule or rules where necessary. Any significant changes will be communicated to competitors as soon as reasonably practicable.
  5. Entry into the competition is subject to compliance with the rules and requirements set out in this document.
  6. The winners of each category will receive the respective title: UK Solo Champion, UK Loopstation Champion, UK Team Champions or UK Under 18 Champion.

7. General Competition Information
  1. Competition results are determined by the judging process outlined in these rules. All judging decisions are final.
  2. While every effort will be made to deliver the competition and prizes as advertised, circumstances beyond the organisers’ control may occasionally require changes to the event format, schedule or prizes. Should this occur, competitors will be informed as soon as reasonably possible.

8. Unforeseen Circumstances
  1. These rules are intended to cover the most common situations that may arise during the competition. If an unforeseen circumstance occurs, the organisers will determine the most appropriate course of action and communicate it to those affected.