Red Bull Batalla is back in action. On June 13, the largest Spanish-language freestyle rap battle announced their upcoming 2023 events, including this year’s U.S. qualifiers’ dates, locations, and competitors. The U.S. qualifiers boast 48 MCs that aim to be part of this year’s U.S. National Final in Dallas, TX, on Nov. 11. However, before heading to Dallas, the talented freestylers have to get through major regional competitions that will take place on the following dates and locations. 

This year’s first qualifier round is on the West Coast. The Red Bull Batalla Los Angeles Qualifier is set to be at the Don Quixote venue on July 15. It will be hosted by Luigi Zomber & Racso White Lion, and the judges include RioLoz (Coast Contra), Lobo Estepario, and Chester. The 16 featured MCs include the first-ever female qualifier Santa Mykah; the Mexican-American rapper J. Luna; and the Florida-based Cuban rapper Reverse, who have all previously competed at Red Bull Batalla.

Then, the Red Bull Batalla Houston Qualifier will take place at the Metropolis on Aug. 12. This competition will be hosted by Fluffy the Host & Racso White Lion and judged by Barba, Lobo Estepario, and Chester. The 16 featured MCs include the returning Mexican-American rapper Macías; the Mexican-American rapper Jordi; and the Dominican-American rapper Métricoh Flowster, among others.

The third Red Bull Batalla Miami Qualifier will be at the Skatebird on Aug. 26. This time, the event will be hosted by Sonja La Makina & Racso White Lion; and judged by Snow, Lobo Estepario, and Chester. Notable competing MCs from the 16 selected include the former two-time Red Bull Batalla USA National Champion Yartzi; the Puerto Rican rapper BAN2; and Miami-based talent Levi.

There will be a total of four selected semi-finalists from each of the three qualifiers mentioned above who will advance to the U.S. National Final in Dallas. In Dallas, the 12 winners will face the three returning finalists from 2022: Nico B, Cuban, MC Betho, and last year’s U.S. champ Oner. Out of 16 competitors, only one will move forward in hopes of being the 2023 U.S. Red Bull Batalla National Champion representing the U.S. at the Red Bull Batalla World Final in Colombia later this year.

For more information, visit Red Bull Batalla’s official website.