Taipei Water Department

Hosted by the Taipei Water Department, the second annual Endless Flow! 2025 Cypher Tournament— the only interschool hip-hop competition in Taiwan that blends environmental advocacy with creative expression—has drawn record-breaking participation. A total of 80 teams from 63 schools across Taiwan and overseas submitted entries, surpassing last year’s debut edition, which saw 46 teams from 35 schools. This year’s lineup includes 43 schools from northern Taiwan, 13 from central Taiwan, 4 from the south, 1 from the east, and even 2 international universities, a significant increase from last year’s 35 schools and 46 teams. With over 220,000 views on the official YouTube channel, the month-long online preliminary round has concluded, and the finalists are officially announced!

The top 10 finalists in the Cypher category, ranked by YouTube view counts, include teams from Tunghai University and Feng Chia University; Nanshan High School, China Medical University, and Yongchun High School; the United Education International School; National Chengchi University; National University of Kaohsiung; National Tsing Hua University; Ankang High School and the University of Taipei; Tamkang University and Chihlee University of Technology; Yuan Ze University and National Chengchi University; and Asia University. Each of the top 10 teams will receive a NT$15,000 Creative Incentive Award. The team from Tunghai & Feng Chia University, which earned the highest number of views, will also take home the Most Popular Award and a NT$30,000 bonus.

In addition, this year’s competition introduced a new individual category, with the top three most-viewed solo performers—3rdco from Shih Hsin University, J.I. from Fooyin University, and CoCoNuTs from Central Police University—earning their spots on the finals stage. 

According to the Taipei Water Department, the caliber and volume of submissions reached a new high this year. From lyrics and musical arrangement to video production, each entry showcased remarkable creativity and distinctive perspectives. Many works incorporated CG animation, AI-generated artwork, outdoor shoots, live stage footage, and polished subtitles, highlighting the participants’ impressive post-production skills.

Taipei Water Department Commissioner Fan Huan-ying noted that this year’s finals will feature the debut of the "Public Jury" initiative, a first for the competition. Fifty hip-hop enthusiasts from all walks of life, including rappers, content creators, and high school students, will serve as on-site jurors. With no age or background restrictions, they’ll cast their votes based on their immediate impressions to select the “Be like water” standout performance. The Cypher team that receives the highest number of votes will take home the “Best Performance Award” and a cash prize of NT$30,000.

The highly anticipated finals on April 26 will bring together the top 10 Cypher teams and the top 3 solo performers in a thrilling onstage showdown. Adding to the excitement, eight of Taiwan’s most popular hip-hop artists will also take the stage for back-to-back live performances. The lineup includes shuf, whose viral lyric “If your dream isn’t big enough, go back to sleep” became a rallying cry for young people; Zhao Yifan, whose breakout hit Snowman in the Desert from the TV show The Rappers 2 earned over 6 million views; INHON, dubbed the “melodic genius of high sensitivity” for his distinctive voice and powerful songwriting; and Taichung’s emerging star LilHao, known for his viral tracks like Hong 18 lingding and Chill by Day, Taichung by Night. In addition to a star-studded lineup, the finals will also feature high-profile performances by rising rap talents such as DACHENG, c8ight Chen Chuan, Young Joppa, and Gao Longhua CODE : L. The grand stage for the finals will take place on Saturday, April 26, at the Taipei Water Park, bringing together student performers and hip-hop clubs from across the country will gather for an electrifying celebration of music and creativity. In addition to the high-energy competition, the event will feature a two-day Comma Market and popular food trucks, creating a festive atmosphere filled with great food, fun, and cultural experiences. It’s set to be an unmissable event for anyone passionate about hip-hop culture! 

Endless Flow! 2025 Cypher Tournament YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@endlessstreamtwd

Endless Flow! 2025 Cypher Tournament Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/endlessstreamtwd/