The Red Bull 3Style is quickly earning a reputation as the latest and greatest of DJ-showdown events. If you haven’t heard yet, The 3-Style is a showdown-style competition between 3 of the best and brightest DJs in the business, High Noon style and with precision, accuracy and style being among the most important qualities. Tonight’s 3Style took place in Phoenix, Arizona at the appropriately-named Venue, where four judges and a 1000-fan crowd scrutinized the technique and showmanship of every DJ up-close and without mercy. Hosting the event were DJ Emile, professor of DJing at ASU, and Jazzy Jeff of Fresh Prince fame. Needless to say, competition was fierce, and things heated up pretty quick.

DJs at the 3Style are judged especially on their ability to win over a crowd; Scottsdale’s own DJ-R clearly won top honors in that area this evening, beating rivals Robby Rob and Death to the Throne. Not only that but DJ-R earned himself a trip to the National Finals in Denver on October 7, where 13 other top competitors will face-off against him. From there, he might make it to in international finals in Paris. He had a pretty rough job ahead of him tonight, but the roughest yet lies ahead as he strives to best even the top.

“I’m really honored to be representing Phoenix, which I consider to have the best DJs on the planet,” DJ-R said to his cheering crowd. “I’m really thankful to have the opportunity to move on to the National Finals, and maybe I can even make it all the way to Paris.”