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DJ Mag Top 100: The Ultimate Guide to the World’s Best DJs

One of the most eagerly awaited annual lists of the world’s top DJs is the DJ Mag Top 100. With the most well-known & influential artists in the scene on display, it acts as a gauge for the dance music industry. DJs and fans alike are excitedly anticipating the results of the list, which has grown to be a major event in the dance music calendar. One of the most prominent lists in the industry, the DJ Mag Top 100 list was first released in 1997 & has since expanded.

Key Takeaways

  • The DJ Mag Top 100 is an annual ranking of the world’s best DJs, voted on by fans and industry professionals.
  • The list has a long history, dating back to 1991, and has become a highly anticipated event in the dance music community.
  • The criteria for what makes a DJ the “best” is subjective and can vary from person to person, but factors like technical skill, popularity, and innovation are often considered.
  • The voting process for the DJ Mag Top 100 involves a combination of fan votes and a panel of industry experts, with the final list being announced at a special event.
  • The top 10 DJs of all time, according to the DJ Mag Top 100, include legends like Carl Cox, Tiësto, and Armin van Buuren.

Both industry experts’ opinions and those of fans are incorporated into the voting process that compiles it. Dance music enthusiasts and industry professionals alike can benefit greatly from this list, which has gained recognition for its aptitude at spotting trends & discovering up-and-coming artists. With more than 20 years of history, the DJ Mag Top 100 list is steeped in tradition.

It was first established as a means of honoring and commemorating DJs’ accomplishments in the electronic music industry. The list has changed over time to reflect the shifting dance music scene & has seen its fair share of controversy. The 2002 addition of online voting was one significant alteration to the DJ Mag Top 100 list.

This made the list more inclusive & democratic by enabling fans from all over the world to vote on the rankings. But this adjustment also made it easier to manipulate the results and purchase votes, which sparked claims that the list was manipulated. Aside from accusations of prejudice towards specific labels or genres, other controversy surrounding the DJ Mag Top 100 list has involved DJs allegedly using bots to manipulate their votes. The list is still a very important ranking in the dance music industry, even in light of these disputes. It’s difficult and subjective to decide what makes a DJ the “best”.

Rank Name Genre Country Score
1 David Guetta Electronic Dance Music France 936
2 Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike Big Room House Belgium 912
3 Martin Garrix Progressive House Netherlands 899
4 Armin van Buuren Trance Netherlands 895
5 Tiësto Progressive House Netherlands 845
6 Calvin Harris Electropop Scotland 836
7 Marshmello Future Bass United States 798
8 Steve Aoki Electro House United States 782
9 Don Diablo Future House Netherlands 776
10 Oliver Heldens Future House Netherlands 771

The DJ Mag Top 100 list makes an effort to distill the essence of a DJ’s skill, notoriety, and impact on the dance music landscape. But the standards by which the rankings are determined aren’t always precise. DJ abilities, track choices, production value, live performances, and overall influence on the dance music industry are all considered for the DJ Mag Top 100 list. But putting these standards into numerical terms and comparing them across musical genres and styles can be challenging. Moreover, preferences for music are very personal, so what one person thinks is the “best” DJ might not be the same for another.

The validity and accuracy of the rankings may be a topic of discussion and dispute among enthusiasts and business experts as a result of this subjectivity. Both fan & industry expert voting, as well as comments from the audience, go into creating the DJ Mag Top 100 list. Online, fans may cast their votes for their preferred DJs, & music journalists, producers, and other industry professionals can submit their own rankings. There have been mixed reviews for the DJ Mag Top 100 list’s fan voting section.

On the one hand, it gives rising talent an opportunity to be noticed and lets fans directly influence the rankings. Conversely, as was previously indicated, it is vulnerable to manipulation and vote-buying. The voting process’s inclusion of industry experts lends the rankings more authority and credibility. These professionals can offer invaluable insights into the skill & influence of DJs because they have a thorough understanding of the dance music industry. Their opinions aid in counterbalancing the fan voting component’s possible biases & flaws. Over the years, many gifted DJs have risen to the top of the DJ Mag Top 100 list.


According to the DJ Mag Top 100, the top 10 DJs of all time are a varied collection of performers who have had a big influence on the dance music landscape. Martin Garrix, a Dutch DJ & producer renowned for his upbeat and catchy tracks, is at the top of the list. Since making his debut at a young age, Garrix has gone on to become one of the most successful DJs in the world.

He has a devoted fan base and is well-known thanks to his ability to engage audiences & write catchy songs. Tiësto, Armin van Buuren, David Guetta, Like Mike, and Dimitri Vegas are among the other well-known DJs in the top 10. Though each of these DJs has an own sound and style, they are all passionate about making music that is memorable and inspirational. The popularity of house music is one notable trend in the DJ Mag Top 100 list.

House music has taken over the dance music scene and significantly influenced the rankings thanks to its catchy beats & emotional melodies. House music has been more popular than ever in recent years, and DJs like Fisher, CamelPhat, and Solardo are making waves in the scene. By incorporating elements of techno, disco, & other genres, these artists have given house music a new and inventive spin. House music’s ascent to the top of DJ Mag’s Top 100 list is evidence of its capacity to evoke strong emotional responses in listeners. It has become a mainstay in bars and festivals all over the world thanks to its contagious rhythms and upbeat melodies, & its influence is only growing.

House DJs that are highly skilled and have had a big influence on the genre are represented in the DJ Mag Top 100 list. These DJs have made contributions to the dance music scene with their own distinct styles. In the DJ Mag Top 100, Carl Cox is one exceptional house DJ. For many years, British DJ and producer Cox has been a major player in the house and techno genres.

Cox has established himself as a legend in the industry thanks to his dynamic and varied sets, which continue to motivate and have an impact on upcoming DJs. Jamie Jones is another well-known house DJ who is listed in the DJ Mag Top 100. At the vanguard of the underground house music scene is Jones, a British DJ and producer. In addition to garnering a devoted fan base, his deep and funky tracks have influenced the sound of contemporary house music.

The dance music scene has been greatly influenced by house music, which has shaped the genre’s sound and direction. Dance music’s most significant & enduring genre is attributed to its catchy rhythms and soulful melodies, which have impacted numerous artists and genres. The emergence of sub-genres like deep house, tech house, and future house is evidence of the influence of house music. These subgenres have taken the fundamental components of house music and given it their own distinct spin, resulting in fresh & intriguing sounds that have captured the attention of listeners everywhere.

In addition, house music has been instrumental in removing barriers and uniting people. Its uplifting and inclusive qualities have allowed it to transcend cultural and geographic barriers & become a unifying force in the dance music scene. There is a bright and promising future for house music in the DJ Mag Top 100. New sub-genres and styles are likely to appear as the genre develops and innovates further, which will have an effect on the rankings. Fusion of house music with other genres, like pop, R&B, and hip-hop, is one trend to keep an eye on.

With musicians like Disclosure and Calvin Harris fusing house elements into their music, this blending of styles has already begun to take off. In addition, independent musicians and labels now have a platform to share their music and engage with fans thanks to the growth of social media and streaming services. New and intriguing talent may be discovered in the house music scene as a result of the democratization of the music industry. The DJ Mag Top 100 list honors the top DJs in the world as well as the influence house music has had on the dance music landscape. It acts as a gauge for the business, showcasing the talent and trends that characterize the genre. Even though there have been some disputes and criticisms of the list, it is still a useful tool for dance music enthusiasts and industry professionals.

It gives DJs a global platform to interact with audiences & display their talent. House music’s influence on the DJ Mag Top 100 list is probably going to increase as it develops and becomes more inventive. The soulful melodies and contagious rhythms of the genre have the ability to enthrall audiences & influence dance music’s direction.

Finally, the DJ Mag Top 100 list serves as an homage to the skill & originality of DJs everywhere. It honors the top performers in the field and demonstrates how inspiring and unifying house music can be. The DJ Mag Top 100 list will always be an essential tool for both enthusiasts and industry insiders as the dance music landscape changes.

Looking for more insights into the DJ Mag Top 100? Check out this fascinating article on Elegant Press that delves into the history and controversy surrounding the prestigious ranking. From analyzing the voting process to discussing the impact on artists’ careers, this piece offers a comprehensive look at the DJ Mag Top 100 phenomenon. Discover more by clicking here and here.

FAQs

What is DJ Mag Top 100?

DJ Mag Top 100 is an annual poll conducted by DJ Magazine to determine the world’s most popular DJs. The poll has been running since 1993 and is considered one of the most prestigious rankings in the electronic dance music industry.

How is the DJ Mag Top 100 poll conducted?

The DJ Mag Top 100 poll is conducted through an online voting system. Fans and music enthusiasts from around the world can vote for their favorite DJs through the DJ Mag website. The voting period usually runs from July to September each year.

Who can be nominated for the DJ Mag Top 100?

Any DJ who has released music or performed live in the past year can be nominated for the DJ Mag Top 100. However, only the top 100 DJs with the most votes are included in the final ranking.

Who has won the DJ Mag Top 100 in the past?

The DJ Mag Top 100 has been won by a variety of DJs over the years. Some of the most notable winners include Martin Garrix, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, and David Guetta.

What is the significance of the DJ Mag Top 100?

The DJ Mag Top 100 is considered a significant ranking in the electronic dance music industry. It can have a significant impact on a DJ’s career, as it can lead to increased bookings, higher fees, and greater exposure. It is also seen as a measure of a DJ’s popularity and influence within the industry.

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