DJ Mag 2025 Results: Analysis, Breakout Stars, and Biggest Surprises

For 32 years, the DJ Mag Top 100 DJs poll has been a huge event for electronic music fans. The 2025 awards, however, changed things up. For the first time ever, the awards show moved from Amsterdam to Ibiza, the center of global club culture. The event took place on September 30th at a brand new superclub, signaling a new era for the poll.  

Amidst a lineup of big names like Armin van Buuren and Boris Brejcha, David Guetta was named The World’s No. 1 DJ. This is a massive achievement, marking his fifth time winning the top spot. He now ties the record with Martin Garrix and Armin van Buuren for the most wins. It’s a testament to his long career, coming 14 years after his first win in 2011.  

But this year’s list is about more than just one winner. It shows us what’s happening in dance music, from rising artists to shifting sounds. The event also had a positive impact, partnering with the non-profit Bridges for Music to support young creatives in South Africa. The partnership raised nearly £150,000.  

Why David Guetta Won Again

David Guetta’s win wasn’t a surprise to many. He’s had a huge year of producing and touring. More than 40 years into his career, he released, on average, more than one new track every month over the past year.  ¹

His music in 2025 was incredibly diverse. He released trap and hip-hop tracks, worked with other top DJs like Martin Garrix, and even dropped a new single with pop star Sia. This ability to cross genres helps him connect with a huge global audience. His win is a direct result of his current work, not just his legacy.  

This win also shows how his sound has evolved. After his 2011 win, some criticized him for moving towards pop music. But recently, he has reconnected with the dance floor. His “Future Rave” sound with MORTEN and his underground alias “Jack Back” have earned him credibility with core club fans. He successfully balances huge pop hits like ‘I Don’t Wanna Wait’ with OneRepublic with more authentic club tracks.  

Must Read

9 Real Reasons People Become DJs

9 Real Reasons People Become DJs

Beyond a love for music, DJs are driven by a complex mix of creative highs, psychological rewards, and the raw

Continue reading 9 Real Reasons People Become DJs

His tour schedule is also nonstop. He travels the world with his “The Monolith” show and held a residency in Ibiza at the same club that hosted the awards. Speaking on his win, Guetta said, “To win Top 100 DJs again… is an honour. The greatest feeling in my life, truly, is playing new music for people and seeing their reactions”.  

DJ Mag Top 100 DJs 2025: The Full List

Here is the complete, official ranking from the 2025 public poll. This list gives a snapshot of the artists who captured the world’s attention this year.  

Key Stories from the 2025 Rankings

The list reveals some powerful stories and trends. Here are a few of the biggest highlights.

Michael Bibi’s Inspiring Return The most powerful story this year is Michael Bibi. In 2023, he announced he had a rare form of cancer and stepped away from music for treatment. The dance music community supported him, and by the end of the year, he was in remission. His return to performing in 2024 was a celebrated moment.  

His debut on the list at #48 as the Highest New Entry is a sign of the community’s love and respect for his journey. Bibi has also started the One Life foundation to raise money for cancer charities.  

Genre Champions and Big Movers Other awards highlighted the leaders of specific sounds. Solomun was named the Highest Climber, entering the poll at #55. His long-running “Solomun +1” residency at Pacha Ibiza and major festival sets show his continued influence.  

Must Read

Your Beginning Doesn’t Define Your Limit: Life Lessons from DJ Francie Gee

Your Beginning Doesn’t Define Your Limit: Life Lessons from DJ Francie Gee

A DJ set is not just a playlist; it is a story with a beginning, a middle, and an end,”

Continue reading Your Beginning Doesn’t Define Your Limit: Life Lessons from DJ Francie Gee

DJ Mag also crowned winners for different genres:

• House: FISHER (#7) was named The World’s No.1 House DJ.  
• Techno: Charlotte de Witte (#9) was named The World’s No. 1 Techno DJ.  
• Trance: Armin van Buuren (#5) was named The World’s No.1 Trance DJ and also received an Outstanding Contribution award.  
• Hard Dance: Sara Landry (#62) was named The World’s No.1 Hard DJ, showing the global growth of hard techno.  

The Never-Ending Debate: Popularity vs. Skill

You can’t talk about the DJ Mag Top 100 without mentioning the controversy. For years, people have debated whether the list is a real measure of talent or just a marketing tool.

Feedback from online communities like Reddit shows that most fans see it as a popularity contest. They believe it rewards marketing and social media presence over technical skill. One user said, “Everyone here knows the list is basically a popularity contest/the more you pay the higher you rank“.  

This view comes from a long history of controversy. There have been allegations of vote-rigging for years. In 2007, DJ Mag disqualified several DJs for suspicious voting. One DJ from China even admitted to paying for votes, saying it cost about £260 for 100,000 votes. This history makes the community skeptical about the results.  ²

The debate often focuses on who was “snubbed.” In 2023, John Summit was not on the list, and he publicly called it out. In 2025, he debuted at a strong #46. Other artists who were part of that debate, like Dom Dolla (#41) and Chris Lake (#95), also made the list this year. Their inclusion shows that the poll does respond to community feedback, whether through fan campaigns or a genuine shift in voting.  ³

Final Thoughts

The DJ Mag Top 100 poll is complicated. It’s a globally recognized list that can boost careers, but it’s also seen by many as a flawed popularity contest.  

The 2025 results give us a snapshot of dance music right now. It shows the lasting power of a legend like David Guetta, celebrates the return of Michael Bibi, and highlights the rise of genres like hard techno.

In the end, the biggest impact of the poll might be the conversation it creates. The arguments about who should be on the list and why are a core part of the culture. For better or worse, the DJ Mag Top 100 gets the whole world talking about dance music, and that will surely continue next year.

1. https://www.music-news.com/news/UK/184592/David-Guetta-revealed-as-The-World-s-No-1-as-DJ-Mag-announces-results-of-Top-100-DJs-2025 ↩︎
2. https://forums.sonicacademy.com/t/fixing-the-dj-mag-top-100/20809 ↩︎
3. https://www.reddit.com/r/DJs/comments/1mc2zw7/dj_mag/ ↩︎