The Technics DMC World DJ Championship Celebrates 40th Edition

The Technics DMC World DJ Championship 2025 celebrates its 40th year as it lands in Tokyo for the first-ever DMC World Final to be held in Asia on October 10th – 12th. Following the huge success of DMC39 in Paris in 2024, the legendary DJ competition that launched the careers of A-Trak, Mixmaster Mike, Craze, Cash Money, DJ Fly, Scratch Perverts, Q-Bert, DJ Kentaro and many more, returns, bringing the world’s best scratch DJs together to compete and showcase their breathtaking skills. With regional finals taking place across the globe, the winners will head to Tokyo for the greatest DJ battles on the planet, competing in four categories: Classic, Supremacy, Scratch, and Open. Tickets cost YEN 5,200 (approx £26) per day, from www.dmcdjchamps.com.   

Established in 1985 by Tony Prince, the DMC World DJ Championship remains the world’s premier turntablism event and the ultimate proving ground for DJ skills. Launched in London, the competition quickly became a cultural phenomenon, attracting superstar visitors including James Brown, Public Enemy, Run DMC, and Janet Jackson, as it grew to welcome entrants from over 75 countries. 

In 1997, Canada’s A-Trak made history by becoming the youngest-ever DMC World Champion at just 15 years old, with this title then being claimed by DJ Rena of Japan, who won at just 12 years old in 2017. Miami’s DJ Craze won three consecutive DMC titles from 1998-2000, a feat that remains unequalled in solo competition, while more recently, New Zealand’s DJ K-Swizz made history as the first Southern Hemisphere winner, claiming back-to-back titles in 2022 and 2023. DJ David won in 1991 and pulled off an incredible breakdancing feat to close his set.  

However, the competition’s influence extends beyond individual careers. The DMC World DJ Championships continue to fundamentally shape the development of turntablism techniques and push the boundaries of what can be achieved with two turntables and a mixer.

“There are some life-changing memories in DMC’s history, but last year in Paris with the likes of C2C, Berywam, DJ Fly, Bob Sinclar and Crazy B will live long in the memory of those lucky enough to be there” said DMC’s Dan Prince. “DMC40 in Tokyo however takes our company to new frontiers; a DMC World Final on Asian shores for the first time, a DMC National Champion from the Middle East for the first time, and a DMC World Final in the birthplace of the turntable for the first time.”

The action kicks off in Shibuya at Studio Freedom on Friday, 10th October, with DMC’s now legendary Opening Party. Hosted by Monkey Shoulder (who are also celebrating their 20th anniversary), it’s the opportunity for DMC’s 30 international branches to introduce their national champions and prepare for the most anticipated event on the DJ calendar. Saturday, 11th October sees a full day of activity at O-East featuring finals of The Classic, Scratch and Supremacy, before Sunday enjoys another all-day timetable at Harlem, culminating in the Open finale presented by AlphaTheta. 

The Classic category sees finalists perform a 6-minute routine designed to wow the crowds and judges. The Scratch category gives each finalist 16 bars to impress before the spotlight moves round to the next DJ. Supremacy is the head-to-head battle with each DJ looking to knock the other out with their skills. The Open is a new category that embraces diversity in equipment and performance approaches. Judged on creativity, technical ability, musicality, and more, the Open encourages innovation while celebrating the core values of DJ culture.

DMC will also present its annual Hall of Fame Awards, and will honour: Originals – someone who has contributed to the wider scene and culture; Legends – a DJ who has competed in a DMC championship; and Icons – someone who has transcended the scene.

In a year of anniversaries, the DMC World DJ Championship 2025 partners, Technics, also celebrate 60 years of innovation in music. Tokyo is the perfect city to put a spotlight on these milestones and deliver a DJ competition worthy of two names that, over decades of dedication, have helped shape the global DJ scene.

Masai Daisuke, Technics Global, said “DMC40 Tokyo is here, and Technics are thrilled to sponsor this milestone event! With DMC’s 40th anniversary and our own 60th, this Tokyo Finals holds special meaning for us. We deeply value our shared journey in shaping DJ culture and are committed to making this the greatest DMC World Finals yet.”

The DMC World DJ Championship has become a cornerstone in a broader community that includes subcultures like breakdancing, beatboxing, and graffiti, and as its 40th anniversary lands in Tokyo, continues to embrace DJ innovation and lifestyle. With further announcements on lineups and superstar live performances still to come, excitement is building for DMC40.