DMC's World Champions

Posted on 11.7.2005

DMC’s World Champions

DMC’s World DJ Mixing Championships, sponsored by Technics, put DMC firmly in the public eye and also played a major part in redefining the role and the image of the DJ. The idea that the DJ could create something new and vibrant with two decks, a mixer and a pile of vinyl was thrust into the public consciousness.

DMC campaigned for DJing to be recognised as the art form it had become, for the DJ’s value to be appreciated and for the DJ to be put out front. The competition has grown through the years - the venues have included The Albert Hall, Wembley, Ministry of Sound, the Peter Pan club in Riccione, Brixton Academy and the Hammersmith Apollo. The formats of the competitions have developed along with the demands. In the past we’ve seen teams of up to three competing with mixers, samplers and the like but for now the vibe feels like we should be getting back to the basics. From now on the competition is likely to involve the essentials - two decks and a mixer. Nomore. No less.

Many great names have taken part over the years. It is the inspirational performances of the world champions that will go down in the history books - DJ Cheese (USA ’86), Chad Jackson (UK ’87), Cash Money (USA ’88), Cutmaster Swift (UK ’89), DJ David (’90 and ’91), the legendary Q Bert - Rock Steady DJs (USA ’92 and ’93). UK fans will remember great performances by Pogo, Reckless and Bizz Nizz (all so near and yet so far).

From the UK top entries to the competition have included Carl Cox, Tony De Vit and Tim Garbutt from Utah Saints. The Italians will point to their top DJ producers such as Zappala, Gemolotto, Cocoluto and DJ Professor who all made their mark in the competition. Sweden had Rob’n’Raz, Denmark had Cutfather and Soulshock, Holland had Juan ’King Bee’ Elmzoon, Norway the amazing DJ Big K twice a world finalist in spite of his blindness. More recently we’ve seen a new breed coming through, Roc Raider, DJ Noise and in 1998/1999/2000 DJ Craze blew the judges away with their sets and 1997’s champion A-Trak from Canada aged 15 years old will surely be the youngest champion to walk away with the coveted golden turntables.

1986 DJ Cheese (USA)
1987 Chad Jackson (United Kingdom)
1988 Cash Money (USA)
1989 Cutmaster Swift (United Kingdom)
1990 & 1991 DJ David (Germany)
1992 Rocksteady DJs (USA)
1993/1994 Dreamteam (USA)
1995 Roc Raida (USA)
1996 DJ Noize (Denmark)
1997 A-Trak (Canada)
1998/1999/2000 DJ Craze (USA)
2001 Plus One (United Kingdom)
2002 Kentaro (Japan)
2003 Dopey (Canada)
2004/2005 ie.MERGE (USA)