Martin Garrix is the number 1 DJ in the world
In a dazzling ceremony held in Amsterdam as part of the Amsterdam Music Festival (AMF), Martin Garrix has once again been crowned the number 1 DJ in the world in the prestigious DJ Mag Top 100 DJs 2024 poll. This victory marks the fifth time the young Dutch prodigy has reached the top spot, tying the record for the most wins in this poll, previously set by his compatriot Armin van Buuren.
Since 2016, Garrix has shown remarkable consistency and popularity by being voted the best DJ in the world five times in the last nine years. During this time, he has never fallen out of the top five, a monumental achievement for an artist still in his twenties. To reclaim the title, Garrix surpassed big names in electronic music, including French titan David Guetta, who had dominated the poll in three of the last four years, and Belgian brothers Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, who have maintained their presence in the top five for over a decade.
Garrix's victory in 2024 was driven by several standout moments. In addition to his seventh season as a headliner at Ushuaïa Ibiza, his performances at iconic festivals around the world were crucial. A notable moment was his participation on the iconic Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, where Coldplay performed their song "Breakaway" during their main set. This type of visibility and recognition at major events has further solidified his status in the music scene.
In his own words, Garrix expressed: "I’m on the list with all my idols: I admire Armin, I admire Tiësto. Being there with them is very surreal. My biggest concern when I entered the list and led it was that it could only go downhill from there, so it's very special to be back at number 1."
The results of the poll were announced via a live broadcast and an awards show, where Garrix received his award in front of a crowd of 40,000 people at the Johan Cruyff Arena. The gala, hosted by Arielle Free from BBC Radio 1, included performances from other prominent DJs, such as Armin Van Buuren and Green Velvet, adding a festive atmosphere to the event. Global participation was significant, with votes registered from 231 territories, marking a notable 18% increase in participation from North America.
During the ceremony, fans were encouraged to support UNICEF UK, the charity chosen by the Top 100 DJs. The “C is for Children” campaign aims to raise awareness about UNICEF's mission to focus its work on children's rights. With a promise to make the world a better place for every child, the organization works in over 190 countries, ensuring education, health, and child protection.
In addition to Garrix's crowning, this year’s top 10 featured a mix of new and recurring talents. Brazilian superstar Alok maintained fourth place, while Australian Timmy Trumpet rose to fifth, pushing Armin van Buuren down to sixth. Afrojack remained in seventh place, and FISHER made an impressive jump to eighth. Peggy Gou, who had been the highest-ranked house DJ last year, took the tenth spot.
At the top of the list, Hardwell made a strong comeback after a four-year hiatus, climbing 26 positions to number 11, demonstrating that fan demand for his music is still alive. Charlotte de Witte, the world’s number 1 techno DJ, also climbed the ranks, while Anyma, known for his work with Tale Of Us, made his highest entry on the list.
The Top 100 DJs poll not only captures the current popularity of artists but also reflects the evolution of electronic music on a global scale. With an increase in voting participation and a growing focus on musical diversity, the future looks bright for the genre. Meanwhile, Martin Garrix continues to defy expectations and cement his legacy as one of the best DJs of his generation. His ability to connect with audiences around the world and his dedication to his craft ensure that his number 1 status is not just a title, but a reflection of his hard work and passion for music.