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Golden DJ decks are first prize at DMC World DJ Championships
The first DJ convention in London was organised by DMC in 1985. The launch of the DMC DJ World DJ Championships followed this convention in 1986, and was won by an American DJ going by the name of DJ Cheese, thanks to his scratching skills and techniques using his DJ decks.
DJs quickly began to use the new championships to show off new and out-of-the-ordinary techniques using their DJ decks. Props were introduced for scratching purposes in 1987, which included bicycles, kitchen sinks, billiard cues and even an American football. The contest brought DJ decks to unusual venues like The Albert Hall as well as providing a showcase.
DMC's World Championship became ever more popular, with stars such as James Brown and Janet Jackson coming to the event. By 1990 the DJ battle took over Wembley Arena, which was more used to hosting super groups like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. All tickets sold out with some even of those left out in the cold trying to get in by ramming an exit door with a car.
Germany's DJ David was crowned DJ Champion of the first Wembley battle, and managed to keep hold of his title a year later, when his act saw him spinning his whole body on his DJ decks... Every year brought innovations and tricks from artists all around the globe. The championship finals were held in Rimini for two years before heading back to the UK, and were extended to include teams as well as individual DJs.
The 25th anniversary of DMC two years ago was proof enough that DJ culture is here to stay. The popularity of the Championships is ever-increasing, while the prize, golden Technics DJ decks, is a reminder of the iconic status of turntables, which remain at the centre of the culture.
This year, a new element was introduced, with the launch of the online DJ Championship. The winner will compete for the title of World Champion at the finals, to be held in London at the IndigO2 on October 6th and 7th. The excitement is already palpable as enthusiasts discuss which contender is likely to be crowned this year.
DJs quickly began to use the new championships to show off new and out-of-the-ordinary techniques using their DJ decks. Props were introduced for scratching purposes in 1987, which included bicycles, kitchen sinks, billiard cues and even an American football. The contest brought DJ decks to unusual venues like The Albert Hall as well as providing a showcase.
DMC's World Championship became ever more popular, with stars such as James Brown and Janet Jackson coming to the event. By 1990 the DJ battle took over Wembley Arena, which was more used to hosting super groups like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. All tickets sold out with some even of those left out in the cold trying to get in by ramming an exit door with a car.
Germany's DJ David was crowned DJ Champion of the first Wembley battle, and managed to keep hold of his title a year later, when his act saw him spinning his whole body on his DJ decks... Every year brought innovations and tricks from artists all around the globe. The championship finals were held in Rimini for two years before heading back to the UK, and were extended to include teams as well as individual DJs.
The 25th anniversary of DMC two years ago was proof enough that DJ culture is here to stay. The popularity of the Championships is ever-increasing, while the prize, golden Technics DJ decks, is a reminder of the iconic status of turntables, which remain at the centre of the culture.
This year, a new element was introduced, with the launch of the online DJ Championship. The winner will compete for the title of World Champion at the finals, to be held in London at the IndigO2 on October 6th and 7th. The excitement is already palpable as enthusiasts discuss which contender is likely to be crowned this year.