🏆 DJ Mag 2025 Top 100: Guetta Wins, But Who’s inside the Top 5 & Did They Earn It?
The annual DJ Mag Top 100 poll has delivered once again, and this year’s results stirred up excitement, debate, and a fresh look at who’s shaping the dance music scene. The biggest headline: David Guetta has reclaimed the No. 1 spot. DJ Mag+2MusicRadar+2
But of course, one name doesn’t tell the full story — here’s who rounded out the Top 5 DJs in 2025, plus a quick take on whether the rankings reflect real momentum and achievements over the past year.
🔟 Top 5 DJs — 2025 Edition
Based on the official poll and media commentary, the Top 5 in 2025 are:
-
David Guetta DJ Mag+2MusicRadar+2
-
Martin Garrix DJ Mag+2MusicRadar+2
-
Alok MusicRadar+1
-
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike MusicRadar
-
Armin van Buuren MusicRadar+1
From what’s confirmed publicly, the standout names (beyond Guetta & Garrix) include Alok, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, and Armin van Buuren,
🔍 Do Their Achievements Back Up the Hype?
Here’s a quick “did they earn it?” look at some of the big names in the top:
David Guetta
-
This win marks his fifth time being crowned No. 1 by DJ Mag, tying the record with Martin Garrix and Armin van Buuren. MusicRadar+2DJ Mag+2
-
Over the past year, Guetta has kept busy — he’s delivered high-profile collaborations (e.g. with MORTEN, Afrojack, Martin Garrix, Nicky Romero), maintained an Ibiza residency, and toured with his “Monolith” show. MusicRadar+2DJ Mag+2
-
That said, critics might argue: is this recognition more fueled by legacy and name recognition than fresh innovation? Given his consistent visibility and output, few can deny he still commands influence.
Martin Garrix
-
He’s been a perennial top contender and last year held the No. 1 position before Guetta overtook him this time. DJ Mag+2DJ Mag+2
-
Garrix continues to release high-profile music, tour globally, and maintain brand strength. So his #2 ranking makes sense for many observers.
Alok
-
A regular in the upper echelons of global DJ polls, Alok has a huge fan base especially in Brazil and Latin America. His streaming numbers and festival bookings tend to be strong.
-
Whether he matches in innovation or DJ “craft” compared to others can be debated, but in terms of popularity and presence, his ranking is justified.
Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike
-
The duo are longstanding figures in the EDM/festival circuit. They consistently headline major festival stages and maintain a strong brand.
-
Some may question whether their sound is as current or experimental as others, but their longevity and commercial pull keep them relevant.
Armin van Buuren
-
A trance legend, Armin’s inclusion signals that even in a more mainstream-leaning DJ world, genre stalwarts still hold clout.
-
His presence in the top ranks often reflects respect from the broader community, not just chart metrics — though in recent years his festival presence and releases continue to keep him visible.
📝 Final Thoughts: What This Poll Actually Reflects
The DJ Mag Top 100 is always a blend of popularity, visibility, legacy, and fan voting mechanics — not a pure metric of technical skill or innovation. Some observations:
-
Name recognition matters. Big names with large followings or long careers often get votes even if their past 12 months were less groundbreaking.
-
Market reach vs. underground cred. DJs closer to mainstream / festival circuits tend to get more votes, which can overshadow niche artists pushing creative boundaries.
-
Momentum counts. If someone has had a “moment” — a big track, viral performance, major festival slot — that can drive a jump in votes more than a whole year of steady work.
-
Genre diversities show up slowly. It’s interesting to see artists like Charlotte de Witte reflected — it suggests that harder / techno styles are penetrating broader audiences.
For any student DJs reading this — these polls are fun and important for signaling trends, but they’re not the final word on who is the “best DJ”. Your own growth, your own style, and how you connect with a crowd matter more.