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.
By the following year, DJs were using the fledging championships to showcase new and quirky tricks using their DJ decks. Props used for scratching in 1987 included bicycles, kitchen sinks, billiard cues and an American football. As well as allowing DJs to show off their skills, the event also brought DJ decks to unusual venues, such as The Albert Hall.
The Championship continued to become more popular, attracting stars such as James Brown and Janet Jackson to the event, and by 1990 the DJ battle had to move to Wembley Arena which was more used to seeing acts such as Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. The DJ Championships sold out, and some even tried to get access 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.
2009 saw DMC's 25th anniversary celebrations; a clear sign that DJ culture was still going strong. The popularity of the Championships was still going strong, and showing no signs of diminishing. The golden Technics DJ decks handed out as first prize was proof enough of turntables' iconic status and the reverence they inspire amongst DJs.
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.
By the following year, DJs were using the fledging championships to showcase new and quirky tricks using their DJ decks. Props used for scratching in 1987 included bicycles, kitchen sinks, billiard cues and an American football. As well as allowing DJs to show off their skills, the event also brought DJ decks to unusual venues, such as The Albert Hall.
The Championship continued to become more popular, attracting stars such as James Brown and Janet Jackson to the event, and by 1990 the DJ battle had to move to Wembley Arena which was more used to seeing acts such as Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin. The DJ Championships sold out, and some even tried to get access 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.
2009 saw DMC's 25th anniversary celebrations; a clear sign that DJ culture was still going strong. The popularity of the Championships was still going strong, and showing no signs of diminishing. The golden Technics DJ decks handed out as first prize was proof enough of turntables' iconic status and the reverence they inspire amongst DJs.
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.