On the Victoria Embankment at Theata from 3pm – 11pm, the best-in-class DJs and turntablists, whittled down from thousands of global entries, will compete across four categories. The “Classic” showcases polished six-minute routines that blend technical prowess with showmanship. “Scratch” presents razor-sharp 16-bar displays of turntablist technique. “Supremacy” delivers head-to-head knockout battles, and “The Open” embraces diversity in equipment and performance approaches. Guests should prepare to have their minds blown by the skills on show as the atmosphere builds to fever pitch.
International competitors to keep an eye out for include 14-year-old DJ Michelle from Dubai – the youngest ever female finalist as she battles on the world stage in the Scratch category for the second-year running. 17-year-old The Kid RC3 from the U.S. who is tipped for Classic glory, and defending Champion DJ Raylan from Brazil who looks sure to go close again in the Supremacy.
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DJ Michelle (left) is the youngest competitor (credit Jeff Straw) and the UK’s Tommy P Nuts (right) – is this the year his entry will win?
Fighting in the UK corner is Tommy P Nuts – he’s won the UK National Final for three successive years; is this the year the Manchester Classic entry will win? DJ Statik, also from Manchester, fell at the last hurdle in the Battle for Supremacy in 2024 – is this his time to shine? And least not not Peterbrough’s DJ JTL who entered the DMC’s for the first time at 38-years-old and won the UK Scratch Final in Bristol last month. Can this DMC virgin take home the most famous jacket on the planet?
This spectacular evening is elevated even further with two very special extended showcases between the rounds. DMC welcomes none other than USA record breaking Craze, who won three consecutive DMC World Solo titles between 1998 – 2000; a record that remains unmatched today. And the impeccable Japanese talent, DJ Koco, known globally for his technical mastery of 7-inch vinyl as showcased in flawless fashion in his highly regarded Boiler Room appearance.
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Record breaking three-time World Champion Craze (left) and vinyl king DJ Koco (right) will perform two extended showcases
Since Roger Johnson became the first UK and World Champion in 1985, the DMC World DJ Championships has defined the art of turntablism — building legends, breaking boundaries and inspiring generations of DJs across the globe. No competition has shaped DJ culture like DMC.
From every needle drop, trick and transition, the DMC Battleground Eliminations promises a spectacular evening of groundbreaking entertainment.
