The original, groundbreaking DJ competition lands in Tokyo, where the world’s best scratch DJs will compete and showcase their incredible skills.
This year marks a historic moment for turntablism as the Technics DMC World DJ Championship celebrates its 40th anniversary in style – and for the first time ever, the world final lands in Tokyo, Japan. From October 10th to 12th 2025, the planet’s finest scratch DJs will gather in the birthplace of the turntable for a three-day celebration of skill, innovation, and DJ culture.
Following the huge success of last year’s Paris edition, DMC40 promises even bigger energy, with champions from across the globe battling it out in four categories: Classic, Supremacy, Scratch, and the forward-thinking Open. Expect fierce routines, jaw-dropping technique, and the kind of creativity that has kept DMC at the heart of DJ culture for four decades.
Four Decades of DJ History
Launched in 1985 by Tony Prince, the DMC World DJ Championship became the proving ground for legends. It has launched the careers of A-Trak, Mixmaster Mike, Craze, Cash Money, DJ Fly, Scratch Perverts, Q-Bert, DJ Kentaro and countless others. Over the years, unforgettable moments have included A-Trak becoming the youngest champion at just 15, DJ Rena of Japan taking the crown at only 12, and DJ Craze’s unprecedented three-peat from 1998–2000.
The event’s influence has reached far beyond the stage, shaping scratching, beat juggling, and performance DJing into the respected artform it is today.
Tokyo Takes Centre Stage
The action kicks off Friday 10th October in Shibuya at Studio Freedom with the legendary DMC Opening Party, hosted by Monkey Shoulder. Saturday brings a full day of finals at O-East, featuring the Classic, Scratch, and Supremacy categories. Sunday’s finale happens at Harlem, where the Open champion will be crowned in a showcase presented by AlphaTheta.
Each category has its own flavour:
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Classic – a six-minute routine to dazzle the judges and crowd
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Scratch – rapid-fire 16-bar showcases from each finalist
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Supremacy – intense head-to-head elimination battles
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Open – a new, innovation-driven format that embraces different equipment and performance styles
DMC will also honour influential figures through its Hall of Fame Awards, recognising Originals, Legends, and Iconswho’ve shaped the DJ landscape.
Double Celebration – DMC Turns 40, Technics Turns 60
With DMC marking four decades and Technics celebrating 60 years of music innovation, Tokyo is set to be the ultimate backdrop. Technics Global’s Masai Daisuke summed it up:
“DMC40 Tokyo is here, and Technics are thrilled to sponsor this milestone event. With DMC’s 40th anniversary and our own 60th, this Tokyo Finals holds special meaning for us.”
The World Is Watching
The DMC World DJ Championship has never been just a competition – it’s the heartbeat of a wider culture that connects breakdancing, beatboxing, graffiti, and DJing. With superstar guests, surprise performances, and a truly global line-up still to be announced, DMC40 in Tokyo is shaping up to be one for the history books.
Tickets: YEN 5,200 (approx £26) per day from dmcdjchamps.com
