Steve Aoki Voted America’s Best DJ; Beats Out Skrillex, Diplo, Kaskade & More

DJ Mag’s Top 100 is a beast of its own. America’s Best DJ, on the other hand, you would imagine to be more accurate and swayed less by campaigns and “paid-for” votes considering its lack of prestige. We hoped that was the case, but considering who won this year, it might not be thus.

Steve Aoki, notorious cake-thrower, raft-rider and neck-breaker, somehow pulled out in front to claim the title of America’s best DJ, taking over the #1 spot from the talented Markus Schulz. As one of the more notorious push play DJs, this stands as a sure sign of the current state of EDM and the lack of interest in true mixing talent. Thankfully the rest of the top 10 (mostly) serves to resurrect our hope in American dance music and the fans it has in tow. Here’s what Aoki had to say about winning.

“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be chosen as this year’s winner. First and foremost, I want to thank all my fans for their support over the years. I am so grateful that I continue to have the best fans in the world. I would also like to thank everyone at DJ Times and Pioneer for all the years of support as well as acknowledge all the amazing promoters that book me in great venues and festivals across North America. Words cannot express how appreciative I am of this award and I look forward to pursuing my passion as a DJ for decades to come.” 

The full list is as follows:

1 – Steve Aoki

2- Kaskade

3 – Diplo

4 – Skrillex

5- Claude Von Stroke

6- Dillon Francis

7 – Bassnectar

8 – Flosstradamus

9 – A-Trak

10 – Audien

In celebration, Omnia Nightclub in San Diego is hosting an award ceremony and accompanying party on October 11th where Aoki will be awarded a gold-plated, industry standard Pioneer mixer.