THE DMC WORLD DJ CHAMPIONSHIPS 2026
UK FINAL
Saturday September 12th
From bedroom practice sessions to world stages, no competition has shaped DJ culture like DMC.
Since Roger Johnson became the first UK and World Champion in 1985, the DMC DJ Championships has defined the art of turntablism — building legends, breaking boundaries and inspiring generations of DJs across the globe.
Following the huge success of DMC40 in Tokyo in 2025, the world’s greatest DJ show returns to London for the first time since 2019. Three days of galactic-level DJ competition, Hall Of Fame Awards, live rap performances, BBoy battles, beatbox showcases and graffiti art celebrations — a landmark weekend destined to go down in DMC history.
But before the World Finals comes the fight for the crown on home soil.
This year the UK Final lands in Bristol, where the nation’s finest turntablists go head-to-head for their place at the DMC World DJ Championships 2026.
Recognised throughout turntablist culture as a breeding ground for world-class talent, the DMC UK Final has spent four decades showcasing the future of the artform. Over the years the competition has taken over legendary venues including Shepherd’s Bush Empire, Hammersmith Apollo and Boomtown Festival.
Now, in 2026, the championship arrives at one of the UK’s most iconic music venues — Bristol’s legendary Thekla — in a city long celebrated for its rich musical heritage and underground culture.
The roll call of past UK Champions reads like a festival headline poster: Cutmaster Swift, Chad Jackson, DJ Pogo, Mr Switch, Plus One and JFB have all lifted the trophy, while turntablist heavyweights including Tony Vegas, Mr Thing, Jon1st and Woody have all reached the DMC podium.
Saturday September 12th is shaping up to be the biggest DMC UK Final in years. Alongside the battles for the Classic, Scratch and Supremacy titles, the night features heavyweight showcase sets from JFB, Mr Thing, NikNak and Sarah Love — with the one and only Inja holding down hosting duties.
Meanwhile, Room 2 sees Scratch Café Bristol take over Thekla. The UK’s leading scratch community and the crew behind the legendary monthly sessions at Lost Horizon, Scratch Café has become a magnet for the country’s finest turntablists and cut technicians from across the UK and beyond.
Supported by Technics, Red Bull, Ortofon and Monkey Shoulder.
For further information contact jules@dmcworld.com
