Record-breaking Martin Garrix has been crowned the world’s No. 1 DJ in DJ Mag’s 2024 Top 100 poll during AMF. At just 28, he now ties with Armin van Buuren for the most wins, five in total. But what makes Garrix so enduringly dominant in the electronic music space?
Martin Garrix’s Early Rise to Stardom
We first saw Garrix storm onto the scene with Animals in 2013.
This big room house track quickly gained popularity. It made Martin Garrix the youngest producer to reach number one on Beatport, reach No. 1 in the UK and Belgium charts, and a mainstay in his DJ sets all through 2024. Then on 2016, then 20 year old Martin Garrix secured his first No. 1 DJ title, cementing his name amongst icons, contributing to his surging success in 2024.
From that moment on, we knew he was here to stay.
“I’m in the list with all my idols — I look up to Armin, I look up to Tiësto. To be in there with those guys is very surreal,” Martin Garrix reflected after his win as the world’s No. 1 DJ during the Amsterdam Music Festival 2024.
His ability to balance youthful energy with an expert grasp of music production impressed fans worldwide, solidifying his place in the global music scene.
A Global Brand and Music Icon
Martin Garrix is more than a DJ and producer; he’s built a brand beyond music.
From major partnerships with festivals like Tomorrowland to his sold-out residency at Ushuaïa Ibiza, Garrix strengthens his position as an industry leader. By founding STMPD RCRDS, he gained creative control and nurtured new talent, influencing the modern electronic scene. His partnerships with JBL and REPLAY, expands his reach to fashion and lifestyle.
Still, he remains grounded.
“My No.1 worry when I entered the list, and topped the list, was that it could only go downhill from here, so it’s very special we’re back at the No.1 spot,” Martin Garrix admitted during the 2024 DJ Mag Awards.
It’s a journey we’ve followed closely, and it’s clear his chase of innovation keeps him a global favourite.
Martin Garrix and Coldplay Collaboration
In 2024, fans saw Garrix explore beyond the realms of progressive house. From DnB remixes to reigniting his YTRAM alias all the way to catching the attention of Coldplay’s Chris Martin.
Talking about ‘Breakaway’ from his album IDEM: “I got a text message from Chris Martin saying how much he loves the song. I was like, ‘What the fuck?’ And then they cleared the song for the show, and they still perform it in the tracklist of their tours in stadiums. It’s a good step to hopefully working together with him someday,” Garrix revealed.
Martin Garrix and Ushuaïa Ibiza: A Special Connection
Ushuaïa Ibiza holds a special place for Martin Garrix‘s career, and we’ve all been along for the ride. He reveals how he snuck into the club at 16 to watch Swedish House Mafia.
“It’s such a legendary place,” he said. “The first time I was there, I sprinted in and pretended that my parents were in the restaurant and got past the first security layer, then sprinted into the audience. They’ve tightened the security since then!”
Fast forward seven years, and now he’s headlining the same club for his seventh consecutive summer. The Ushuaïa residency is where many witnessed Garrix’s evolution, turning the dreams of his younger self into reality.
Martin Garrix and His Fans: An Integral Part of His Success
It’s evident that Garrix’s success is amplified by his loyal fanbase. It’s a community that he deeply values, and we’ve seen him acknowledge their role in his rise. In almost every show, he’s set aside time to greet fans, sign merchandise, and surprise them amidst his busy schedule.
“Seeing the smiles on my fans’ faces during shows is everything,” Garrix shares.
Whether through their votes to secure his No. 1 spot at DJ Mag’s Top 100 poll or their presence at his live shows, the fans are a key part of his journey from his humble beginnings throughout 2024.
Undoubtedly, it’s clear, Martin Garrix doesn’t take that support for granted.
Martin Garrix’s Future as an EDM Leader
Garrix’s continued dominance in the DJ Mag Top 100 poll signals his role as a leader in electronic music. As he celebrates his fifth No. 1 title, we can’t help but wonder what comes next. With new music and even bigger performances like his upcoming show in Dubai’s Atlantis The Palm on the horizon, one thing is certain: we’re all eager to see where he takes us next.
Congratulations Martin, we’re excited for what the future holds.
