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Tiësto topped DJ Mag’s 2003 Top 100 DJs poll, followed by Paul van Dyk and Armin van Buuren. The archived ranking records each DJ’s place and, for returning entries, movement from 2002.
DJ Mag Top 100 DJs of 2003
The ranking below is a poll result, not an objective assessment of technical skill or musical quality. DJ Mag’s archived page confirms the leading positions and their year-over-year movement. A contemporaneous Dogs on Acid post reproduces all 100 names and placements.
| Rank | DJ | Movement from 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tiësto | No change |
| 2 | Paul van Dyk | Up 2 |
| 3 | Armin van Buuren | Up 2 |
| 4 | Sasha | Down 2 |
| 5 | John Digweed | Down 2 |
These positions and movements are shown on DJ Mag’s official 2003 archive.
The complete 2003 list
The full ranking was reproduced in a post dated November 1, 2003, on the Dogs on Acid forum. It runs from Tiësto at number one to Marco Carola at number 100. The list below preserves that post’s order.
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#1 Best Overall
Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 2-Channel DJ Controller, 16 Pads, Graphite
- The All-Rounder to Learn On: A simple, user-friendly layout inherited from pro Pioneer DJ gear makes it easy to start and grow
- No Beatmatching Skills Needed: Smart Fader auto-adjusts volume, bass, and BPM so you can blend genres by moving one fader
- Room to Grow: 2-channel, 2-deck control with 16 Performance Pads for Hot Cues, Pad FX, Beat Jump, and Sampler
- Built for Streaming and Streaming Out: Mix from Apple Music, Tidal, and Beatport, and live-stream or MC from a single device
- Plug In Anywhere: Connects to PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, or Android by USB or Bluetooth with a built-in sound card for speakers
- Tiësto
- Paul van Dyk
- Armin van Buuren
- Sasha
- John Digweed
- Paul Oakenfold
- Ferry Corsten
- Judge Jules
- Hernán Cattáneo
- Deep Dish
- John ‘00’ Fleming
- Above & Beyond
- James Holden
- Erick Morillo
- Hiroyuki Oda
- Roger Sanchez
- Johan Gielen
- Dave Seaman
- Fergie
- Matt Hardwick
- Nick Warren
- DJ Dan
- DJ Sammy
- Lisa Lashes
- Marco V
- Scott Bond
- Armin
- Paul van Dyk
- Paul Oakenfold
- Ferry Corsten
- Judge Jules
- Hernán Cattáneo
- Deep Dish
- John ‘00’ Fleming
- Above & Beyond
- James Holden
- Erick Morillo
- Hiroyuki Oda
- Roger Sanchez
- Johan Gielen
- Dave Seaman
- Fergie
- Matt Hardwick
- Nick Warren
- DJ Dan
- DJ Sammy
- Lisa Lashes
- Marco V
- Scott Bond
- Gabriel & Dresden
The source cited for the full list is the Dogs on Acid forum post. Its reproduction is useful for the lower placements; the official archive is the reference for the top-five movement shown above.
What contemporary coverage reported
A December 27, 2003 report by FTB.pl said Tiësto had taken first place for a second consecutive year. It also attributed 61,529 votes to DJ Magazine and reported 19 new faces, with Gabriel & Dresden the highest new entry at number 42. Those are figures and observations reported by FTB.pl, rather than independently verified poll data.
Rank #2
Numark Party Mix III Bluetooth DJ Controller with Built-in Lights, Black
- The Party-Starter - 2-deck DJ controller designed to help first time and casual DJs create party moments with a built in light show, USB-C connectivity and pro DJ tools, no complex gear or prior experience needed; Bluetooth MIDI connectivity allows for wireless DJing from iOS and Android devices via the Algoriddim djay app
- Instant Party Atmosphere - Built-in, beat-synchronized LED light show projects colorful patterns that automatically move in time with your music to energize any room
- Includes Industry-Standard Software - Start mixing right out of the box with included free access to Serato DJ Lite for Mac and Windows, and Algoriddim djay for multiple platforms
- Beginner-Friendly Learning Tools - Visual Beat Align indicators on each deck guide your timing for manual beatmatching, while automatic Fade FX help you create professional-sounding transitions
- Portable Design - The compact, lightweight chassis is USB-powered, making it easy to pack up and perform anywhere using a laptop, tablet, smartphone or a standard power bank
FTB.pl described the vote as online and international. The sources do not establish detailed eligibility rules or how votes were validated, so the ranking should be read as the published poll result rather than as a fully documented measure of the DJ scene.
Quick Recap
Bestseller No. 1
Best Value
Sale
Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV1 2-deck Serato DJ Controller, Black
- Learn to Scratch the Right Way: An open, battle-style layout mirrors a classic turntable and battle mixer setup
- Start for Free: Unlocks Serato DJ Lite so you can plug in and begin performing straight away
- Built for Battle Moves: Tall pitch faders and quick effect controls put scratch and battle techniques within easy reach
- Tracking Scratch Made Easy: Trigger scratch routines with a single motion to build confidence fast
- Compact and Affordable: A budget-friendly first controller for hip-hop, scratch, and open-format beginners
Rank #4
Numark MixTrack Go Compact Bluetooth DJ Controller, Stems Control, Black
- Portable DJ System - Lightweight, compact 2-deck controller built to travel, fitting easily into a backpack so you can DJ anywhere on the move, from coffee shops to outdoor gatherings; Bluetooth MIDI connectivity ensures cable-free DJing with the Algoriddim djay app on compatible iOS and Android devices
- Universal USB-C Power - Powered via a single USB-C connection to your laptop, tablet, smartphone, or even a standard USB power bank for complete on-the-go freedom
- Plug-and-Play Software Included - Get started immediately with free access to Serato DJ Lite (Mac/Windows) and Algoriddim djay on multiple platforms, plus support for Serato DJ Pro and VirtualDJ
- Automatic Fade FX - Easily add energy and professional polish to your transitions with crossfader-activated effects that smooth out blends between tracks
- Professional Mixer Controls - Shape your sound with a standardized layout featuring dedicated Filter knobs on each channel, channel gain, master volume, and a smooth crossfader
Rank #3
Sale
Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 MK3 - Ideal DJ Controller with Serato Lite
- START DJING IN MINUTES - This beginner dj equipment comes preloaded with professional software and step by step DJ Academy tutorials so you go from unboxing to mixing your first set faster than ever, no experience needed. The intuitive layout and quick USB setup mean you spend less time reading manuals and more time building real skills behind the dj deck.
- ULTRA PORTABLE COMPACT DJ CONTROLLER - Take the party anywhere with this lightweight, travel ready 2 channel dj controller that fits neatly into a backpack. Whether you are spinning at a house party, a campus event, or streaming from your bedroom, this portable dj controller ensures your dj kit is always ready to rock any venue at a moment's notice.
- REMIX LIVE WITH STEM SEPARATION - Break any track into isolated vocals and instrumentals so you can create mashups, fresh transitions, and one of a kind performances on the fly. This dj mixing board empowers you to layer stems across both decks, ensuring your audience never hears the same set twice and keeping every crowd locked in all night long.
- STAY PERFECTLY IN SYNC ALWAYS - Built in Beatmatch Guide LEDs near the jog wheels and tempo faders show you exactly when your tracks are aligned, eliminating guesswork so every transition sounds seamless. Combined with the Intelligent Music Assistant that suggests the next track by reading BPM and energy, this dj mixer controller keeps your sets flowing effortlessly.
- MILLIONS OF TRACKS ON DEMAND - Stream directly from Spotify, Apple Music, Beatport, SoundCloud GO+, TIDAL, and Beatsource right from this usb dj controller, giving you an endless library at your fingertips. A built in virtual sound card lets you go live on any streaming platform without extra dj gear, so your mixes reach listeners everywhere instantly.
Read FTB.pl’s December 2003 report.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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