You’ve read our thoughts on the best DJs of the ‘90s, but we couldn’t leave out the 2000s. Much like the previous decade, the noughties were packed with unforgettable moments and scene-defining sounds. Trance was everywhere, with some of its biggest stars crossing over into the mainstream and scooping up awards left, right and center.
But it wasn’t the only genre shaping dancefloors. Progressive house continued to evolve, while minimal and Berlin techno came to the forefront thanks to selectors like Ricardo Villalobos, Luciano, Ellen Allien, and Marcel Dettmann. In the UK, garage’s chart success began to splinter into something darker and more underground, with grime and dubstep dominating the pirate radio stations and taking hold in clubs like Plastic People.
From Tiesto to Slimzee, here are the best DJs of the 2000s.
Trance
Tiësto
Image: Tiesto / Facebook.com
Not many DJs can say they were the first in their profession to play at the Olympics, but Tiësto can. At the 2004 games in Athens, the Dutch DJ and producer soundtracked the opening ceremony with a mix of brand new tracks and classics like ‘Adagio For Strings’. Tiësto didn’t get to the Olympic stage overnight; he spent the ’90s performing in the clubs of the Netherlands, eventually reaching the summit of electronic music. He played to packed crowds and topped DJ Mag’s Top 100 three years in a row. This dominance cements him as one of the best DJs of the 2000s.
Paul van Dyk
Image: Paul van Dyk / Facebook.com
Talking about trance without mentioning Paul van Dyk is almost blasphemy. After sending ravers into a frenzy with ‘For An Angel’ and making Gatecrasher his home in the ’90s, he amplified his efforts in the 2000s. He released ‘The Politics of Dancing’ in 2001, which takes listeners on a deep trance journey. He embarked on massive world tours, scored regular top 10 entries in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs, and even won the prize in 2005 and 2006.
Armin van Buuren
Image: Armin van Buuren / Facebook.com
Want to hear a master at work? Listen to Armin van Buuren’s A State of Trance mix CDs. Throughout the 2000s, they became essential listening. 2005’s edition features a ‘light’ mix and a ‘dark’ mix, while the 2007 edition has an ‘On The Beach’ side and an ‘In The Club’ side. Both are brilliant, showcasing his ability to blend darker, progressive trance with uplifting beats.
Judge Jules
Image: Judge Jules / Facebook.com
For many, Judge Jules’ radio shows and mixes were the prelude to a night out or a way to keep up on the hottest new tracks. Whether broadcasting or playing at clubs like Gatecrasher, you could always count on him to deliver a set filled with anthems. His accolades include the Best Radio DJ at the Smirnoff Dance Awards in 2000 and multiple wins in 2001.
Ferry Corsten
Image: Ferry Corsten / Facebook.com
Ferry Corsten ranked alongside trance gods. Tracks like ‘Out of The Blue’, ‘Cry’, and ‘Carte Blanche’ highlighted his production prowess. His memorable set at Trance Energy 2000 demonstrated his ability to build emotions through melodies and rhythms. He maintained a steady stream of releases and live shows throughout the decade, showcasing why he is a top talent.
House / Progressive / Electro
Sasha & John Digweed
Sasha and John Digweed continued to innovate throughout the 2000s. Their 2002 tour was documented in Delta Heavy, one of the first films portraying DJs as superstars. The duo played 31 cities and set a high production standard that many other acts would imitate. They eventually reunited in 2007 and 2009, introducing their progressive sound to a new generation.
Danny Tenaglia
Image: Danny Tenaglia / Facebook.com
Known as ‘the DJ’s DJ’, Danny Tenaglia drew crowds including famous selectors at Space Miami. His 2000 release, Global Underground: London, showcases his skill in blending tribal rhythms, euphoric sounds, and hypnotic grooves. Tenaglia scored hits like ‘Music Is The Answer’ and built a solid residency at Space Ibiza throughout the 2000s.
Roger Sanchez
Image: Roger Sanchez / Facebook.com
Speak to any Ibiza devotee from the 2000s, and they’ll recount tales of Roger Sanchez and his legendary Release Yourself parties at Pacha. His mix CDs from that time capture the vibrant energy of the scene, filled with funky basslines and vocal house tracks. Sanchez also secured a UK number one with ‘Another Chance’ and a Grammy for his remix of No Doubt’s ‘Hella Good’.
David Guetta
Image: David Guetta / Facebook.com
Ask your Mum about DJs, and she’ll probably mention David Guetta. A superstar hitmaker, he came up in both France and Ibiza in the ’80s and ’90s before his breakout moment with 2009’s ‘One Love’. Featuring collaborations with international stars like Kelly Rowland and Akon, Guetta revolutionized dance music, joining forces with EDM and pop to create a new wave of arena-filling music.
Deadmau5
Image: Deadmau5 / Facebook.com
There’s only one word for Deadmau5—iconic. The Canadian DJ and producer became an entry point into electronic music for an entire generation. His electrifying set at Earl’s Court in 2010 remains a highlight, combining heavy beats and a compelling visual show that captivated audiences.
James Zabiela
Image: James Zabiela / Facebook.com
It was Muzik Magazine’s Bedroom Bedlam DJ competition in 2000 that launched James Zabiela into the spotlight. His intricate mixing style gained him traction, leading to performances captured in the Essential Mix series. His sets, packed with deep blends and driving beats, showcased his burgeoning reputation.
Erol Alkan
Image: Erol Alkan / Facebook.com
Erol Alkan’s Trash night became a cultural hub where guitar and electronic music collided. Over its decade run, the night helped popularize electroclash and serve as a space for future indie and electronic stars. Alkan’s boldness in blending genres won him accolades, including DJ of the Year from Mixmag in 2006.
Fatboy Slim
Image: Fatboy Slim / Facebook.com
Fatboy Slim—aka Norman Cook—was already a titan when the millennium hit. He built on that success with ‘Weapon Of Choice’ in 2001, winning six VMAs. The cult following gained from his Big Beach Boutique parties in Brighton, especially the historic second event in 2002, illustrates his peak, capturing the essence of the era’s raving spirit.
Drum & Bass
Andy C
Image: Andy C / Facebook.com
Andy C cemented his status as a key figure in drum & bass. His ‘Nightlife’ mix series released through RAM Records showcased his high-energy selections. As label boss, he helped elevate emerging talent while continuing to perform electrifying sets worldwide.
Randall
Image: Randall / Facebook.com
Randall held weight in the 2000s as a dominating force in the scene, exemplified in sets like his 2002 performance at Accelerated Culture. His label, Mac II Recordings, produced tracks that remained staples in DJ sets while his Stepback Sessions provided a platform for remixes of classic jungle tracks.
Friction
Friction broke new ground on Hospital Records and launched the influential Shogun Audio. Renowned for his technical skill, he enchanted audiences with dynamic sets filled with driving beats, capturing the energetic essence of drum and bass.
Marcus Intalex
Marcus Intalex was an integral part of Manchester’s drum and bass scene, bringing iconic talents to the city’s venues. His tracks, such as ‘Cabin Fever’, beautifully balanced melody and grit. His Fabriclive.35 mix captures this essence, a rich exploration of the genre.
DJ Hype
Image: DJ Hype / Facebook.com
DJ Hype made his mark in the ’90s, but his influence continued strongly in the 2000s. Turning out two Fabriclive mixes, he spent the decade helming a show on Kiss FM and supporting emerging talent through his label, Playaz Recordings.
UK Garage / Grime / Dubstep
DJ EZ
Image: DJ EZ / Facebook.com
DJ EZ maintained a significant presence through the peak of UK Garage, electrifying crowds at events like Garage Nation. His Pure Garage mix CDs were pivotal in defining the scene. Even as grime and dubstep emerged, EZ’s technical style remained influential across platforms.
Dreem Teem
Dreem Teem – a trio consisting of DJ Spoony, Timmi Magic, and Mikee B – were figureheads of UKG. Their Essential Mix captured the vibe of the era, with energy and tunes that ignited dancefloors, emphasizing their significance in the scene.
DJ Fonti
Image: Heartless Crew / Facebook.com
For many UK garage lovers, DJ Fonti and Heartless Crew are legends. Fonti provided the records that kept energy high for MCs like Bushkin and Mighty Moe. His versatility shines in the mix CD ‘Heartless Crew Presents Crisp Biscuit Vol.1’, blending jungle, dubstep, and R&B sounds seamlessly.
Slimzee
Image: Quann / Slimzee / Facebook.com
DJ Slimzee emerged as a pioneer of grime through his role in Pay As U Go and as co-founder of Rinse FM. His iconic sets, particularly with Wiley and Dizzee Rascal, became legendary in the underground music scene, shaping the future of grime.
Youngsta
Youngsta contributed significantly to the dubstep scene, pushing boundaries through pirate radio and club sets. He was instrumental in FWD>>, which converted garage influences into a distinct dubstep identity, showcasing tracks from rising talents like Skream, Benga, and more.
Techno
Carl Cox
Image: Carl Cox / Facebook.com
Carl Cox is a quintessential figure in the tech scene. His legendary 15-year residency at Ibiza’s Space club began in 2001. His recorded Essential Mix from that same year features two hours of driving techno, showcasing the crowd’s ecstatic reaction during his performances.
Ricardo Villalobos
Image: Ricardo Villalobos / Facebook.com
Ricardo Villalobos rose to fame as minimal techno gained traction. His Fabric 36 mix is a hallmark of his career, showcasing his ability to intertwine different sonic elements while maintaining the pulse of the dancefloor.
Luciano
Image: Luciano / Facebook.com
Luciano began his journey in Chile, shaping his craft within the underground clubs before moving back to Switzerland, where he embodied the minimal techno movement. His work with Cocoon helped him deliver era-defining sets alongside legends like Sven Vath.
Ellen Allien
Image: Ellen Allien / Facebook.com
Ellen Allien was a fixture in Berlin’s techno scene. By the 2000s, her label, BPitch Control, had established itself as a breeding ground for upcoming talent, while her album ‘Stadtkind’ made international waves, enhancing her status as a global artist.
Marcel Dettmann
Image: Marcel Dettmann / Facebook.com
Marcel Dettmann, as a resident DJ at Berghain, helped define the genre’s sound through hypnotic and powerful sets. His style remains influential, shaping the techno narrative in the 2000s.
From trance anthems and progressive house epics to pirate radio grime sets and Berlin techno hypnosis, the 2000s gave us DJs who soundtracked nights out and shaped entire scenes. Whether you lived through the noughties or you’re only discovering them now, these selectors prove one thing: great DJing never goes out of style. Head here to catch some of these DJs playing live in your city.
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