The DMC Scratch is the ultimate test of turntablist skills. DJs go head-to-head, round-for-round in a single elimination tournament to determine who will be crowned the champion.
I. DMC Scratch Format
A. How it Works
- National Eliminations
Each DJ must perform a 60 second qualifying routine and can submit it in one of two ways:
Online Submission: Upload a recorded performance to your branch’s website.
Live Performance: Compete at a national event (check with your local DMC branch for details).
A panel of judges will select the top 8 finalists, who will then compete against each other in the final rounds.
2. National Finals (Option 1 – Showcase format)
Eliminations (if needed)
Each DJ will perform a qualifying 60 second routine
The judges will select the top 8 finalists who will face each other during the final round
Finals
DJs will perform a 2-minute solo showcase
The winner of the final round will be named the DMC Scratch National Champion
3. National Finals (Option 2 – World Finals format)
Eliminations will be necessary if more than 8 finalists are competing at the World Finals
Each DJ will perform a 60-second routine
Judges will select the Top 7 DJs to compete in the final round vs the defending world champion. If there is no defending champion, 8 DJs will be chosen.
Eliminations
Elimination Round 1
DJs will scratch 16 bars once.
Beats:(Slow round) 60-70 BPM, minimal and heavily drum-based tracks
Elimination Round 2
DJs will scratch 16 bars once
Beat: (Fast round) 100 – 120 bpm, minimal and heavily drum-based tracks
Judges will select the Top 5 to move on to the final round
Finals
5 DJs will compete in a Q&A style format for 4 rounds
Beats will range between 60 and 133 BPM, featuring heavily drum-based tracks.
Format Example: https://youtu.be/kdHmlFw3sa8?feature=share
Tiebreaker (if necessary)
2 DJs will scratch 16 bars, twice.
Beat: Random BPM, minimal, and heavily drum-based tracks.
B. General Rules for DMC Supremacy National Competitions
✅ DJs must be nationals/citizens of their country to enter a live national competition.
✅ Non-citizens must compete in their country of origin or via the DMC Wildcard Championships.
✅ DJs in countries with/ without a DMC event can enter the DMC Wildcard Championship.
✅ No age restrictions for the DMC Competitions, but venue age limits (18+ or 21+) may apply.
✅ Underage competitors unable to compete in live nationals may enter the DMC Wildcard, but venue age limits may apply.
✅ No registration fees for competing DJs.
✅ Travel & accommodation for guardians/family of underage DMC National Champions are not covered by DMC.
✅ DMC World reserves the right to modify rules for competition integrity.
✅ DMC Branches cannot modify rules without DMC World approval.
C. Online Submission Guidelines
❌ Edited videos are prohibited – performances must be non-stop.
❌ No graphics, logos, or signage allowed.
❌ Videos must be submitted by 11:59 PM PST on the due date.
❌ Videos exceeding the time limit by more than 5 seconds will be disqualified.
✅ Video format: 16:9 ratio, Full HD (1920×1080 px), direct audio recommended.
✅ Poor audio quality will impact judging results.
✅ Must comply with YouTube’s regional terms and community guidelines.
🚨 Banned content: Nudity, pornography, or explicit visuals will result in a one-year competition ban.
✅ DMC reserves the right to remove inappropriate entries.
D. Important Dates for 2025 DMC World DJ Championships
📅 January – August: Battle Season (Regional & National Battles).
📅 January – August: Online Submission qualifications
📅 September, National Finals: DMC Middle East – Dubai, UAE
📅 October 10-12: DMC World Finals – Tokyo, Japan
E. General Rules for DMC Scratch World Finals
🏆 Defending Champions: National Champions can defend their title the following year.
🔹 Eliminations: Necessary if more than 8 finalists are competing at the World Finals
Elimination Round 1
DJs will scratch 16 bars once.
Beats:(Slow round) 60-70 BPM, minimal and heavily drum-based tracks
Elimination Round 2
DJs will scratch 16 bars once
Beat: (Fast round) 100 – 120 bpm, minimal and heavily drum-based tracks
Judges will select the Top 5 to move on to the final round
🔹 Finals:
5 DJs will compete in a Q&A style format for 4 rounds
Beats will range between 60 and 133 BPM, featuring heavily drum-based tracks.
Format Example: https://youtu.be/kdHmlFw3sa8?feature=share
Tiebreaker (if necessary)
2 DJs will scratch 16 bars, twice.
Beat: Random BPM, minimal, and heavily drum-based tracks.
🔹 Eligibility: DJs must have competed in at least one elimination or final round before the World Finals.
🚫 Branch Managers cannot compete as finalists.
F. Equipment Rules
✅ Allowed:
Up to 1 turntable & 1 DJ mixer.
Both vinyl & DVS systems.
Phase system.
Any mixer (DJs are encouraged to bring their own).
🚫 Not Allowed:
MIDI controllers, effectors, loopers, or additional peripherals.
Technical Difficulties While Performing
DJs can restart from the beginning if equipment failure occurs.
If the issue is due to DJ’s faulty setup, they may restart from the breakdown point.
Restrictions by Competition Type
World Finals: Only Technics turntables provided by DMC can be used.
National Events: Check with your branch manager.
Online Competitions: No equipment restrictions.