Voting competitions to crowd artists generally don't yield much in terms of surprises. The title of America's best DJ has generally been passed back and forth between Kaskade, Markus Schulz and Steve Aoki over the past few years. Aoki will have to find a new person to hand off the golden mixer this year and that man is Dirtybird Records don Claude VonStroke. He beat out Kaskade and The Chainsmokers, who finished at No. 2 and No. 3 respectively.
The previous year's winner is not eligible to receive votes the following year.
Claude VonStroke expressed his gratitude for the support his fans have given him over the years and in the poll.
"My fans are so kind hearted and amazing and I love them so much for creating such an awesome community where people feel safe and can have fun together," said the DJ in a statement. "They voted for me to win over artists with huge radio hits and business machines which is so inspiring and surprising, for that I am truly humbled."
The rest of the top 10 features some big names like Diplo, Skrillex, Bassnectar and Dillon Francis.
These polls have lost their weight over the past few years as new methods to discover artists have proliferated. However they do serve as a benchmark for popularity, which can be useful in its own right. Find the full top 10 below. VonStroke will now play a gig on Sept. 30 at Omnia Nightclub in San Diego to celebrate his win.
1. Claude VonStroke
2. Kaskade
3. The Chainsmokers
4. Bassnectar
5. Skrillex
6. Dillon Francis
7. Diplo
8. Markus Schulz
9. Jauz
10. Porter Robinson
