Tournament
RULES

Judging Criteria

There are two rounds of battle and if required, a tie breaker during each advancing level of the competition.​​

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ROUND #1 |  OPEN PLAY FORMAT​

• Each DJ can accumulate up to a total of 100 points in round #1

• Each DJ will be required to play a fifteen (15) minute set (of their own choice of music and genre format) which will be scored by a panel of  judges using the criteria below:​​​​

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(1) Technical Skills: 0 - 20 Points​

Mixing: Arrangement & sequence of music, flow & pacing of set, timing of transitions (beat matching, fading, etc)

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​Live Editing of the Music: Including (but not limited to) beat juggling, scratching, use of cue points:​

• Beatmatching: How well the DJ seamlessly transitions between tracks by matching beats

• Mixing: Evaluation of the DJ's ability to blend tracks together smoothly and creatively

• Scratching: Skill in using turntables to manipulate sounds through scratching

         techniques

• Juggling: Ability to manipulate multiple records or sounds simultaneously

• Crowd Reading: How the DJ adapts to the crowd during the performance

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Overall Presentation: How the DJ combines these skills with their music selection in a balanced manner.

(2) Music Selection: 0 - 20 Points​

We want to hear music that you are passionate about. Do things YOUR way. 

Making edits & remixes adds an element of exclusivity to your sets and can help you stand out from the pack.

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Creativity: Originality and creativity in the choice of tracks and how they  are mixed

Flow: How well the DJ creates a cohesive and engaging musical journey

Genre Mixing: Skill in blending different music genres in harmonious & interesting ways

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(3) Crowd Reaction: 0 - 20 Points

How the crowd reacts to the DJ’s performance. How the party gets rocked.

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Interaction: Audience engagement, can rock the crowd, adjusts music selection accordingly

Energy: Ability to create and maintain high energy levels on the dance floor

Presence: Charisma, confidence, and overall performance presence during sets

(4) Originality:    0 - 40 Points

Originality and unique elements of performance that sets DJ apart from others.

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Personal Touch: Ability to take a song, add personal touches, and create a new experience with it

Difference: Mixing differently than others, using unconventional parts of songs

Individualization: Finding a way to make individual marks in the mix

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ROUND #2 |  BATTLE ROUND FACE-OFF ​

Each DJ will be required to play one five (5) minute battle round set AND one two (2) minute battle round set across the listed genres of music below.

▪ Within the (5) minute set, each DJ must play a minimum (3)  genres.

▪ Within the (2) minute set, each DJ must play a minimum (5) genres.

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Listed Genres of Music:

• House | Ampapiano

• Hip-Hop | Trap | R&B

• Reggae | Dub

• Reggaeton | Cumbia | Salsa

• Pop | Rock | Disco

• Jazz | Funk | Afro Beats

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Round #2 will be scored by the panel of judges using the same scoring criteria as round #1 with the exception that weight of the categories will focus more on Crowd Reaction and Originality.

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Each DJ can accumulate up to a total of 100 points in round #2. Round #2 scoring is as follows:

• Technical Skills:         0- 20 Points

• Music Selection:       0- 20 Points

• Crowd Reaction:      0 - 30 Points

• Originality:                 0 -30 Points    

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*IMPORTANT TO KNOW:

30 Second Transition Periods:

At the end of the (5) minutes "and" (2) minutes of play, there will be a (30 second) transition window where the DJ playing ‘can’ continue to play until the next battling DJ starts their set, at which time the DJ prior must reduce volume and/or stop playing.

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Scoring Ties:

In the event of a Scoring Tie each DJ will be asked to play an additional one (1) minute “Tie Breaker Set” of their choice. The crowd reaction will have weight in the judges final vote of  the winner.​​

additional contest rules & instructions:

• Use of beat or key sync technology is highly discouraged. An automatic 10-point deduction will apply if judges identify excessive use (more than 3 times during each DJ set);

• Pre-recorded sets are not allowed and can lead to disqualification;

• DJs are not allowed to extend their set play time in any round of the competition. An automatic 10-point deduction will be applied;

• An automatic 10-point deduction will apply if a performing DJ is late to the battle;

• Use of explicit tracks are permitted;

• Use of props during sets are permitted;

• Use of up to two midi devices is permitted;

• DJs have a choice of using the venue controllers or use there own. Use of venue controllers are at the sole risk of DJ;  

• Failure of a performing DJ to not appear for a battle may lead to forfeiting of the battle;

• DJs are subject to disqualification for disorderly conduct by judges;

• Battle opponents are subject to change;

• Rules are subject to change if unfair practices are discovered;

• By participating in the Battle contest, DJs agree to being recorded and use of content for social media and other public communications outlets.