A new generation of turntablism is making its mark on the global electronic music scene, and Michelle Rasul is determined to lead the way. At just 14 years old, the Dubai-based DJ is preparing for one of the biggest challenges of her young career: competing for the Scratch title at the 2026 DMC World DJ Championships in London, with the opportunity to become the competition’s first female Scratch World Champion.
Rasul has already achieved milestones that many aspiring DJs spend decades pursuing. She has secured two national scratch titles, performed at the internationally renowned Tomorrowland festival and competed at the DMC World Finals in Tokyo in 2025, when she was just 13.
Now, she is returning to the world’s most prestigious turntablism competition with an even bigger ambition. If she wins, she will make history in a discipline traditionally dominated by male competitors.
Michelle Rasul Takes on the DMC World DJ Championships
The 2026 DMC World DJ Championships represent another significant step in Rasul’s rapidly developing career. Scheduled to take place in London on November 13 and 14, the competition will bring together some of the world’s most talented turntablists.
Rasul will be the youngest competitor in the finals and the only female participant. She will face a field of experienced DJs, many of whom have spent years developing the technical skills and performance techniques required to compete at the highest level.
Her age, however, has done little to diminish the attention surrounding her performance.
The young DJ has already demonstrated that technical ability and musical creativity are not necessarily determined by experience alone. Her previous achievements have established her as an emerging talent within the international scratching community.
A victory in London would represent more than another championship trophy. It would establish a historic milestone for women in competitive DJing and provide further visibility for a new generation of female turntablists.
What Makes DJ Scratching Such a Demanding Skill?
Scratching is one of the most recognizable techniques in hip-hop DJ culture. It involves moving a vinyl record back and forth beneath a turntable’s needle while manipulating the crossfader on a DJ mixer to produce rhythmic sounds, musical patterns and intricate sonic effects.
Although the technique can appear simple to an inexperienced observer, professional scratching requires exceptional coordination, timing and precision.
Competitive turntablism takes these fundamentals considerably further. DJs combine established techniques with original routines, rapid movements and creative musical arrangements. The objective is not simply to demonstrate speed, but to deliver a performance that balances technical difficulty with originality and musical expression.
For competitors such as Rasul, mastering the craft requires extensive practice and a deep understanding of rhythm.
The ability to transform a vinyl record into a live musical instrument is what makes scratching such a distinctive part of DJ culture. It also explains why competitions such as DMC continue to attract dedicated audiences decades after their introduction.
A Young Talent Already Recognized by DJ Legends
Rasul’s progress has not gone unnoticed among established figures in the turntablism community.
Legendary DJ Craze recently offered his support through social media, describing the young competitor as a serious talent with considerable potential for the future.
His endorsement carries particular significance in a scene where technical credibility and artistic originality are highly valued.
Another interesting comparison comes from A-Trak, who won the DMC World Championship in 1997 at just 15 years old. Rasul is now approaching a similar age while pursuing her own place in the competition’s history.
The comparison highlights how young performers can reshape expectations within a highly competitive discipline.
DMC World DJ Championships Celebrate 41 Years of Turntablism
The DMC World DJ Championships have played a central role in DJ culture since their beginnings in 1985.
The first UK and World Champion was Roger Johnson, marking the start of a competition that would eventually become one of the most respected platforms for showcasing turntable skills.
Over the following four decades, the championship helped establish the reputations of influential DJs, including A-Trak and Craze. Its legacy extends beyond individual winners, reflecting the evolution of hip-hop, electronic music and DJ performance.
The 41st edition continues that tradition with a two-day program in London.
The competition features four categories:
- Classic: A category celebrating traditional DJ techniques and turntablism fundamentals.
- Open: A platform for creative performances and individual approaches to DJ competition.
- Scratch: A showcase focused on the technical and artistic possibilities of scratching.
- Supremacy: A competitive format highlighting advanced DJ skills and performance.
For Rasul, the Scratch category offers the opportunity to demonstrate the techniques that have helped establish her reputation in the UAE and beyond.
London Event Brings Together DJ Legends and Rising Stars
Beyond the competition itself, the 2026 championship will celebrate the people and performances that have shaped DMC’s history.
The elimination battles are scheduled for November 13 along Victoria Embankment, while the finals will take place the following day at KOKO in Camden, running from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
One of the most anticipated highlights will be the induction of British DJ collective The Scratch Perverts into the DMC Hall of Fame.
The group is also scheduled to perform together for the first time in more than 20 years, making the appearance a particularly significant moment for longtime fans of turntablism.
The event will feature performances from former champions A-Trak, Craze and JFB.
JFB is expected to bring another technical spectacle to the program, performing with seven turntables simultaneously. His appearance will demonstrate the extraordinary possibilities of modern turntablism and the creativity that continues to push the discipline forward.
The combination of established legends and emerging competitors gives this year’s championship a special significance. It connects the early foundations of competitive DJing with the artists who will shape its future.
Why Michelle Rasul’s Championship Bid Matters
Rasul’s participation is significant for several reasons.
First, her achievements demonstrate how young artists can develop international careers through dedication, technical training and creative ambition. Competing at the DMC World Finals at 13 already represents an exceptional milestone.
Second, her presence brings greater visibility to women in turntablism. Although female DJs have become increasingly visible across electronic music festivals, clubs and production, competitive scratching remains a particularly demanding field.
Becoming the first female DMC World Scratch Champion would give Rasul a place in the competition’s history while potentially inspiring more young women to explore turntablism.
Importantly, her story is not defined by gender or age alone. Her technical achievements and growing experience are the foundation of her championship ambitions.
That distinction matters. The strongest contribution she can make to the scene is to compete on equal terms with the world’s best DJs and demonstrate the quality of her craft.
The Next Chapter in Competitive DJ Culture
As the 2026 DMC World DJ Championships approach, Michelle Rasul stands at an exciting point in her career.
She has already competed internationally, performed on major festival stages and earned recognition from respected names in the DJ community. Now, she has the opportunity to turn that momentum into a historic championship victory.
Whether or not she takes home the Scratch title, her participation represents an important moment for the next generation of turntablists.
The DMC competition has spent more than four decades celebrating innovation, precision and musical creativity. Rasul’s journey reflects all three qualities while challenging expectations about who can compete at the highest level.
On November 14, the spotlight will be on London. And for a 14-year-old DJ from Dubai, the opportunity to make turntablism history is very real.