Tomorrowland 2023 Mainstage
An unforgettable trance journey on the world's biggest festival stage
Armin van Buuren
The King of Trance
91
Heat Score
#1
DJ Mag (5x)
1995
Active Since
NL
Leiden
🎧 Biography
The undisputed king of trance who kept the genre alive
Armin van Buuren, born on December 25, 1976, in Leiden, Netherlands, is widely recognized as the most influential figure in the history of trance music. His career spans over three decades, during which he has elevated trance from a niche electronic genre to a global movement with millions of devoted followers. Armin's journey began in 1995 when he started DJing while simultaneously studying law at Leiden University — a remarkable dual pursuit that would later become one of his most distinctive biographical details. He completed his law degree, but music won his heart, and the world of electronic dance music is immeasurably richer for it.
In 2001, Armin launched what would become his most enduring legacy: A State of Trance (ASOT), a weekly radio show that has grown into the world's most-listened-to dance music radio program. With over 1,000 episodes produced and a global audience exceeding 40 million listeners across more than 80 countries, ASOT is not merely a radio show — it is the beating heart of the trance community. Major milestone episodes, including ASOT 500, ASOT 850, and the landmark ASOT 1000, have been celebrated with massive multi-city arena events that draw tens of thousands of trance devotees. Armin co-founded Armada Music, which has become one of the largest independent dance music labels in the world, providing a home for trance, progressive, and vocal dance music.
Armin's discography is staggering in both quantity and quality. His signature tracks — "Blah Blah Blah," "This Is What It Feels Like" (featuring Trevor Guthrie, which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording in 2013), "Communication," "In and Out of Love," "Ping Pong," and "Alone" — have defined the sound of modern trance. His DJ Mag record of five #1 rankings (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012) speaks to his unparalleled popularity and consistency. Perhaps most importantly, Armin is widely credited with keeping trance music alive and relevant during the mid-2010s EDM boom, when many DJs shifted toward big room and pop-oriented styles. He remained steadfast in his devotion to trance, pioneering a path that proved the genre's enduring appeal and emotional depth. Today, he continues to headline the world's biggest festivals, produce groundbreaking music, and inspire a new generation of trance producers and fans.
🎶 Best Sets
The most iconic Armin van Buuren live performances and music videos
ASOT 1000 Celebration
The landmark 1000th episode of A State of Trance — a historic moment for trance music
Ultra Miami
High-energy trance set at Miami's premier dance music festival
Blah Blah Blah (Official Video)
The massive 2018 anthem that became a global trance crossover hit
This Is What It Feels Like ft. Trevor Guthrie
Grammy-nominated 2013 single — Armin's biggest crossover hit
🎪 Concert Timeline
Key milestones in Armin van Buuren's legendary career
1995
Started DJing While Studying Law
A young Armin van Buuren began DJing in clubs around Leiden while simultaneously pursuing a law degree at Leiden University. His early sets blended the emerging trance sound with classic progressive house, quickly earning him a devoted local following and setting the stage for an extraordinary career.
2001
Launched A State of Trance Radio Show
Armin premiered the first episode of A State of Trance (ASOT), a weekly radio show that would grow to become the most influential trance radio program in history. Broadcasting from the Netherlands, the show quickly built a global audience and became the definitive showcase for new trance music.
2007
First #1 DJ Mag Ranking
Armin van Buuren was crowned the world's #1 DJ in DJ Mag's Top 100 poll for the first time, a recognition that validated his years of dedication to trance music and global touring. This was the beginning of an unprecedented run of dominance at the top of the rankings.
2008–2012
Five Consecutive #1 DJ Mag Rankings
Armin achieved what few DJs ever have: five #1 DJ Mag rankings across 2007 through 2012 (with a brief second-place finish in 2011). This sustained dominance cemented his status as the undisputed king of the DJ world and the most popular electronic music artist on the planet during this era.
2013
"This Is What It Feels Like" Grammy Nomination
Armin's collaboration with Trevor Guthrie, "This Is What It Feels Like," earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording. The track became his biggest crossover hit, reaching mainstream audiences worldwide and proving that trance music could achieve commercial success without sacrificing its emotional core.
2018
ASOT 850 World Tour
The ASOT 850 celebration took the show on a worldwide tour with massive arena events spanning multiple continents. "Blah Blah Blah" was released this same year, becoming one of Armin's most viral and recognizable tracks, dominating festivals and radio playlists globally.
2021
ASOT 1000 Milestone
A State of Trance reached its monumental 1000th episode, a milestone celebrated with a massive global event. The achievement underscored Armin's unparalleled dedication to trance music — two decades of weekly broadcasts, never missing a beat, creating the longest-running and most-listened-to dance music radio show in history.
2023
Still Headlining Globally
Nearly three decades into his career, Armin van Buuren continues to headline the world's biggest festivals including Tomorrowland, Ultra Miami, and EDC, while also hosting his own Armin Only shows and ASOT events. His longevity and consistency are unmatched in electronic music.
🌎 Lifestyle
Where Armin van Buuren lives, parties, and what makes him unique
Where He Lives
Armin van Buuren lives near Leiden, Netherlands, with his family. Despite being one of the most famous DJs in the world, he has chosen to remain close to his roots in the city where he grew up and attended university. His home is a sanctuary from the relentless global touring schedule, providing a peaceful base for family life and creative work.
Where He Parties
Armin's party scene revolves around his own legendary events and the world's premier venues.
- ASOT events worldwide — His own flagship parties
- Hï Ibiza — Regular summer appearances
- Armin Only shows — Solo spectacle concerts
- Tomorrowland — Annual mainstage headliner
- Ultra Music Festival — Miami mainstage regular
Education
Armin holds a law degree from Leiden University, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the Netherlands. He pursued his studies alongside his burgeoning DJ career, attending lectures between gigs and studio sessions. The discipline required to complete a law degree while building an international music career speaks volumes about his work ethic and determination.
Family Life
Armin is married to Erika van Thiel, and together they have three children. He is known as a devoted family man who prioritizes quality time with his wife and kids despite the demands of a global touring schedule. In interviews, he frequently credits his family as the grounding force that keeps him balanced and inspired.
Healthy Lifestyle
Unlike many in the nightlife industry, Armin is known for maintaining a healthy and disciplined lifestyle. He exercises regularly, watches his diet, and avoids the excesses often associated with the DJ world. This commitment to health has been key to sustaining his intense touring schedule for nearly three decades without burnout.
What He Wears
Armin's style is smart-casual and understated — a reflection of his Dutch practicality. He typically performs in well-fitted casual shirts, simple tees, and dark jeans. He avoids the flashy or costume-oriented looks that some DJs adopt, preferring to let his music and energy be the center of attention on stage.
🎬 Behind the Scenes
ASOT production, Armada Music, and the man behind the decks
Armin at Tomorrowland — Full Experience
Behind-the-scenes look at Armin's preparation and performance at the world's biggest festival
ASOT 1000 — The Making of a Milestone
How the 1000th episode of A State of Trance was produced and celebrated globally
🎧 Related DJs
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Everything fans want to know about Armin van Buuren
Armin van Buuren has been voted the #1 DJ in the world five times in DJ Mag's prestigious Top 100 poll, achieving the top ranking in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012. His five wins place him among the most decorated artists in the poll's history, alongside Tiësto and Martin Garrix. His sustained dominance over this period reflected his extraordinary global popularity and the massive worldwide reach of his A State of Trance radio show and relentless touring schedule.
A State of Trance (ASOT) is a weekly radio show and podcast hosted by Armin van Buuren since its launch in 2001. It is the world's most popular and longest-running trance music radio program, reaching over 40 million listeners across more than 80 countries every week. Each episode features the latest trance releases, classic tracks, guest mixes from top trance DJs, and Armin's personal selections. Major milestone episodes (ASOT 500, 750, 850, 1000) are celebrated with massive live events in arenas and festival grounds around the world, drawing tens of thousands of trance fans for multi-hour celebrations of the genre.
Yes, Armin van Buuren holds a law degree from Leiden University, one of the most prestigious universities in the Netherlands. He studied law while simultaneously building his DJ career in the late 1990s and early 2000s, attending classes between gigs and studio sessions. He successfully completed his degree but ultimately chose to pursue music full-time, as his career was already skyrocketing. This makes him one of the most academically accomplished DJs in the world, and he has spoken about how the discipline of legal studies helped him develop the work ethic and organizational skills that underpin his prolific career.
Armin van Buuren's biggest and most iconic songs include "Blah Blah Blah" (2018, his most viral hit), "This Is What It Feels Like" featuring Trevor Guthrie (2013, Grammy-nominated for Best Dance Recording), "Communication" (1999, a trance classic), "In and Out of Love" featuring Sharon den Adel (2008), "Ping Pong" (2014), "Alone" featuring Lauren Evans, and "Not Letting Go." "This Is What It Feels Like" was his biggest crossover success, reaching mainstream radio worldwide, while "Blah Blah Blah" became a viral sensation and festival anthem. His earlier work, including "Communication" and "Blue Fear," are considered foundational tracks in trance music history.
Trance is a specific subgenre within the broader umbrella of EDM (Electronic Dance Music). While EDM is a catch-all term for all electronic dance genres — including house, techno, dubstep, drum and bass, and trance — trance is defined by its melodic, emotional compositions, tempos typically ranging from 128 to 150 BPM, long atmospheric build-ups, and euphoric breakdowns that create a transcendent, almost spiritual listening experience. Armin van Buuren is widely credited with keeping trance alive and vibrant during the mid-2010s "EDM boom," when many artists shifted toward big room house and pop-oriented dance music. He stayed true to trance's emotional core while evolving his sound, proving that the genre had lasting appeal beyond fleeting trends.