Armin van Buuren is hailed as the ‘Soul of Trance’… But the burning question remains: Can he still hold the crown as EDM keeps changing every single day?

Armin van Buuren. Just the name is enough to ignite memories of countless nights where trance lifted entire crowds into pure euphoria. From his record-breaking radio show A State of Trance (ASOT) to his unstoppable empire Armada Music, Armin has spent decades not just being a DJ, but becoming a monument of electronic dance music history. But here’s the question that keeps fans, critics, and even fellow DJs asking: why is Armin still the king? What makes his reign so unshakable when so many others fade away? Let’s dive deep into the journey of this Dutch icon, from bedroom beginnings to becoming the face of trance worldwide, while uncovering the secrets behind his timeless appeal.

The Rise of a Bedroom Dreamer

Before global festivals and millions of fans, Armin van Buuren was just another young Dutch music lover, tinkering with sounds in his bedroom. Born in Leiden, the Netherlands, he had a passion for creating melodies long before EDM became mainstream. While many DJs chased fame and commercial success, Armin stayed laser-focused on one thing: sharing emotions through trance. His early tracks didn’t just make people dance—they made people feel. This foundation would later become the blueprint of his entire career.

A State of Trance: From Radio Experiment to Global Movement

In 2001, Armin launched a small radio show called A State of Trance. At first, it was just about playing his favorite tracks and connecting with a niche audience. But within years, it snowballed into the most influential trance radio show on the planet, broadcasting on more than 100 stations, reaching millions of listeners every week.

ASOT wasn’t just about music—it was a community, a religion, a global ritual. Fans tuned in religiously every Thursday, marking the countdown to the weekend with trance anthems curated by their “king.” What made ASOT so different? Armin always emphasized inclusivity. Whether you were in Europe, Asia, or South America, you were part of the same trance family. The annual ASOT milestone shows—ASOT 500, ASOT 750, ASOT 1000—turned into massive global events, filling arenas in cities like Utrecht, Sydney, and Miami. It’s not an exaggeration to say that ASOT reshaped the identity of trance and gave it a worldwide platform.

Armada Music: Building a Trance Empire

If ASOT was Armin’s voice, then Armada Music was his power base. Founded in 2003 with Maykel Piron and David Lewis, Armada Music became the largest independent dance music label in the world. It didn’t just produce Armin’s tracks but also launched the careers of countless DJs and producers who now dominate the scene.

Armada’s roster reads like a who’s who of trance and progressive house, turning it into the heartbeat of electronic music innovation. What’s more impressive? Armin didn’t just stay in the booth; he became a businessman who knew how to keep trance relevant in a world that often favors quick hits and fleeting trends. Armada’s longevity proves that Armin wasn’t building for the moment—he was building for eternity.

Five-Time World’s No.1 DJ: A Record That Still Shocks

In the fiercely competitive DJ Mag Top 100 ranking, Armin van Buuren held the No.1 spot five times—2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2012. That’s not just impressive; it’s historic.

Few DJs in history have maintained that level of dominance, and even today, Armin consistently ranks in the top 10. What does that say? It says that even after decades in the game, the world still can’t get enough of him. His shows are sold out, his tracks dominate playlists, and his presence is still magnetic.

Tomorrowland, Ultra, and Beyond: The Festival King

When you think of Tomorrowland’s breathtaking main stage moments, or the madness of Ultra Music Festival in Miami, one name always comes up: Armin van Buuren. He isn’t just performing sets—he’s curating experiences.

His closing sets at Tomorrowland have become the stuff of legend, with thousands waving flags, chanting lyrics, and crying tears of joy as trance anthems sweep across the crowd. Unlike many DJs who rely on gimmicks, Armin’s sets thrive on storytelling through sound. He crafts journeys that elevate crowds into something spiritual. That’s why fans don’t just attend his shows—they come back year after year, city after city.

Why Vietnam Still Talks About Armin

Not many DJs have the power to leave permanent imprints wherever they go, but Armin does. His shows in Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, weren’t just concerts; they were landmark cultural moments. The EDM community in Vietnam still talks about the energy, the lights, and the connection Armin created on stage. In a country where electronic music was still finding its footing, his performances turned casual listeners into lifelong trance believers. That’s the mark of an artist whose reach goes far beyond borders.

What Makes Him Different From Other DJs?

So here’s the big question: why Armin? What makes him different from other superstar DJs who rise fast but fade just as quickly?

• Authenticity: Armin never pretended to be anything other than a trance lover. He never abandoned his roots just to chase commercial trends.

• Consistency: Nearly 20 years of ASOT without missing a beat proves his discipline and dedication.

• Innovation: Whether experimenting with orchestral shows like “Armin Only Embrace” or mixing classical with electronic at sold-out arenas, he always brings something fresh.

• Connection with Fans: Armin doesn’t just perform to his fans—he performs with them. His shows feel like conversations, not lectures.

This rare combination explains why fans feel an emotional bond with him that outlasts hype cycles.

The Secret Ingredient: Emotion Over Ego

Trance is about more than just beats per minute—it’s about emotion. And Armin has mastered the art of making people feel something deeper. His tracks like “This Is What It Feels Like” and “In and Out of Love” aren’t just club bangers; they’re timeless anthems that trigger memories, heartbreaks, and hope. Unlike DJs who thrive on ego, Armin thrives on vulnerability, allowing fans to see his human side. That’s what makes him not just a performer, but a healer through sound.

Latest Projects and What’s Next

Even after decades of dominance, Armin shows no signs of slowing down. Recently, he’s been expanding ASOT with hybrid experiences that blend live performances, VR elements, and fan interactivity. Armada Music continues to release top-charting tracks, and collaborations with younger artists keep his sound fresh while still unmistakably “Armin.” Rumors swirl about his next big ASOT anniversary celebration—could it top the legendary ASOT 1000? Fans are already bracing themselves.

Why the World Still Needs Armin

In an era where the music industry is saturated with one-hit wonders, algorithms, and disposable content, Armin van Buuren remains a beacon of stability.

He proves that longevity is possible when you combine passion, authenticity, and constant evolution. More than just a DJ, he is a global ambassador of trance culture, someone who has carried the genre on his shoulders for decades. And as long as people crave music that touches the soul, Armin will never fade.

Final Word: The King Who Never Steps Down

So, why is Armin still loved after all these years? Because he never stopped loving trance himself. His journey from bedroom dreamer to global legend is proof that true passion never dies. His empire—ASOT, Armada, the festival stages, the timeless tracks—isn’t just about him; it’s about every fan who ever felt goosebumps at the drop of a melody. That’s why Armin van Buuren is not just a DJ. He’s a legacy. He’s trance itself.