Indira Paganotto Named World’s No. 1 Psy DJ in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs 2026
The Spanish-Italian artist receives the inaugural award following a breakthrough year for her psy-techno sound, ARTCORE, and international performances.
Indira Paganotto has been named the World’s No. 1 Psy DJ in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs poll for 2026, marking a major moment for psy-influenced electronic music on the global stage.
Announced on October 6 at [UNVRS] in Ibiza, the award recognises Paganotto’s growing influence across the international club and festival circuit. She also climbed 10 places in the overall Top 100 DJs ranking, reaching No. 26.
A Breakthrough Year for Psy-Techno
Paganotto’s rise comes after an eventful 2026, beginning with the release of her debut album, Arte Como Amante. The record represents another step in her development as an artist, bringing her distinctive approach to psychedelic influences and contemporary techno to a wider audience.
Her sound has increasingly crossed boundaries between underground techno and psychedelic dance music. This growing popularity has even helped inspire Beatport to introduce a dedicated psy-techno category, reflecting the increasing visibility of the style within the electronic music industry.
Throughout the year, Paganotto has performed internationally, including appearances at Awakenings, EDC Las Vegas and Tomorrowland. She has also maintained residencies at Hï Ibiza and Space Miami, strengthening her presence in some of the world’s most prominent electronic music destinations.
ARTCORE Continues to Expand
Beyond her performances, Paganotto has continued to develop ARTCORE, her artistic brand and label. The project has become an important platform for her musical vision, combining psychedelic energy with harder techno influences and a distinctive visual identity.
Her appearance at Tomorrowland brought another unexpected element to her sound. She debuted a psy-metal track on the festival’s Mainstage, featuring Harald Barrett, guitarist for Swedish metalcore band Imminence.
Paganotto has also brought the ARTCORE concept to major events, including a showcase at Starlight Festival in front of Egypt’s Great Pyramids of Giza.
What Does the Award Mean for Psytrance?
The new award places psy-influenced music in the spotlight of one of electronic dance music’s most recognised annual polls. However, Paganotto’s sound sits at the intersection of psy-techno and techno, rather than representing every branch of traditional psytrance.
That distinction is important for a scene encompassing everything from full-on and progressive psytrance to darkpsy, forest and experimental psychedelic sounds.
Her recognition nevertheless highlights the potential for psychedelic sounds to reach audiences beyond their established underground communities. It also raises questions about how the wider electronic music industry will continue to embrace different interpretations of psychedelic music.
The results were announced alongside other major honours at DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs event in Ibiza. David Guetta retained the overall No. 1 position for a record sixth time, while Charlotte de Witte was named the World’s No. 1 Techno DJ.
For Paganotto, the award adds another milestone to a career that continues to connect psychedelic influences with the wider world of electronic music.
Source: DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs 2026 results.
Indira Paganotto: Top 10 Tracks to Add to Your Collection
From psy-techno weapons to hypnotic club anthems, discover 10 essential tracks from Indira Paganotto, as ranked on Beatport.
Indira Paganotto has established herself as one of the most recognisable artists connecting psychedelic sounds with modern techno. Her music combines driving rhythms, hypnotic atmospheres and psychedelic influences, creating a distinctive sound that has earned her a place on major festival stages around the world.
Whether you’re a DJ looking for your next peak-time weapon or a fan exploring her discography, these are the 10 tracks currently featured in Beatport’s Top Ten Tracks section for Indira Paganotto.
1. Crush (Extended Mix)
A driving techno track that showcases Paganotto’s harder, club-focused sound. Its extended format makes it a natural choice for DJs building energy during a set.
2. Dragon (Extended Mix) — Armin van Buuren & Indira Paganotto
A collaboration bringing together two major names from different corners of electronic music. The track connects Paganotto’s psychedelic energy with Armin van Buuren’s trance background.
3. Legend (Original Mix)
Released on Charlotte de Witte’s KNTXT label, Legend highlights Paganotto’s connection to the contemporary techno scene, with a sound suited to powerful club systems.
4. Vendetta (Extended Mix)
Released on ARTCORE Records, Vendetta represents the sound associated with Paganotto’s own musical platform, where techno intensity meets psychedelic character.
5. Blackbird SR-71 (Extended Version)
Released on Cercle Records, Blackbird SR-71 is another important entry in her catalogue. Its extended version makes it particularly relevant for DJs seeking material for longer transitions and immersive sets.
6. Dune (Original Mix)
Another ARTCORE release, Dune fits naturally into Paganotto’s psychedelic techno universe, making it worth exploring for listeners drawn to her distinctive sound.
7. Gipsy Queen (Extended Mix)
Released on ARTCORE Records, Gipsy Queen adds another selection to the label’s catalogue and showcases Paganotto’s continued focus on extended DJ-friendly releases.
8. Kalima (Original Mix)
Kalima is another ARTCORE track to check out if you’re exploring Paganotto’s own label alongside her releases for other electronic music imprints.
9. This Is ARTCORE (Extended Mix)
A track that puts Paganotto’s label identity front and centre. It is a natural addition to a playlist exploring the sound and musical direction behind ARTCORE.
10. DREAM (Extended Mix) — Indira Paganotto & El Karima
Rounding out the selection is DREAM, a collaboration with El Karima released through Tomorrowland Music. It adds another dimension to a catalogue that extends beyond straightforward techno.
