“The word wunderkind was pretty much invented for the likes of 24-year-old producer Nicky Romero". That is what DJ Mag said in 2013 about the now-25 year old superstar DJ.

Romero rose in popularity through 2009 and 2010 with his impressive remixes, which were often played by the likes of Tiesto and Sander van Doorn. In the 5 years since, he has created a global brand as a producer and DJ, his own production label Protocol Recordings featuring the likes of Calvin Harris, NERVO and Krewella, and a hugely popular weekly radio show Protocol Radio. He is one of the hardest working people in the EDM world and has sky-rocketed up the Top 100 DJs from the highest new entry in 2012 to No. 7 last year. There is no doubt Romero could be challenging his fellow countryman for the top of the list this year.

But Nick Rotteveel (real name) doesn't come across as someone too bothered by this poll. He once said “the main aim is to up my game at every possible turn without compromise". His genuine and modest attitude has won over the hearts of many EDM fans and general music lovers alike. He played the main stage at Ultra Music Festival this year to thousands of ravers in Miami as well as live streaming (and #trending) worldwide.

Nick's set was incredible playing his own hits, new Protocol releases and even a couple of exciting IDs. He kept the crowd jumping to the classic Romero sound for the full 60 minutes and finished the set by inviting his friends, Vicetone, onto the stage to preview their new collaboration Let Me Feel (working title).

Romero did not have to say much into the mic to get the crowd going, he let the music do the talking. And this is what he has done throughout his career - worked hard behind the scenes to excel at what is at the core of all EDM producers' purpose - the music!

And that is why I believe Nicky Romero is going to continue to rise up through the DJ rankings and become one of the most successful DJs ever. When you have the talent he has, you know you are going to excel. But when you have the work ethic, you can really become one of the best. It is people like Nick that are pushing the future of music, and I believe he is on his way to the No. 1 DJ within the next two years.

You can watch his live set from Ultra below.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hwL6TpJx2U&w=750&h=422]