Turntabilists rejoice! Skills have trumped celebrity status in the 2010 DJ Times America’s Best DJ Poll.

Taking home the gold-plated mixer this year is none other than skratching legend and repeat DMC champion DJ Qbert, who had been fighting his way to the top spot in the ABDJ poll for a few years (he was third in 2009 and second in ’08).

Many in the DJing world were uproarious when DJ Pauly D (made infamous via MTV’s Jersey Shore) made the list of 100 DJs in the running and then moved on to the top 10, arguing that he hadn’t paid his dues and that he didn’t have the skills, among others complaints. However, the attention of Pauly D being in the running surely brought more interest to the poll and possibly fueled fans of electronic music, house, hip-hop and other genres to head to their computers and vote for anyone but him.

House DJ/producer Kaskade, who just finished his summer residency at Encore Beach Club here in Vegas, placed second (up from fourth last year), and another nod that skratching takes mad skills and garners major respect was Montreal-born, New York-based A-Trak finishing in third place.

For those in Vegas who missed Qbert’s few gigs at Crown Nightclub this summer, don’t fret; he’ll take control of the tables Oct. 2 at Rain Nightclub during the ABDJ closing party for a special set. Scotty Boy — in ABDJ’s top 10 for the past three years— will also spin, plus Manufactured Superstars will perform a set.

Prior to the party, Ghostbar will host the awards ceremony as 2009 ABDJ winner and Palms’ resident Friday-night headliner Z-Trip will present Qbert with his trophy. Both the ABDJ awards ceremony at Ghostbar and closing party are open to the public (regular cover charges apply).

For the full roster of winners, visit americasbestdj.net/bestdj.