The $30 million toe in the water

Grayson Repp, a former competitive swimmer, turned his passion for music into a career as a top sports DJ, working with FIFA, the Olympics, and major leagues like the NBA and NFL.

He shares insights on preparation, cultural sensitivity, and creating the perfect game-day atmosphere.

From basement to Berlin

Repp's journey began in Vancouver, where he spent his childhood training to be an athlete.

After high school, he attended Arizona State University to swim competitively and was always the music lover, making mixtapes to pump up his teammates.

It wasn't until some Scandinavian teammates introduced him to the burgeoning EDM scene from Norway and Sweden in the late 2000s that he found his true calling.

Curating soundtracks for the world's biggest events

Repp has become one of the most sought-after sports DJs globally, creating playlists for the 2022 World Cup, the 2026 Winter Olympics, the NBA, NFL, and F1.

He emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity, recalling his work at the Arab Cup in Qatar, where he had to be mindful of political undertones in Arabic music and avoid songs that could cause tension between rival nations.

He researches lyrics and consults local friends to ensure appropriateness.

Learning from elders and community members

For the 2026 World Cup, Repp is creatinng Vancouver's city theme, collaborating with musicians from the Musqueam , Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, incorporating Indigenous sonds and stories into the soundtrack.

The process took months of learning from elders and community members.

Enhancing the atmosphere in stadiums and arenas

Repp believes that music is the best vehicle for moments of extreme emotion, and he strives to enhance the atmosphere in stadiums, arenas, and venues worldwide.

His journey from a basement bedroom to the world's biggest sporting events is a testament to following one's passion and the unexpected paths life can take.