Forbes knows finance. So with the American business institution turning its attention to the world of EDM to create their first list of “Electronic Cash Kings” over the past 12 months, fans and critics alike will surely be intrigued by the results.

“I think mainly people were just ready to hear something new,” said Kaskade, who recently became the first DJ to sell out the Staples Center in Los Angeles, regarding EDM’s recent explosion to the magazine. “My parents listened to rock and roll; that’s their music. And then hip-hop came along. This is the next generation of music.”

The runaway winner of the year was Dutch superstar DJ Tiesto, who raked in an impressive $22 million in recorded ticket receipts, music sales, endorsements, merchandise and more. Emerging dubstep hero Skrillex came in at No. 2 with $15, followed by the Swedish House Mafia at No. 3 with $14 million. David Guetta pulled in at No. 4, earning $13.5 million. Recent Rolling Stone cover star Deadmau5 just missed the Top 5, ranking No. 6 with $11.5 million, slightly behind Steve Aoki, who took the No. 5 slot with $12 million. MTV star DJ Pauly D generated $11 million to reach No. 7.

–Scott T. Sterling, CBS Local