Top Party Photographer

What is someone who is a top party photographer? It suggests they have reached the highest ranks of photographers who record events. Who is to judge? and by what criteria?
For me it involves capturing the spirit and atmosphere of the event. it is not a technical exercise. Yes it is important to get the technical aspects right. But as I have written time and time again when defining the work of the 'Pressmen' it is essential to get real moments,real sparks of life,real emotion,the natural expressions of guests at the party. it requires a mixture of shots that are candid and ones that have been created yet are still natural. it is photojournalism. It is creating a story.