Following a breakout debut in the United States in 2025, Your Shot—the world’s only DJ competition and music academy designed for aspiring DJs of all backgrounds—is returning for an expanded 2026 season. Building on the success of its inaugural U.S. program, the initiative will grow from two cities to four, adding Denver and Miami alongside returning editions in Los Angeles and New York.
For more than a decade, Your Shot has championed the belief that anyone deserves the opportunity to become a DJ, regardless of experience, financial background, or access to industry resources. By removing many of the traditional barriers to entry, the program has become much more than a competition, fostering creativity, confidence, mentorship, and a supportive community where aspiring artists can develop skills that extend far beyond the DJ booth.
The program’s first U.S. season proved the demand for that mission. More than 500 first-time DJs participated in Your Shot’s immersive training and mentorship experience, culminating in showcase events across Los Angeles and New York that attracted more than 10,000 attendees. The inaugural champions, Jelly Bean and Punky Butter, both emerged as standout talents and will continue their journey this year by performing opening sets at Elements Music & Arts Festival and CRSSD Festival.
Reflecting on the program’s impact, Steve Pillemer, Founder and CEO of Your Shot, said:
“Your Shot is not just a DJ competition. It is a community for aspiring DJs and music fans to challenge themselves, learn a new skill, and build real relationships. We have now seen firsthand, across both Australia and America, that music, access, and opportunity have an incredible power to improve and change lives.”
The 2026 expansion also introduces new partnerships designed to elevate the experience for participants. AlphaTheta will provide professional DJ mixers and controllers, while Sony joins the program through its ULT POWER SOUND lineup of speakers and professional audio headphones. Together, these collaborations will give contestants access to industry-standard equipment, helping bridge the gap between learning at home and performing on stage.
Interest in the program has already surged ahead of the new season, with more than 8,300 people pre-registered nationwide before official auditions have even begun.
Following online registration, prospective participants will attend in-person selection events where they will have the opportunity to share their personal stories and passion for music. Those selected will embark on a six-week educational program covering the fundamentals of DJing, including mixing techniques, music selection, live performance skills, and stage confidence, while building lasting connections with fellow participants and mentors.
The season will conclude with live showcase weekends in Denver, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York, where finalists will perform before live audiences in pursuit of career-changing opportunities. Winners will earn opening DJ slots at some of the world’s premier music events, with this year’s prizes including performances at Formula 1 Las Vegas, Insomniac’s EDSea, and additional festival opportunities still to be announced.
Helping guide this year’s participants is an accomplished advisory team featuring producer, DJ, instrumentalist, and FEMME HOUSE co-founder LP Giobbi, Harvey Cohen, President of Live Nation’s Vibee, and representatives from management company The Circuit Group, whose roster includes Chris Lake and FISHER.
Speaking about her involvement, LP Giobbi said:
“Every aspiring artist deserves access to opportunities, mentorship, and a community that believes in them. I’m proud to support the incredible work Your Shot is doing to help the next generation of DJs build confidence, develop their craft, and take that first step.”
Registration for Your Shot U.S. 2026 is now open, with in-person selection events scheduled throughout August and September. The audition tour begins on August 22 at Bar Standard in Denver, followed by M2 Nightclub in Miami on August 29. Los Angeles auditions will take place on September 12 at Catch One, before concluding on September 19 at Elsewhere in Brooklyn.
By combining hands-on education, mentorship, professional-grade equipment, and real-world performance opportunities, Your Shot continues to redefine what a DJ competition can be. As the program expands across the United States, it remains committed to empowering the next generation of artists by proving that talent, determination, and community—not background or experience—are what truly open doors in electronic music.