Following a successful U.S. debut in 2025, Your Shot is returning for an expanded 2026 season. The DJ competition and music academy will grow from two to four cities, adding Denver and Miami alongside returning stops in Los Angeles and New York.
Built for aspiring DJs of all backgrounds and experience levels, Your Shot removes many of the traditional barriers that keep people from stepping behind the decks. No previous DJ experience is required. Instead, the program focuses on providing participants with training, mentorship, professional equipment, and a supportive community.
During its inaugural U.S. season, Your Shot welcomed more than 500 first-time DJs and drew over 10,000 attendees to showcase weekends in Los Angeles and New York. Female DJs Jelly Bean and Punky Butter were crowned the program’s first U.S. winners, earning opening slots at Elements Music & Arts Festival and CRSSD Festival.
The program returns in 2026 with support from AlphaTheta and new partner Sony, giving participants access to professional mixers, controllers, speakers, and headphones throughout their journey from the bedroom to the stage. Interest has already increased significantly, with more than 8,300 people pre-registered nationwide.
Prospective participants will first share their stories at an in-person selection event. Those chosen will enter a six-week training program covering the fundamentals of DJing, including mixing, music selection, and live performance. Each city’s program will conclude with a showcase weekend where participants perform in front of a live audience.
This year’s winners will earn opening slots at major events, with confirmed opportunities including F1 Las Vegas and Insomniac’s EDSea, with additional prizes still to be announced.
The 2026 U.S. advisory team includes producer, instrumentalist, DJ, and FEMME HOUSE co-founder LP Giobbi; Vibee President Harvey Cohen; and The Circuit Group, the management company representing artists including Chris Lake and FISHER.
Online registration is now open at usa.yourshotdj.com.
2026 Selection Dates
- August 22: Bar Standard — Denver, Colorado
- August 29: M2 Nightclub — Miami, Florida
- September 12: Catch One — Los Angeles, California
- September 19: Elsewhere — Brooklyn, New York
