Every DJ you love started somewhere, and for a growing number of artists, that somewhere is Your Shot. The no-experience-necessary DJ academy and competition is back in the US for its second season, and this year it is doubling in size. Alongside returning editions in Los Angeles and New York, Your Shot is bringing its program to Denver and Miami for the first time, giving aspiring DJs in four cities the chance to go from never touching a deck to performing in front of thousands.
Founded in Australia in 2010, the program has spent the past 16 years turning complete beginners into working artists, with alumni including Tigerlily, Sippy, and Go Freek. The program made its American debut last fall, and the results spoke for themselves. More than 500 first-time DJs went through the inaugural US season, which wrapped with showcase weekends in Los Angeles and New York that drew over 10,000 combined attendees. The 2025 class was topped by two female DJs, Jelly Bean and Punky Butter, who are now set to open at CRSSD Festival and Elements Music & Arts Festival off the back of their wins.
The format stays true to what made the first season work. Selected participants spend six weeks at The Academy learning the fundamentals of DJing from industry professionals, covering everything from mixing and music selection to live performance. The season then culminates in showcase weekends in each city, where contestants perform in front of real crowds, industry professionals, and talent scouts. Winners walk away with an opening slot at a major music festival, with this year’s prizes including F1 Las Vegas and Insomniac’s EDSea, plus more to be announced.
The gear is getting an upgrade too. AlphaTheta, the company behind Pioneer DJ, is supplying mixers and controllers across all four cities, while Sony joins as a new partner providing speakers and professional headphones. Participants will be learning on the same equipment they would find in an actual club or festival booth.
Guiding the program is an advisory board stacked with industry heavyweights, including producer and FEMME HOUSE co-founder LP Giobbi, Vibee President Harvey Cohen, and The Circuit Group, the management company behind Chris Lake, FISHER, and deadmau5.
"Every aspiring artist deserves access to opportunities, mentorship, and a community that believes in them," LP Giobbi said. "I am 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."
Demand is already outpacing last year, with more than 8,300 people pre-registered nationally before the season has even started. Registration is open now, with in-person selection events taking place August 22 at Bar Standard in Denver, August 29 at M2 Nightclub in Miami, September 12 at Catch One in Los Angeles, and September 19 at Elsewhere in Brooklyn.
If you have ever wanted to get behind the decks but did not know where to start, this is it. No experience, no gear, no connections required.
