Your Shot Announces Second U.S. Season & Expansion Into Four Cities with Returns to Los Angeles & New York City and Launches in Miami & Denver

 Following a landmark U.S. debut in 2025, Your Shot, the world’s only DJ competition and music academy built for aspiring DJs of all backgrounds, announces its 2026 U.S. season, expanding from two to four cities with new editions in Denver and Miami alongside returning programs in Los Angeles and New York.

For more than a decade, Your Shot has prioritized the democratization of DJ culture through the belief that everyone deserves their shot. By removing traditional barriers to entry and welcoming participants regardless of their background, income, or experience level, the program creates opportunities for aspiring artists who may never have considered stepping behind the decks. More than a competition, Your Shot fosters creativity, self-confidence, inclusion, and community, helping participants develop skills and relationships that extend far beyond music.

Last year, Your Shot’s inaugural U.S. edition welcomed more than 500 first-time DJs into its unique training and mentorship program, culminating in showcase weekends that drew over 10,000 attendees across Los Angeles and New York to watch the crowning of two female DJs: Jelly Bean and Punky Butter. As part of their Your Shot journey, they will also perform opening sets at Elements Music & Arts Festival and CRSSD Festival this year.

“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.” – Steve Pillemer, Founder and CEO of Your Shot

In 2026, Your Shot will carry its momentum into the next chapter, expanding nationally with AlphaTheta mixers and controllers and welcoming Sony as a new partner through its ULT POWER SOUND series of speakers and pro audio headphones.

These partnerships will help elevate the Your Shot experience from bedroom-to-stage, giving emerging DJs access to professional-grade gear, powerful sound, and a more immersive live environment as the program continues to grow across new markets. Demand since last season has already skyrocketed, with more than 8,300 people already pre-registered across the country.

Following registration, prospective participants will share their story at one of the in-person selection events taking place in August and September. Selected participants will then embark on a six-week journey where they will learn the fundamentals of DJing, from mixing and music selection to live performance, all while building confidence and connecting with a community of like-minded music lovers. The season culminates in showcase weekends across Denver, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York, where contestants will take the stage and perform in front of a live audience. Your Shot winners earn an opening DJ slot at one of the world's top music festivals, with this year's prizes including F1 Las Vegas, Insomniac's EDSea and more to be announced.

This year's U.S. advisors include producer, instrumentalist, DJ, and FEMME HOUSE co-founder LP Giobbi; Harvey Cohen, President of Live Nation's Vibee; and management company The Circuit Group (Chris Lake, FISHER).

“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." – LP Giobbi

Online registration is now open at usa.yourshotdj.com for Your Shot U.S. 2026. In person selection will take place at Denver and Miami in August, with Los Angeles and New York to follow in September, full dates below.

2026 SELECTION DATES

• August 22 – Bar Standard – Denver, CO
• August 29 – M2 Nightclub – Miami, FL
• September 12 – Catch One – Los Angeles, CA
• September 19 – Elsewhere – Brooklyn, NY

ABOUT YOUR SHOT

Launched in 2010, Your Shot has helped transform thousands of lives across Australia, New Zealand, and now the United States by creating an inclusive pathway for complete beginners to learn, grow, and perform. Built on the belief that everyone deserves their shot, Your Shot democratizes DJ culture by empowering people to step behind the decks regardless of their background, income, or experience level. With a strong emphasis on social inclusion, accessibility, and community impact, the program helps participants explore their creativity, build confidence, and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.