The 360-degree stage in an arena is the first of its kind for the hard techno scene, set to host epic b2b sets with the world’s top hard techno artists.
Following its record-breaking debut in 2024 as the largest hard techno rave on the planet, Verknipt ArenA is set to make history once again in 2025, this time featuring the world's first hard techno arena show with a 360-degree stage. Verknipt ArenA’s unique stage setup will transform the Johan Cruijff ArenA into an immersive rave that amplifies the synergy between DJs and the crowd to create an entirely new kind of rave experience.
Last year’s inaugural Verknipt ArenA show set a new standard for hard techno events by hosting 40.000 ravers as well as an immersive 10-minute experience show. Now, the 2025 edition promises an even more immersive atmosphere, with Verknipt dedicating itself to creating an experience that isn’t just innovative but transformative. The 360-degree stage design breaks down traditional boundaries, allowing every fan in the ArenA to connect directly with the impressive lineup of DJs, ensuring that no one is far from the action and that the collective energy resonates across the entire venue.
“The 360-degree stage is our way of reimagining how hard techno is felt and shared,” says Mer Hajbarati, co-founder of Verknipt. “It’s designed to bring fans closer to the music and to one another, creating a powerful energy loop that pulses through everyone in the ArenA. This setup isn’t just about doing something new — it’s about uniting people in an unforgettable, heart-pounding and dynamic celebration of sound and connection.”
A Lineup That Defines Hard Techno Excellence
This year’s edition boasts an electrifying lineup featuring both global heavyweights and rising stars, showcasing the diversity and depth of the hard techno scene. The night will feature spine-tingling performances from artists like Nico Moreno who is sure to bring his heavy basslines and pounding kicks to the show.
The ArenA show will also feature a series of killer back-to-backs like Cloudy b2b NOVAH who will deliver hard driving techno, while the DYEN b2b Fantasm will bring raw, industrial energy to the stage. The CARV b2b Holy Priest and Basswell b2b Onlynumbers promises pulsating, all-out rave anthems to keep the crowd moving into the early hours. The lineup also features cutting-edge performances from acts like APHØTIC b2b NYCO b2b XRTN, and Karah b2b KLOFAMA, as well as hardcore legend Paul Elstak b2b Cynthia Spearing and the visually stunning experience show. This lineup is truly a testament to Verknipt’s unparalleled curation of hard techno talent.
Established in 2012 in the Netherlands, Verknipt has spent over a decade cultivating its reputation in the dance music industry. Initially focusing on techno and house music, Verknipt later evolved into a trailblazer in the hard techno events space. By embracing a new sound and employing an exceptional social media strategy, Verknipt swiftly ascended to the forefront of one of the industry's fastest-growing genres.
Since 2020, Verknipt has witnessed a consistent increase in visitor numbers, reaching an impressive peak of 155.000 in 2023, with expectations of nearly doubling in 2024. The organisation has hosted numerous events in its native Netherlands and beyond, including flagship events such as Verknipt Festival and Verknipt AFAS, as well as monumental events during Amsterdam Dance Event over the years. In July 2024, Verknipt ArenA marked the world’s largest hard techno event to date with approximately 40.000 visitors.
In alignment with its exponential growth, Verknipt is expanding its footprint internationally, venturing into countries such as Spain, Colombia, Germany, Poland, and Hungary, amongst others. Verknipt’s global impact is another testament to the movement the organisation has managed to create. In under four years, Verknipt has managed to expand across borders and even continents, reaching tens of thousands of international fans.
But, Verknipt isn’t stopping there. With the launch of Verknipt Records, the organisation aims to expand the reach of hard techno even further, filling a crucial gap in the genre's record label landscape by offering an extensive platform for emerging artists.
