WORLD’S ONLY NO-EXPERIENCE-NEEDED
DJ COMPETITION & MUSIC ACADEMY
TAKING PLACE IN LOS ANGELES & NEW YORK CITY IN SEPTEMBER 2025
After transforming thousands of lives across Australia and New Zealand, Your Shot, the world’s only no-experience-necessary DJ competition and music academy, is making its highly demanded US debut this fall. The program will launch in New York City and Los Angeles, bringing its bespoke combination of training, mentorship, and community to aspiring American DJs.
Launched in 2010 with over 12,500 past participants, Your Shot was built on democratizing DJ culture by empowering young people to step behind the decks regardless of their background, income, or experience. Rooted in the belief that everyone deserves “their shot”, the program reimagines the traditional DJ competition format and provides basic training to complete beginners. With a strong emphasis on social inclusion, accessibility, and community impact, Your Shot empowers young people of all backgrounds to explore their creativity and connect with a community of like-minded individuals.
“Your Shot is about giving people a platform to challenge themselves, learn the basics, build a community outside their bedrooms, and take their passion for DJing and dance music to the next level. That’s what young Americans are asking for today, just like young Australians, and it’s so exciting to finally be able to answer the call.” – Steve Pillemer, Founder and CEO of Your Shot
Following a selection process, 200 participants in each city will receive six weeks of expert-led instruction at The Academy, learning the basics and fundamentals of DJ’ing: everything from mixing and music selection to live performance. After training, contestants showcase their skills at sold-out, festival-style events in front of fans, industry judges, and talent scouts. Throughout the competition, participants are provided with adaptive hands-on learning techniques and develop skills that translate outside the decks, from finding their creative voice to building self-confidence. Your Shot is about nurturing growth rather than fast-tracking talent, emphasizing the technical and emotional foundation needed to pursue a passion. Beyond the competition experience, Your Shot inspires its entrants with a refreshed mindset and newfound courage, motivating them to challenge themselves and foster their own supportive communities.
Your Shot winners earn a coveted DJ slot at one of the world’s top music festivals, with past contestants performing at CRSSD (USA), Hideout (Croatia), BPM (Costa Rica), Snowbombing (Austria), Snow Machine (Japan), and Awake (Indonesia). Past Your Shot winners have gone on to become globally renowned artists like Tigerlily, Sippy and Go Freek, who are among the program’s success stories and of the 62% of past participants who now perform regular gigs and hold residencies around the world. In partnership with the Australian Government, Your Shot has worked with countless disadvantaged youth by giving them tools and support to develop a new skillset that previously felt unachievable. The program continues to receive support from longstanding partners including JBL Audio, Pioneer, and Red Bull.
This year’s US advisors include visionary producer, instrumentalist, DJ, and FEMME HOUSE co-founder LP Giobbi, Harvey Cohen, President at Live Nation’s Vibee, and management company The Circuit Group (Chris Lake, FISHER). In their roles, they will help shape Your Shot’s upcoming inaugural US edition.
More than prizes, every participant gains confidence, skills, and lifelong connections within a supportive community. Your Shot invites all passionate music lovers to take their shot and step into the spotlight.
Online registration is now open for Your Shot US 2025 and AU/NZ/UK 2026. In person selection will take place at Catch One in Los Angeles on September 13th, and Elsewhere in New York on September 20th.
