Your Shot: Launching the Next Generation of DJs in the U.S.

Your Shot: Launching the Next Generation of DJs in the U.S.

DJing can be an expensive hobby to pursue, as it requires access to equipment and training. Many aspiring DJs may not have the resources to get started in the industry. Your Shot, a DJ competition that originated in Australia 15 years ago, aims to change that by providing newcomers with the tools they need to succeed. With over 12,500 participants in Australia and New Zealand since 2010, Your Shot has helped launch the careers of artists like Tigerlily, Sippy, and Go Freek.

Now, Your Shot is expanding its reach to the United States, starting with programs in New York and Los Angeles this fall. The program will offer 200 participants in each city six weeks of training at The Academy, where they will learn essential DJ skills and receive guidance on navigating a career in the industry. The goal is to foster talent and create a lasting passion for the art of DJing.

After completing the training at The Academy, contestants will have the opportunity to showcase their skills at festival-style events, where they will perform for fans, industry judges, and talent scouts. Some winners may even earn a slot at upcoming festivals, such as CRSSD in San Diego, BPM in Costa Rica, and Snowbombing in Austria. In-person selections for the program will take place in Los Angeles on Sept. 13 and in New York on Sept. 20.

The 2025 U.S. advisors for Your Shot include LP Giobbi, co-founder of Femme House, Harvey Cohen from Live Nation's Vibee, and representatives from The Circuit Group. Your Shot's founder and CEO, Steve Pillemer, emphasizes the program's goal of providing a platform for aspiring DJs to challenge themselves, learn, and build a community around their passion for music. The expansion of Your Shot to the U.S. is an exciting opportunity for young Americans looking to take their DJing skills to the next level.