Your Shot DJ Academy Expands to New Cities in 2026
Your Shot, an innovative DJ academy and competition platform, is making waves in the North American electronic music scene as it expands into two new cities: Denver and Miami. Set to occur in August and September 2026, this grassroots initiative aims to enhance training for aspiring DJs while providing them with real performance opportunities.
Key Takeaways
Your Shot is launching in four U.S. cities: Denver, Miami, Los Angeles, and Brooklyn, opening doors for a diverse array of emerging talent.
With state-of-the-art hardware support from industry leaders AlphaTheta and Sony, participants benefit from hands-on experience with professional equipment.
Notable industry mentors, including LP Giobbi and Harvey Cohen, provide invaluable guidance as participants navigate their training and early careers.
Winning the competition grants selected DJs prestigious performance slots at major events, including F1 Las Vegas and Insomniac’s EDSea.
Addressing the challenges faced by unrepresented DJ talent, Your Shot is committed to dismantling barriers that impede entry into the professional world of electronic music. In its inaugural American campaign, which took place in 2025, the organization successfully trained over 500 novice DJs, attracting 10,000 attendees to club showcases in Los Angeles and New York.
Expansion Details: New Hubs and Training Structure
The 2026 expansion promises an exciting agenda, with in-person selection trials kicking off at Bar Standard in Denver on August 22, followed by M2 Nightclub in Miami on August 29. The hustle continues in Los Angeles at Catch One on September 12, culminating in Brooklyn’s Elsewhere on September 19. Each selected participant will embark on a rigorous six-week training program designed to elevate their skills from casual music lovers to adept performers.
The curriculum encompasses essential elements of DJing, including audio engineering principles, beatmatching, gain staging, EQ isolation, and dynamic track selection. Throughout this intensive program, participants will engage with AlphaTheta’s industry-standard mixers and players, stepping away from the typically used home setups and immersing themselves in a professional club environment. The audio experience is enhanced with Sony’s ULT POWER SOUND series, allowing trainees to familiarize themselves with high-quality sound monitoring.
“Your Shot is not just a DJ competition. It is a community for aspiring DJs and music fans to challenge themselves, learn new skills, and build real relationships,” shares founder Steve Pillemer. “We’ve seen music, access, and opportunity transform lives across Australia and America.”
Mentorship and Industry Connections
Your Shot 2026 will benefit from the insights of experienced industry mentors. Among these mentors is LP Giobbi, a renowned producer and co-founder of FEMME HOUSE, along with Harvey Cohen, President of Vibe, and representatives from The Circuit Group, who manage various prominent artists. These industry leaders will guide contestants through their training, supporting them in their quest to establish their foot in the competitive DJing landscape.
“Every aspiring artist deserves access to opportunities, mentorship, and community support. I’m proud to support Your Shot’s mission to guide the next generation of DJs,” says LP Giobbi.
Throughout the comprehensive six-week training, beginners will engage in hands-on practice to develop skills in track phrasing, harmonic mixing, and mic handling. They’ll also learn critical aspects of reading room dynamics and managing equipment under high-volume conditions, facilitated by professional sound setups at each venue.
Showcase and Performance Opportunities
The culmination of the training is a series of showcase weekends in Denver, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. Participants will perform live sets in front of industry judges and audiences, showcasing their newfound skills in mixing, crowd engagement, and stage presence. Winners will earn DJ slots at renowned festivals, immediately transitioning from classroom theory to live performance.
Recent winners have opened for prestigious festivals like the Elements Music & Arts Festival and the CRSSD Festival. The opportunity to perform at high-profile events such as F1 Las Vegas adds significant value, providing a direct pathway into the professional circuit for the next generation of DJs.
Your Shot 2026 FAQ
What host cities are included in the 2026 U.S. tour?
Your Shot expands to four U.S. cities in 2026: Denver, Miami, Los Angeles, and New York. Selection events will take place at Bar Standard, M2 Nightclub, Catch One, and Elsewhere, respectively.
Which hardware manufacturers supply equipment for the DJ academy?
AlphaTheta supplies mixers and controllers for training, while Sony provides audio monitoring equipment to enhance the learning experience.
Who are the confirmed industry advisors for Your Shot 2026?
Advisors include LP Giobbi, Harvey Cohen from Vibee, and executives from The Circuit Group, providing workshops and mentorship to guide participants.
What festival performance opportunities do competition winners receive?
Winners gain slots at major events such as F1 Las Vegas and Insomniac’s EDSea, providing visibility and entry into the music industry.
How long is the training and mentorship curriculum?
The program lasts six weeks, combining technical training with live performance preparation.
What were the attendance figures from the inaugural U.S. edition?
The first U.S. edition trained over 500 DJs and attracted over 10,000 attendees to its showcase events.
