Zero-Experience-Required DJing Competition, Your Shot, Heading to the US

After 15 years of transforming Australia and New Zealand’s DJ landscape, Your Shot is crossing the Pacific to launch its first US events in Los Angeles and New York City this September.

The organization has partnered with AlphaTheta to build what it’s calling the world’s only no-experience-necessary DJ competition and music academy, having already trained over 12,500 participants since 2010. The premise is refreshingly simple: take beginners, give them six weeks of expert training, then showcase their skills in front of industry professionals.

What sets Your Shot apart from traditional DJ competitions is its focus on accessibility over gatekeeping. Participants don’t need prior experience, expensive equipment or industry connections to get started.

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

Winners earn a coveted DJ slot “at one of the world’s top music festivals,” according to a press release. Past contestants have performed at San Diego’s CRSSD, Croatia’s Hideout and Costa Rica’s BPM, among other major festivals.

Your Shot’s track record speaks for itself. 62% of past participants now perform regular gigs, the company said, and notable alumni include esteemed DJs like SIPPY, Tigerlily and Go Freek. The US expansion comes with advisory support from industry heavyweights like LP Giobbi, the barnstorming DJ and FEMME HOUSE founder who in 2021 was named Best Music Executive on EDM.com‘s list of the year’s top industry leaders.

Beyond the competition element, Your Shot positions itself as addressing a broader social need, providing creative outlets and community-building for disadvantaged youth who might otherwise lack access to professional music education.

Registration is now open, with in-person selections happening at Los Angeles’ Catch One (September 13th) and New York’s Elsewhere (September 20th). Each city will select 200 participants for the inaugural US program.

The post Zero-Experience-Required DJing Competition, Your Shot, Heading to the US appeared first on EDM.