Los Angeles’ Jelly Bean and New York City’s Punky Butter won the inaugural Your Shot DJ Competition in the US. They’re now set to perform at top festivals.
When the inaugural edition of Your Shot landed in the US, it set the tone for what was to come in the electronic music scene. The two-day DJ competition drew record-breaking attendance, welcoming more than 500 contestants across Los Angeles and New York City and crowning two winners ready to take the next step in their DJ journeys.
Following initial selection rounds this fall, participants took part in six weeks of hands-on academy training before stepping behind the decks for their final showcase in November. Nearly 10,000 attendees across both cities turned out to support the participants as these contestants delivered unforgettable performances while experiencing the thrill of performing on stage for the very first time.
In Los Angeles, the two-day finale took place at Catch One in September, where Ashley Wilkins, known onstage as Jelly Bean, earned the title of city champion after winning the crowd with her high-octane bass music set. Through the competition, she fulfilled a lifelong dream while forming meaningful, lasting friendships.
On the East Coast, the November New York City showcase at Elsewhere saw Brooklyn-based DJ Jade Letlow, performing under the stage name Punky Butter, crowned the champion with a set replete with warm, hypnotic house and techno beats that drew the audience to the dancefloor. She credits Your Shot with helping her grow in confidence and creativity while finding a stronger sense of community.
After their victories, Jelly Bean and Punky Butter will take their journeys to the next level with performances at top global festivals. Jelly Bean will take the stage at CRSSD, San Diego’s iconic waterfront festival, while Punky Butter is headed to Elements Music & Arts Festival, the immersive three-day summer festival held in the Woodlands Outside of Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, Pennsylvania. Their festival debuts bring their Your Shot experience full circle and highlight how the program empowers DJs of all backgrounds.
Since its launch in 2010, Your Shot has empowered thousands across Australia and New Zealand, offering first-time DJs a welcoming environment to learn, grow, and perform. The success of the inaugural US edition — along with the upcoming festival debuts of winners Jelly Bean and Punky Butter — proves that talent is everywhere. With the right platform, aspiring DJs from all walks of life can showcase their skills, gain confidence, and take their passion to stages that were once out of their reach.
To get involved in 2026 and take your talents to the big stage, register on the official Your Shot website.
