The #UPnXtDJ Contest returns for 2026
BASSBOSS and nXt @ DJX are coming together to amplify and elevate young DJ talent who are ready to step onto a national stage.
The #UPnXtDJ Contest connects emerging DJ talent with real, live performance opportunities at the industry's long-standing conference, the DJX Show.
The first-place winner will earn a complimentary nXt DJ Summer Camp class, hotel accommodations at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City for themselves and a guardian, and a featured performance at the DJX Show. Second and third-place finalists will also perform live at DJX with the top 10 contestants taking the stage at the BASSBOSS booth throughout the event.
All contestants will receive DJX Show exhibit passes for themselves and a guardian, along with a lifetime subscription to DJ LIFE Digital Issues & Newsletters, keeping them connected to the DJ community.
nXt at DJX: Developing Talent Through Experience
The nXt initiative is built to develop the next generation of DJs through hands-on learning and real-world exposure. Anchored by the nXt DJ Summer Camp, the program provides students ages 7–20 with the opportunity to build technical skills, confidence, and stage presence.
Learn more at djxshow.com/aboutnxt
2026 #UPnXtDJ Contest Winners
Huge congratulations to all of the young DJs who stepped up and entered this year’s #UPnXtDJ Contest. Every submission brought its own energy, story, and style, and the level of talent was truly inspiring!
Grand Prize Winner
DJ Niam (@djniamofficial)
DJ Niam rose to the top with a standout performance, creative mixing, and confident stage presence that impressed the judges.
Top Finalists
Check out the top 10 finalists and their incredible performances.
- DJ Eecruize (@djeecruize_)
- DJ Haas (@dj_haas_)
- DJ KING (@official_scratch_brothers)
- DJ Amare (@djamarej)
- DJ Reece Rocks (djreecerocks)
- E THE DJ (@e_thedeejay)
- D Queen (@DJQUEENNY)
- Dj Blazi (@Dj_blazi)
- Dj unstoppable (@1djunstoppable)
- Liam Ramsawak (@djliam)
Thank you to everyone who entered, supported, and shared the #UPnXtDJ Contest. We can’t wait to see where these emerging DJs take their craft next!
