Tomorrowland DJ Academy celebrates the rising stars of 2025

Sunday, 28 December 2025 - As the year draws to a close, Tomorrowland Academy looks back on a year defined by breakthrough moments and dreams that turned into careers. From bedroom DJs releasing tracks on Tomorrowland Music to first-time performers stepping onto Tomorrowland’s iconic stages, 2025 has marked a powerful chapter of growth for the Academy’s students. Today, the achievements speak louder than words: these are the student-to-artist success stories that defined 2025 at Tomorrowland Academy.

Launched in 2022, Tomorrowland Academy has grown into an international education platform empowering music enthusiasts at every level. Through a combination of physical and online programs in DJing, music production, performance presence, and personal branding, the Academy equips artists with the skills, confidence, and industry insight needed to thrive.

Portex: From bedroom DJ to international stage
​Portex (26, Belgium) started DJing on a small laptop controller, experimenting with Techno, Trance, and Acid in his bedroom. What began as a personal passion quickly became a dream he wanted to share with the world. His breakthrough came when his Rise submission was selected for release on Tomorrowland Music in 2024, opening doors to international releases, festival bookings, and opportunities he had once only imagined.

"I gained so much confidence on all levels, I’ve played on a lot of big stages lately, achieved already so many dreams and it really feels comfortable and in a place where I want to be and what I want to do, that's something I would never have believed when I first started DJing." - Portex (26, Belgium)

Since then, Portex has played on some of Belgium’s most prestigious stages, released several new tracks, including 'Scandalous' in collaboration with Amber Broos, and continues to strengthen his place in the electronic music scene with the support of the Tomorrowland family.

"I also got selected for the One World futures program, coming close to the real One World Agency this really is a dream and definitely boosted my career!" - Portex (26, Belgium)

Ayden Loyde: A Journey of dreaming, daring, and doing
​Ayden Loyde (24, Sweden) discovered DJing three years ago as a way to channel music that truly moved him. In early 2025, he became a member of the Tomorrowland Academy. He gained unparalleled industry insights, creative guidance, and practical tools that catalyzed a decisive evolution in his craft and solidified his commitment to his artistic vision.

"Before the Academy, I was more of a dreamer than a doer. Now, after joining in early 2025, things have changed drastically. I have real music out in the world, a debut single released, a growing network, and most importantly, the confidence to present myself as an artist." - Ayden Loyde (24, Sweden)

Loyde hit a defining career milestone by winning the Tomorrowland Winter 2025 DJ Contest, earning his first-ever performance on the festival’s iconic Reflection of Love stage in Alpe d’Huez, France. During his performance, he debuted his single “Breathe,” which was later officially released on RISE with Tomorrowland Music.

"Without a doubt, performing at the Reflection of Love stage during Tomorrowland Winter is one of my most proud moments. Being on that stage was a dream come true. Above all, it made my debut single possible, playing it live for the first time on that stage." - Ayden Loyde (24, Sweden)

David Herrlich: From self-discovery to Tomorrowland stage
​David Herrlich (32, Germany) had already built a successful international performing career. Yet, he remained on a journey of self-discovery, searching for a sound that truly resonated with him. Tech house was moving in a direction he could not connect with, pushing him to explore new creative paths.

Joining the Tomorrowland Academy during a period of rebranding gave him the tools and confidence to create music that genuinely reflected his artistic identity. This journey reached a milestone when he won the Perform at Tomorrowland 2025 competition, securing a performance on the House of Fortune stage by JBL.

"I started producing music that didn’t fit neatly into any genre, music that I couldn’t easily label myself and that was exactly the sign that I was finally creating something true to me. All of this showed me that I’m working on something real, something meaningful. And Tomorrowland - together with the Academy - has become a huge part of this." - David Herrlich (32, Germany)

Elisa Amaral: Breaking beats and barriers
​Elisa Amaral (41, Brazil) discovered DJing at the end of 2010, when she pressed the play button for a friend at a club and felt the indescribable power of commanding a dance floor. From that moment, she dedicated herself to mastering the art of DJing. Over the years, she has competed in three major Tomorrowland contests - Winter, Belgium, and Brazil - placing 5th, 3rd, and 2nd, and growing stronger with each challenge.

"I initially joined because of the Tomorrowland contests. I had the dream of playing at the festival, and to my surprise, I discovered an incredible community of people behind it all, as well as courses and workshops that I made great use of." - Elisa Amaral (41, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Her dedication and growth caught the attention of industry experts, leading to performances at Tomorrowland Brasil, Amsterdam Dance Event, and an exclusive set for One World Radio. By achieving these milestones, Elisa has turned her long-held dreams into reality, while paving the way for a new generation of women in electronic music.

“What impacted me the most wasn’t the contest results themselves, but what came afterward: being invited to perform at Tomorrowland even without winning. During my set, i saw so many DJ friends from the industry in the audience. Witnessing such strong support among women was deeply inspiring - it reminded me how important it is that we lift each other up.” - Elisa Amaral (41, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil)

Lucca van Damme: Mastering the decks at 17
​Since joining the Tomorrowland Academy in 2023 at just 15 years old, Lucca van Damme (Belgium) has already performed at Tomorrowland for three consecutive years. His sets at the Library and the Gathering have showcased his rapid growth and cemented his reputation as one of Belgium’s most promising young talents.

"I don’t think there’s a better place or academy to learn everything about the DJ world than the academy of the number one festival in the world, Tomorrowland." ​ - Lucca van Damme (17, Belgium)

In 2025, Lucca made his debut with “Oblivion” on Generation Smash, a major milestone for the young producer. The Tomorrowland Academy not only helped him refine his production, mixing, and set-building skills, but also guided him through the process of completing and releasing his first track. Lucca has transformed his early passion into a professional career, showing how early opportunities can propel young talents onto the world stage.

"I was already producing and DJing before, but thanks to the tips and advice from the Academy, my productions have been improved. I also learned how to structure and build my sets in the most effective way." - Lucca van Damme (17, Belgium)

Meszo: A story where belief meets breakthrough
​For Meszo (24, Brazil), finding his sound was a personal journey. He spent years searching for his true sound in the Brazilian electronic scene. Through hard work, experimentation, and guidance from the Tomorrowland DJ Academy, he gained the confidence to take his artistry to the next level and perform with authenticity on the world stage.

"My journey with the Academy was life-changing. In just a few months, it pushed me to  grow, believe in myself again, and reconnect with music as my true purpose. It felt like the door I had been chasing during all these years finally opened. The Academy transformed me in a way that made me believe I belong in this dream." - Meszo (24, Brazil)

That confidence propelled him to win the Perform at Tomorrowland Brasil 2025 competition, where he showcased the refined sound and performance skills he had honed with the Academy’s support.

"Winning 1st place worldwide and performing at Tomorrowland Brasil 2025 was a moment I’ll carry forever. Walking on stage at Tomorrowland Brasil 2025, knowing I was representing Brazil, the Academy, and all the rising artists was the most surreal and emotional moment of my life." - Meszo (24, Brazil)

ABOUT THE TOMORROWLAND ACADEMY
​The Tomorrowland Academy is Tomorrowland’s educational DJ & producer platform that gives beginning and advanced DJs & producers the chance to take their career to the next level.​ The Academy offers a variety of resources to help artists grow and refine their craft. While both DJs who have just started their journey as well as the more experienced ones can practice and take their first steps into deejaying and producing with the online academy’s in-depth courses, challenge their skills, innovate their music library and solve common DJ problems, producers can learn from the best in the industry, upgrade their techniques, browse samples and project files and receive feedback on their demos. Through comprehensive courses, exclusive masterclasses, and interactive competitions, students receive both technical and soft skills training essential for success in the music industry.