Tomorrowland Academy Celebrates Rising Stars of 2025
As the year ends, Tomorrowland Academy looks back on a year full of successes and dreams turned into careers. In 2025, music fans and experts worldwide have witnessed talented artists such as bedroom DJs releasing tracks through Tomorrowland Music and first-time performers stepping onto Tomorrowland’s famous stages. Here are the stories of Tomorrowland Academy students who have achieved success in 2025.
Furthermore, for anyone who wants to participate in the Tomorrowland Academy DJ Contest for a chance to showcase their talents at Tomorrowland Winter 2026, check out this article to see details on how to join.
Portex
Portex (26, Belgium) started DJing on a small laptop controller, experimenting with Techno, Trance, and Acid music at home. Later, his personal passion quickly grew into a dream he wanted to share with others. His big break came when his submission was chosen for release on Tomorrowland Music in 2024, leading to international releases, festival bookings, and opportunities he once thought were impossible. Since then, Portex has played at some of Belgium’s top stages and released tracks like ‘Scandalous’ with Amber Broos. He continues to grow in the electronic music scene, supported by the Tomorrowland family.
Ayden Loyde
Ayden Loyde (24, Sweden) found DJing three years ago as a way to express the music that moved him. In early 2025, he joined Tomorrowland Academy, gaining valuable insights and support that helped him improve his skills and stay true to his artistic vision. In fact, Ayden achieved a milestone by winning the Tomorrowland Winter 2025 DJ Contest, which allowed him to perform on the Reflection of Love stage in Alpe d’Huez, France. During this performance, he debuted his single ‘Breathe’, which was later released on RISE with Tomorrowland Music.
David Herrlich
David Herrlich (32, Germany) already had a successful international DJ career but sought to find a sound that resonated with him. Unhappy with the current tech house trends, he looked for new creative directions. Joining Tomorrowland Academy during a rebranding phase gave him the tools and confidence to create music that truly reflects who he is. Additionally, he achieved a major milestone by winning the Perform at Tomorrowland 2025 competition, which secured him a spot on the House of Fortune stage by JBL.
Elisa Amaral
Elisa Amaral (41, Brazil) discovered DJing in 2010 when she played music for a friend at a club, feeling the excitement of leading a dance floor. She dedicated herself to mastering DJing over the years. Elisa has competed in three major Tomorrowland contests—Winter, Belgium, and Brazil—placing 5th, 3rd, and 2nd, respectively, and growing stronger with each experience. Her hard work attracted industry attention, leading to performances at Tomorrowland Brasil, Amsterdam Dance Event, and an exclusive set for One World Radio. Elisa’s success has helped inspire a new generation of women in electronic music.
Lucca van Damme
Lucca van Damme (Belgium, 15 years old) joined Tomorrowland Academy in 2023 and has already performed at Tomorrowland for three years in a row. His sets at the Library and the Gathering showed his rapid growth and established him as one of Belgium’s most promising young talents. Later in 2025, Lucca debuted his track ‘Oblivion’ on Generation Smash. Tomorrowland Academy helped him improve his production and mixing skills, guiding him to complete and release his first track. Lucca turned his early passion into a professional career, showing how early opportunities can lead to success.
Meszo
Meszo (24, Brazil) spent years finding his sound in the Brazilian electronic music scene. With hard work and guidance from Tomorrowland DJ Academy, he gained the confidence to perform authentically on stage. His newfound confidence led him to win the Perform at Tomorrowland Brasil 2025 competition, where he showcased the refined sound and performance skills he developed with the Academy’s support.
