Crossfader and Rise Festival Launch 2026 Main Stage DJ Contest

On June 8, 2026, DJ education platform Crossfader announced a major partnership with Rise Festival to launch a career-making DJ competition. Designed to uncover the next generation of electronic music talent, the contest offers one up-and-coming DJ a rare opportunity: a main stage performance slot at Rise Festival 2026.

A Golden Ticket to the French Alps

Rise Festival 2026 is scheduled to run from December 5 to 12, 2026, in the renowned ski resort of Les Deux Alpes, France. Combining alpine winter sports with heavy-hitting electronic music programming, the event has become a staple of the European winter festival circuit.

The grand prize winner will receive an all-expenses-paid experience. In addition to the coveted main stage slot, the prize package includes:

• A secondary performance at the dedicated Crossfader Hub.
• Fully covered flights and accommodation.
• Extensive promotional support across the digital channels of both Crossfader and Rise Festival.

Sharing the Stage with Electronic Heavyweights

Securing a main stage slot means the winning DJ will share the 2026 lineup with some of the most prominent names in global dance music. The roster includes:

• Sub Focus: A pioneer in the drum and bass scene known for arena-sized anthems.
• Overmono: The Welsh brother duo celebrated for their boundary-pushing blend of UK bass, techno, and breakbeat.
• Chris Stussy: A leading figure in modern house music, renowned for his deep, rolling basslines.
• Hannah Laing: A high-energy DJ and producer championing hard house and trance.

Performing alongside these established acts provides an unparalleled networking and exposure opportunity, bridging the gap between bedroom DJing and international touring.

How to Enter the Competition

The submission window officially opens on June 10, 2026, and closes on July 19, 2026. The competition is accessible to a wide range of aspiring artists, provided they meet the following criteria:

• Age Requirement: Entrants must be 18 years of age or older.
• Membership: Participants must hold either a free or paid membership on the Crossfader platform.
• The Mix: DJs must record and submit a 30-to-60-minute mix via a public streaming link (such as SoundCloud or Mixcloud).

Judges from Crossfader and Rise Festival will evaluate submissions based on track selection, technical proficiency, and dynamic mixing skills suited for a large, high-energy festival environment.

A Vital Pipeline for Emerging Talent

Breaking into the international festival circuit is notoriously difficult for independent artists. By leveraging Crossfader's extensive educational community and Rise Festival's massive audience, this partnership establishes a direct discovery pipeline for grassroots talent. For the winning DJ, the December 2026 performance in Les Deux Alpes could serve as the ultimate launchpad for a long-term career in electronic music.