DARKHORSE & Grouse are revealed as the winners of the ANTS: NEXT GEN Artist Program 2025. The Sydney-based DJs will now get the opportunity to perform at ANTS METALWORKS in Ibiza this summer, playing on Ushuaïa Ibiza’s iconic poolside stage. Alongside this, the talented pair will receive unparalleled artist mentorship from the ANTS team to nurture their creative and professional development, plus a suite of prizes and support from a strong network of partners including AlphaTheta, DJ Mag, Ibiza Sonica, and pointblank Music School and SoundCloud.
DARKHORSE & Grouse were picked out of over 1,500 entrants in the ANTS: NEXT GEN 2025 Artist Program. Their mix impressed the judging panel of industry experts, talent spotters and accomplished DJs, including Yann Pissenem (Owner, Founder, and CEO of [UNVRS], Ushuaïa & Hï Ibiza and The Night League), Itziar Gonzalez (ANTS Project Manager), ANTS regulars Andrea Oliva, Chelina Manuhutu and SYREETA, plus ANTS: NEXT GEN 2023 & 2024 winners, Us Two and Firza.
Commenting on the win, DARKHORSE & Grouse said:
“We’ve been to ANTS many times as ravers, travelling from Australia and dreaming of one day being up there ourselves. To now be named ANTS: NEXT GEN winners is surreal. Massive thanks to the ANTS mentors for believing in us, and to our friends, family and community who’ve backed us the whole way. This is the start of something we’ve worked towards for a long time, and we’re ready to give it everything.”
The Australian DJs will play a set at Ushuaïa Ibiza for ANTS METALWORKS on Saturday 6th September alongside a huge lineup, featuring Andrea Oliva, HoneyLuv B2B TSHA, Melé, KILIMANJARO and Dunmore Brothers.
Further prizes come in the form of an artist billboard in Ibiza. Global exposure continues with a filmed DJ set on Ibiza Sonica Radio, a takeover of the ANTS Apple Music playlist, and a DJ Mag feature. The winner will also join a pointblank production masterclass alongside an ANTS core artist, receive AlphaTheta gear guidance and headphones, and benefit from tailored artist mentorship.
At the heart of the journey is SoundCloud, powering a bespoke artist campaign, designed to amplify their sound and position them as the next major name in electronic music. The top 10 finalists will also receive promotional support, a one-year SoundCloud Artist Pro subscription, and exclusive access to the ANTS team.
Alongside the winners, notable Top 10 entries came from AMAR, Andy Alexander, Anto Zagu, Jenessa Acosta, Loopita, OZALID, REENDAY, SAIGON and Samuele Scelfo. All of the mixes are available to listen to on the ANTS SoundCloud Page.
ANTS METALWORKS takes over Ushuaïa Ibiza every Saturday from 3rd May – 4th October 2025.
ABOUT ANTS
ANTS is an international club brand synonymous with awe-inspiring production, innovative audio-visual experiences and an exhilarating house and techno soundtrack. A diverse, forward-thinking music program will showcase authentic underground sounds each week at The Colony’s spiritual home: Ushuaïa Ibiza. The future-facing soundtrack will accompany an ambitious new immersive production that invites audiences to explore an exciting new era of ANTS.
What began as a small party for Ibiza’s workers’ community has grown to become one of the world’s leading club brands. This evolution from Ibiza institution to global powerhouse has seen ANTS host stages and events at the scene’s most influential clubs and festivals, including Printworks, Fabrik, Tomorrowland, Snowbombing, Extrema Outdoor, Dreamfields Festival, Zamna and many more.
ABOUT USHUAÏA IBIZA
Since its inception, Ushuaïa Ibiza has been the ultimate destination for international thrill-seekers on the island. Known for hosting the world’s biggest superstar DJs, Ushuaïa Ibiza combines an iconic stage, large pool area, and open-air dancefloor to deliver an unmatched musical experience. Blending breathtaking production with immersive performances, Ushuaïa Ibiza creates unforgettable moments that transcend the ordinary. A gateway to a hedonistic wonderland, the venue offers residencies and guest appearances from the best global talent, transporting guests to a world beyond imagination. Ushuaïa Ibiza is more than a venue—it’s a dance music utopia where music meets magic, and lifelong memories are made.
ABOUT THE NIGHT LEAGUE
Founded in 2001 by creative visionary Yann Pissenem, The Night League is a globally renowned nightlife & entertainment company that continually pushes the boundaries of possibility to deliver world-class music experiences. Based in Ibiza, Spain, the company operates globally and is responsible for creating cutting-edge and award-winning brands such as Ushuaïa Ibiza, Hï Ibiza, Playa Soleil, ANTS, and many more.
Frequently collaborating with the world’s most influential artists, festivals and events, The Night League develops bespoke, pioneering concepts that consistently shift the dial of the entertainment industry. The company’s dedicated team of event producers, venue operators, booking managers, artist management, marketing, and creative teams, expertly fuse music and art to captivate a global audience.
The Night League expanded internationally in 2024, launching the acclaimed Ushuaïa Dubai Harbour Experience, which has attracted over 60,000 people over five sold-out spectaculars. The growth continued in 2025 with the launch of [UNVRS] (pronounced “Universe”). The revolutionary new venue has elevated Ibiza’s nightlife scene and set a new standard for music entertainment worldwide.
