The King Returns: Armin Van Buuren’s Boldest Move Yet In Ibiza

This September, the iconic sounds of trance return to Ushuaïa Ibiza in spectacular fashion as the king of trance unveils one of his most ambitious concepts yet. The king of trance returns in September with an exclusive A State of Trance residency featuring electrifying Face2Face sets – ARMIN VAN BUUREN FACE2FACE WITH LILLY PALMER / MADDIX / OLIVER HELDENS. This isn’t just a concert — it’s a revolution in live DJ performance, a reimagined connection between artist and audience, and a Sunday ritual you won’t want to miss.

What Is Face2Face? A Bold New Concept in Live DJ Performance

For the first time in Ushuaïa Ibiza’s storied history, Armin van Buuren will deliver a four-week Sunday residency using his Face2Face format, a bold, improvisational performance structure where two DJs stand opposite one another — unable to see each other’s CDJs.

This dynamic setup forces each artist to respond live, react to the energy, and craft a soundscape that’s both unpredictable and thrilling. It strips away all pretenses, leaving only the music, the crowd, and pure instinct.

“Bringing my Face2Face concept to Ibiza for the first time as part of my ASOT residency at Ushuaïa is really special,” Armin shared. “Ibiza has always held a special place in my heart, and to experience this level of connection with the crowd, stripped back and focused purely on the music, is something I’ve been longing to do here.”

An All-Star Lineup Every Sunday

Every Sunday from September 7 to September 28, Armin will share the stage with a rotating cast of internationally acclaimed artists, each adding their own flavor to the trance and techno energy that powers the ASOT brand.

The opening night on September 7 will feature Armin van Buuren Face2Face with Oliver Heldens, along with performances from Olympe and Avalan Rokston. Heldens will also play a solo set, bringing his signature fusion of future house and melodic techno.

Throughout the month, audiences can expect to see: Lilly Palmer, delivering driving, dark techno rhythms;  Maddix, known for high-intensity big room energy; AVIRA, Armin’s longtime collaborator with cinematic soundscapes; Ben Gold, a master of uplifting trance anthems; D.O.D, offering bass-heavy UK house; Funk Tribu, infusing techno with Latin passion; Inafekt, a rising star mixing melody with groove; Seth Hills, representing the next generation of big-stage sounds; Olympe, channeling emotion through melodic techno; Avalan Rokston, returning with powerful vocals and live performance

The grand finale on September 28 will see Armin deliver an extended four-hour set, offering a complete journey through trance, progressive, and beyond.

From Radio Waves to Global Stages: The Legacy of A State of Trance

What started in 2001 as a modest radio show is now one of the biggest brands in electronic music. With a weekly reach of over 44 million listeners across 80+ countries, A State of Trance has grown into a global phenomenon.

The ASOT event series has hosted more than 100 large-scale events across five continents, uniting millions of fans under the banner of pure, emotive, high-energy music. Armin van Buuren’s commitment to quality and connection has shaped ASOT into an immersive experience — part concert, part community.

The king of trance returns in September with an exclusive A State of Trance residency featuring electrifying Face2Face sets – ARMIN VAN BUUREN FACE2FACE WITH LILLY PALMER / MADDIX / OLIVER HELDENS, and it’s this deep history and reputation that adds gravity to every beat dropped in Ibiza this fall.

Armin van Buuren: A Career Defined by Innovation and Connection

Few names in electronic music carry the legacy and influence of Armin van Buuren. With five DJ Mag Top 100 #1 placements, a Grammy nomination, and nine full-length albums, his impact on the global dance music scene is undeniable.

Tracks like “Blah Blah Blah,” “Great Spirit” (with Vini Vici), and “This Is What It Feels Like” (featuring Trevor Guthrie) are anthems in their own right, transcending genres and generations.

In 2025, Armin released his ninth studio album, ‘Breathe’, marking another creative evolution in a career that refuses to rest. Alongside his production and touring, he co-founded Armada Music, now the largest independent dance label in the world.

A Touring Giant: Where Armin Reigns

From massive festivals to intimate beach stages, Armin van Buuren is no stranger to the world’s biggest crowds. His calendar regularly features headlining appearances at: Tomorrowland (Belgium, Brazil), Ultra Music Festival (Miami), Electric Daisy Carnival (Las Vegas, New York), Lollapalooza (Chicago, Berlin), Residencies in Las Vegas and Ibiza, Dedicated A State of Trance festivals in London, Rotterdam, and Mexico City.

Yet it’s Ibiza — the spiritual home of electronic music — where he now returns to push boundaries yet again.

Ibiza 2025: Face2Face Ushuaïa Is the Must-Attend Residency

Ibiza’s summer season is packed with legendary performances, but few residencies bring the innovation, pedigree, and cultural weight of this ASOT Face2Face series. Each Sunday at Ushuaïa will be a celebration of spontaneity, showmanship, and sonic elevation.

Fans can expect: Unfiltered, real-time musical dialogue between artists; Festival-level production in Ushuaïa’s signature open-air venue; High-stakes performance pressure for every Face2Face set; Global talent converging on the same stage with Armin; Only four exclusive dates – Sept. 7, 14, 21, and 28.

Why This Matters: A New Chapter for Dance Music

The Face2Face concept represents more than just a performance twist — it’s a philosophical return to the roots of live DJing. With less pre-planning and more instinctual interaction, it forces artists to rely on connection, reaction, and musical intuition. For fans, it means every show is truly one of a kind.

The king of trance returns in September with an exclusive A State of Trance residency featuring electrifying Face2Face sets – ARMIN VAN BUUREN FACE2FACE WITH LILLY PALMER / MADDIX / OLIVER HELDENS, and the energy on the island will be unlike anything else.

Prepare for a Monumental September in Ibiza

Armin van Buuren has spent more than two decades redefining trance and building one of the strongest fan communities in electronic music. With the launch of Face2Face at Ushuaïa, he once again places himself at the cutting edge of live DJ performance.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of ASOT or a newcomer looking to feel the true pulse of trance music, these Sunday nights in Ibiza are not to be missed. Four dates. Infinite energy. And a chance to witness the king of trance challenge himself and his guests — face to face.