Armin van Buuren Brings His Unique Face2Face Concept to Ushuaïa Ibiza

When it comes to defining the global landscape of electronic dance music, few names carry the same weight as Armin van Buuren. A pioneer of trance and a constant innovator, Armin has been at the forefront of the scene for more than two decades, shaping the genre through his productions, iconic sets, and his legendary A State of Trance (ASOT) brand. Now, in September 2025, he is set to bring a groundbreaking new concept to the island that has always been synonymous with dance culture: Ibiza. His Face2Face residency at Ushuaïa Ibiza will run every Sunday from September 7 to September 28, promising fans a transformative experience that redefines what a DJ set can be.

After already electrifying the island earlier this summer with five sold-out shows from June 8 to July 6, including a rare six-hour open-to-close set that left the crowd in awe, Armin is ready to push the boundaries further. This new run of shows represents not only a residency but a bold step forward in live electronic performance.

The Birth of the Face2Face Concept

At its core, Face2Face is a fresh reimagining of what it means for DJs to perform together. Traditionally, collaborations have come in the form of solo sets or the familiar back-to-back format where two DJs alternate tracks. Face2Face, however, flips this approach entirely. Instead of sharing decks in a side-by-side setup, two DJs stand literally face-to-face, engaging in a live, spontaneous dialogue through music.

This setup fosters real-time creativity, where tracks are not just mixed but challenged, layered, and reinterpreted in ways that keep the performance unpredictable and alive. It is less about preplanned transitions and more about raw interaction. For the crowd, it creates an immersive journey, as they witness not only the music but also the chemistry and energy exchanged between the artists.

Armin himself has emphasized just how personal this Ibiza launch of Face2Face is:

“Bringing my Face2Face concept to Ibiza for the first time, as part of my ASOT residency at Ushuaïa, is really special to me. 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. I can’t wait to share this journey with everyone on the dancefloor.”

His words reflect what many fans already know: Ibiza is not just another stop on the global dance music circuit. It is the ultimate stage for bold ideas, and Face2Face is poised to become one of the most talked-about concepts of the season.

The September Residency Lineup

Each Sunday in September will carry its own theme, with Armin curating a diverse lineup of artists who represent the cutting edge of electronic music. From deep cinematic soundscapes to driving techno and euphoric trance, the programming ensures that no two nights will be the same. Confirmed names so far include:

• Oliver Heldens – bringing his future house mastery to the stage, and performing the opening night Face2Face set with Armin on September 7.

• Olympe – showcasing her rising talent with melodic and emotional beats.

• Avalan Rokston – delivering soaring vocals and uplifting performances.

• AVIRA – known for his cinematic approach to progressive and deep sounds.

• Ben Gold – a trance powerhouse whose anthemic energy always ignites crowds.

• D.O.D – with playful and inventive UK house grooves.

• Funk Tribu – infusing techno with Latin-driven rhythm and speed.

• Inafekt – blending emotional layers with groove-heavy foundations.

• Lilly Palmer – commanding the stage with bold and uncompromising techno.

• Maddix – firing up audiences with his big room, festival-driven sound.

• Seth Hills – showcasing the next generation of mainstage power.

The residency will culminate on September 28, where Armin will deliver an extended four-hour set, a closing performance that will no doubt stand as a highlight of the Ibiza 2025 season.

A State of Trance: A Legacy of Connection

No discussion of Armin van Buuren is complete without recognizing the role of A State of Trance. What began as a modest radio show has grown into one of the most influential brands in electronic music history. Broadcasting weekly to more than 80 countries and reaching over 44 million listeners per episode, ASOT has become a global community that unites trance lovers under one shared passion.

Beyond the radio show, ASOT has evolved into a worldwide touring festival series, hosting more than 100 events across five continents. Each event blends world-class production, powerful lineups, and a spirit of unity that is rare in music today. By bringing ASOT to Ibiza in this new form, Armin is not just performing; he is extending the global heartbeat of trance to the island that defines electronic culture.

For fans, the residency represents an unmissable chance to experience ASOT and Face2Face together—two concepts that highlight Armin’s unique ability to innovate while staying true to the emotional essence of his music.

Why Ibiza Matters

For decades, Ibiza has been the crown jewel of electronic music, attracting the biggest artists and the most dedicated fans. Venues like Ushuaïa have become legendary not just for their size and production but for the atmosphere they create. Dancing under the stars, with jets flying overhead and waves of sound pulsing across the crowd, is an experience unlike any other.

Armin’s return in 2025 is significant because it reflects his deep connection to the island. Having performed countless summers on its stages, he has become part of Ibiza’s musical DNA. Yet, introducing Face2Face here signals a new era. It is bold, experimental, and perfectly suited for an audience that craves fresh experiences.

What Fans Can Expect

Those attending Armin’s Face2Face residency should prepare for more than just music. The nights will be a full sensory journey, combining world-class visuals, powerful stage design, and, most importantly, the human connection between artists and fans. Expect:

• Four themed Sundays with unique artist lineups.

• The debut of Face2Face in Ibiza, starting with Armin and Oliver Heldens.

• Surprise guest appearances and potential unannounced collaborations.

• A broad range of genres, from trance to techno, house to big room.

• Armin’s four-hour extended closing set, a performance likely to be remembered as a season highlight.

Final Thoughts

As Armin van Buuren prepares to launch his Face2Face residency at Ushuaïa Ibiza, the anticipation is palpable. For longtime fans, it is a chance to witness one of the world’s most respected DJs break new ground. For those new to trance or electronic music, it is an invitation to experience the kind of magic that only Ibiza can deliver.

Face2Face is more than a performance style—it is a statement. It shows that even after decades at the top of the industry, Armin van Buuren is still finding ways to innovate, surprise, and inspire. September 2025 will not just be another chapter in his career; it will be a defining moment for Ibiza’s dance music history.

For anyone who loves electronic music, these four Sundays are not to be missed. Armin van Buuren, A State of Trance, and the Face2Face concept at Ushuaïa Ibiza are set to make this one of the most memorable residencies the island has ever seen.