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.

Tickets and more info HERE.