The legendary trance platform A State of Trance (ASOT) kicked off its 25-year anniversary celebration in Rotterdam with an electrifying opening night, as 20,000 attendees packed the arena on Friday to launch the milestone weekend in spectacular fashion.

The first evening showcased a thoughtfully assembled roster that honored trance’s heritage while spotlighting its evolution. Standout moments included a dedicated 25 Years Celebration performance by Armin van Buuren, a rare back-to-back Funk Tribu set with Armin, and appearances from Ruben de Ronde, Ferry Corsten, SUPERSTRINGS, Giuseppe Ottaviani, Mauro Picotto, Will Atkinson, and Matty Ralph. Collectively, they paid homage to a quarter century of the unmistakable ASOT sound.

At the heart of the night was Armin’s marathon five-hour headline performance, which guided the crowd through 25 years of trance history. Midway through his set, he unveiled plans for a summer return to Ibiza, announcing a brand-new ASOT residency at UNVRS. As part of the anniversary festivities, he confirmed he will deliver five extended five-hour shows during the residency, diving deep into the past, present, and future of the brand, another defining highlight in this landmark year.

The celebration continues with a daytime schedule featuring sessions such as Shaping A State of Trance with Armin van Buuren, Inside the OTTAGON, Drop Your Track, and A State of Mind. The evening program brings together multiple generations of trance talent, including a special b3b performance from Armin van Buuren, Oliver Heldens, and Maddix, alongside Laura van Dam, Ottagon, Cosmic Gate, and emerging artists Olivia Lensen, Newtone, DART b2b Inafekt, and Tjade.

Reflecting on the occasion, Armin expressed his gratitude, noting that marking 25 years of ASOT with fans from around the globe exceeded anything he envisioned at the start. Witnessing different generations unite on the dance floor, celebrating the genre’s foundations while looking ahead which was deeply meaningful. Announcing the Ibiza residency during the anniversary weekend made the celebration even more memorable.

From its beginnings as a radio broadcast, A State of Trance has grown into an international phenomenon, linking millions of listeners and festivalgoers worldwide. This anniversary edition not only honored its legacy but also signaled the next phase for trance music, reinforcing ASOT’s reputation as one of the most impactful forces in electronic music culture.

With one final night still ahead, the 25th anniversary of A State of Trance has already established itself as a historic chapter in trance music’s story. Early registration for the 2027 edition is now open, and tickets for Armin van Buuren’s UNVRS Ibiza residency are currently on sale.

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