It's almost impossible to believe what Martin Garrix has achieved so far. At 22-years-old, the superstar DJ is packing out stadiums, selling millions of records worldwide, and building a die-hard fanbase that only a few musicians - let alone DJs - could come close to.
At the opening of his nine-week residency at Ushuaïa, you could understand how he's got to where he is. This was the start of Martin Garrix's 2018 Ibiza season – get ready for many more to come.
The open-air venue is famed for its big production, booming sound system and bustling atmosphere. It's no doubt one of the gems of Playa d'en Bossa's clubbing scene. On this evening, Martin Garrix proved himself as dance music royalty.
This evening was all about quick transitions, big drops and hands in the air. Dutch DJ duo DROELOE brought the bassline with big room bangers and trap delights.
Hardfro's Future Bass Remix of Post Malone's I Fall Apart perfectly slotted in as the sun began to set and the planes flew overhead.
It was a similar story with DROELOE's own In Time featuring Belle Doron. In only an hour-long set, the pair moved between genres smoothly and played their slot perfectly.
Surprisingly this was their first ever show in Ibiza. They looked right at home under the Ushuaïa arch and we will no doubt see them again in the near future.
As the sun disappeared, the lights dimmed and the screams got louder. It was clear: Martin Garrix was ready to smash open his Ibiza season.
Beginning with an unreleased remix of his iconic Animals track, the thousands in attendance were sent into a frenzy of cheers and dancing. His presence as a superstar DJ was striking. He had the place shaking with each selection and every touch of the decks.
Forever a crowd favourite, the Dutch DJ and producer rolled out Byte early on which set the tone. This was going to be two hours of bangers - plain and simple.
Keeping the beats fast and the energy up, Garrix dropped another weapon from his own arsenal. Virus (How About Now) with MOTi received a rapturous reception.
As one the world's top producers, it was a pleasure to see a lot of his own tunes blasted on Ushuaïa's impressive festival-feeling Adamson sound system. But the 22-year-old proved his DJ selection skills by slotting in tracks from the likes of Sander Van Doorn, Calvin Harris and Sikdope.
One of those was Sebastian Ingrosso's festival version of Dark River. It was the perfect tune at the peak of the set.
The evening was coming to a close when Pizza by Martin Garrix brought the crowd together as confetti and streamers fell from the sky.
It was a conclusive moment in a set that personified euphoria.
Martin Garix's passion and understanding of music was apparent throughout the massive opening party, making Ushuaïa and Garrix a match made in heaven. The wonderkid knows exactly how to play for such a big crowd and the open-air atmosphere complements the music perfectly.
He is back this year after a successful season in 2016 and a double-whammy with Ushuaïa's sister club Hï Ibiza last summer.
You can catch the Dutch super-producer and DJ at Ushuaïa every Thursday until 30 August. If EDM is what you're into, you are in for the ultimate treat.
See below for this summer's full details and tickets.
