Yann Pissenem: The Architect of Modern Ibiza Clubbing to Receive IMS Legends Award

In a move that feels both inevitable and deeply deserved, Yann Pissenem, the creative force behind The Night League, is set to receive the prestigious IMS Legends Award. The founder of iconic venues like Ushuaïa Ibiza and Hï Ibiza will be honored at the 17th edition of IMS Ibiza in April 2026. This award cements his status as a true pioneer who has redefined the global nightlife landscape from his beloved island home.

From Beach Bar to Global Empire

It’s hard to imagine Playa d’en Bossa without the towering stage of Ushuaïa, but Yann Pissenem’s journey started much more modestly. Arriving in Ibiza in 2008, he first opened a small beach bar, sensing a gap in the market for a luxurious daytime party experience. That initial vision, fueled by a relentless passion, evolved into the game-changing Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel in 2011, a venue that completely transformed the island’s party dynamic. He didn’t just build a club; he created an open-air theatre for electronic music that broke all the old rules. This success was followed by the audacious launch of Hï Ibiza in 2017, which rose from the legendary grounds of Space to become a multi-award-winning global phenomenon, repeatedly crowned the World’s #1 Club. These venues, along with the newly launched [UNVRS], are a testament to his unique ability to merge music, technology, and immersive design, all brought to life with the spectacular production work of his brother, Romain Pissenem, and his company High Scream.

The IMS organisation states: “We are very proud to honour the career of Yann Pissenem at the 17th edition of IMS Ibiza. As this year’s recipient of the IMS Legends Award, there can be nobody more deserving from the nightlife world. A true visionary, he’s changed the rules again and again, and one wonders what the next move will be.”

A Legend Among Legends

The IMS Legends Award is no small accolade; it’s a recognition reserved for true titans of the electronic music industry. Yann Pissenem joins an elite group of past recipients, including luminaries like Carl Cox, Nile Rodgers, Fatboy Slim, and the founders of Pacha and Space. The honor will be bestowed during a celebratory dinner on April 22, 2026, a cornerstone event of the IMS Ibiza summit. The summit itself, taking place at Mondrian Ibiza & Hyde Ibiza, will also feature a must-see keynote interview where Pissenem will sit down with IMS co-founder Pete Tong. This conversation promises to offer deep insights into the mind of a man who has consistently stayed one step ahead of the curve, shaping the very future of entertainment. His influence is staggering, with The Night League now welcoming over two million guests each year across its venues.

Yann Pissenem says: “I am truly honoured to receive this recognition from IMS. Ibiza has been my home and my inspiration for many years, and the island, with its unique spirit, creativity and freedom, has shaped not only my work, but also my entire understanding of nightlife and electronic music culture. This award belongs to everyone who has been part of that vision.”

An Honor for the Whole Island

This award is more than a personal triumph for Yann Pissenem; it’s a celebration of Ibiza’s enduring spirit of innovation. His venues have not only provided unforgettable experiences for millions of fans but have also become a home for the world’s greatest DJs, from emerging talents to established superstars. His work has consistently pushed boundaries, elevating the island’s reputation as the undisputed global epicenter of club culture. By blending world-class music with unparalleled production, he has created a new standard for what a nightlife experience can be. As we look forward to IMS Ibiza 2026, this honor serves as a powerful reminder of the vision, passion, and relentless hard work that have shaped the dancefloors we all cherish.

What’s your most unforgettable memory at Ushuaïa or Hï Ibiza? The legacy continues to be written, and we can’t wait to see what groundbreaking moments the next chapter holds.