When the news broke that Armin van Buuren would once again headline a B3B3B performance, the reaction from the global dance music community was immediate. But unlike the universal celebration that followed the unforgettable B3B3B at Ultra earlier this year, this latest announcement has sparked mixed emotions.

Many fans are undeniably excited that the boys are back, yet there’s also a wave of disappointment. The reason? The performance is set to take place in Rotterdam, a decision that left fans in other parts of the world feeling left out. Social media quickly filled with comments from frustrated followers, some expressing sadness that they won’t be able to witness the spectacle in their own cities.

One fan wrote: “Why Rotterdam? We need this energy in the U.S. too!” Another lamented: “I can’t believe it’s happening again but not anywhere near me. Rotterdam is too far.”

The excitement is real, but so is the sense of regret. For many, the announcement feels bittersweet — a thrilling confirmation of another epic collaboration, paired with the sting of knowing it won’t be easily accessible for everyone.

The Legacy of the Ultra Performance

To understand why fans are reacting so passionately, we have to look back at Ultra, where Armin van Buuren and his fellow DJs unleashed one of the most talked-about sets of the year. The B3B3B at Ultra wasn’t just a performance; it was a cultural moment. The chemistry between the three DJs, the flawless transitions, and the unpredictable tracklist created a set that instantly became legendary.

Thousands of attendees described it as the highlight of the festival, and clips from the night went viral online. For those who couldn’t attend, the online buzz only made the desire to see it live grow stronger. That’s why the news of the Rotterdam show, while thrilling, also hit fans with the reality that not everyone will be able to experience it firsthand.

Rotterdam: The Chosen Stage

The choice of Rotterdam as the next stage for the B3B3B has been a major point of discussion. For fans in the Netherlands and across Europe, the announcement was a dream come true. Rotterdam is known as a cultural hub for electronic dance music, with a long history of producing and hosting world-class talent.

But for fans outside of Europe, the choice has sparked frustration. Many were hoping for North America, Asia, or even South America as the next stop. Instead, the decision to keep the performance in Europe has fueled debate about whether Armin van Buuren and his team are focusing too narrowly, leaving global audiences waiting.

Still, Rotterdam has its advantages. The city’s reputation for dance music culture makes it a fitting location, and for Armin, who hails from the Netherlands, the decision also feels like a return to his roots.

Fans Caught Between Excitement and Regret

This mix of joy and disappointment is part of what makes the announcement so fascinating. On one hand, the B3B3B in Rotterdam promises to deliver another unforgettable night of music. On the other hand, fans scattered across the world feel excluded, leading to a wave of online discussions and debates.

The sentiment is clear: fans want more. They want this format to travel, to expand, and to give everyone a chance to witness what has already become a defining act in modern dance music.

Why the B3B3B Format Resonates So Strongly

Part of the reason the disappointment is so palpable is that the B3B3B format itself is so rare and special. Unlike solo sets, a back-to-back-to-back performance demands unique synergy. Each DJ must adapt in real time, responding to the energy of the others while keeping the crowd engaged.

For Armin van Buuren, known for his meticulous trance sets, this format allows him to step outside the box. It pushes him creatively, giving fans a glimpse of a side they rarely see. That experimental, unpredictable spirit is what made Ultra so thrilling, and it’s why fans worldwide are desperate to see it happen again — preferably closer to home.

Social Media Buzz

The reactions online reflect this complicated mix of emotions. Excitement, jealousy, and regret all rolled into one.

“I’d fly anywhere for Armin, but Rotterdam is just too far this time,” one fan wrote.
“Why Europe again? Bring this magic to Miami, Tokyo, or São Paulo,” another complained.

Meanwhile, fans in Europe are celebrating: “Finally something near us! Rotterdam is going to be insane.”

The polarized reactions show just how impactful Armin van Buuren’s decisions are. He’s not just announcing a show; he’s shaping the global conversation around dance music.

Could Rotterdam Signal a Bigger Plan?

While fans are disappointed that the show won’t be more widely accessible, some are speculating that Armin van Buuren may have larger plans in motion. Could the Rotterdam show be the first step toward a series of B3B3B tours around the world? Was Ultra the trial run, Rotterdam the consolidation, and the next step a global rollout?

The lack of clarity has only fueled curiosity. Fans may be frustrated now, but many believe this could be the beginning of something much bigger.

Rotterdam vs. Ultra: What to Expect

Comparisons between the Ultra performance and the upcoming Rotterdam show are inevitable. Ultra was a massive global stage, live-streamed and shared around the world. Rotterdam, while still large, carries a different energy — more intimate, more rooted in culture, and closer to Armin’s home base.

That difference could make Rotterdam even more special. The intimacy of the city, combined with Armin’s history in the Netherlands, could result in a performance that feels both personal and groundbreaking.

The Weight of Armin van Buuren’s Choices

At the core of the mixed reactions is one truth: Armin van Buuren has a global fan base that spans continents. Every decision he makes, from track releases to tour stops, ripples across that fan base with enormous impact. Choosing Rotterdam was always going to spark debate, but it also highlights just how deeply fans care.

Whether they’re thrilled or disappointed, one thing is certain: everyone is talking about him. And in the world of music, that kind of attention is priceless.

Fans are losing it over Armin van Buuren’s next move. Earlier this year, he and his fellow DJs delivered a jaw-dropping B3B3B at Ultra, setting the standard for what a collaborative performance could be. Now, with the announcement of another B3B3B in Rotterdam next year, fans are caught between excitement and regret.

Some are celebrating the return of the boys. Others are frustrated that they won’t be able to witness it themselves. But whether fans are thrilled or disappointed, they’re united in one truth: when Armin van Buuren takes the stage, the world pays attention.

The countdown to Rotterdam has begun, and while fans worldwide may feel left out, one thing is undeniable: this performance has already become one of the most talked-about events in dance music.