2026 COMPETITION

Entries for the 2026 Zildjian Young Drummer of the Year competition have now closed. Follow the competition here as the finalists showcase their skills and compete on a national stage.

Competition Details:

  • Entries Open - June 22nd, 2026
  • Entries Close - July 29th, 2026

  • Top 40 Announced - August 10th, 2026
  • Top 10 Announced - August 24th, 2026

  • Finals Event - October 11th, 2026 (Held in Nashville, TN)

ZILDJIAN'S 2026 US YOUNG DRUMMER OF THE YEAR

TOP 40 FINALISTS

Here is the 2026 final 40 in forename alphabetical order.

  • Adele Wang
    Andrew Tian
    Axton Abdel-Hafez
    Briana Cole
    Brooks Arthur Mort
    Brooks Barli
    Bryce Meszler
    Bryan Claude Commisso
    Caleb Hilario
    Carlos Armstrong Jr
    Charlie Eliot Rent
    Colin O’Brien
    Crews Wilkinson
    Daniel Constantinescu
    Dominick De La Cruz
    Dorian Edward Cast Jr
    Jackson Bournival
    Jaclynn Schoen
    Jahdiel C. Aviles
    Jemarion Deontae Moreland

  • Jeremiah Dewayne Whidbee-Tippit
    Jordan Vogel
    Kristian Todorov
    Ky-Mani Caines
    Leo Beaumont
    Malik Johnson
    Marco Lamberti
    Mark Mirzaie
    Matthew Castillo
    MJ Hendrickson
    Reece Herzner
    Ryan Thomas Formato
    Sachin Pradeep
    Sami Sanghrajka
    Tyler Anthony
    Wyatt DeHaan
    Wyatt Gras
    Xiaotian (Freddie) Chun
    Xuanjin Ren (Aaron)
    Zach Zelasko

2025 Winner - Larry Simmons

Congratulations to the 2025 competition winner, Larry Simmons!

View all 2025 performances