2026 COMPETITION

Enter the 2026 Zildjian Young Drummer of the Year competition for your chance to showcase your 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 2025 US YOUNG DRUMMER OF THE YEAR

2025 Winner - Larry Simmons

Congratulations to the 2025 competition winner, Larry Simmons!

View all 2025 performances  

TOP 10 FINALISTS

Here is the 2025 final 10 in forename alphabetical order.

Brenin McCaa

Colin O’Brien

Jack Medaglia

Jahdiel Caleb Aviles Pomales

Jake Schmidt

Kristian Todorov

Ky-Mani Caines

Larry Simmons IV

Michael Hendrickson III

Xuanjin Ren

TOP 40 FINALISTS

Here is the 2025 final 40 in forename alphabetical order.

  • Aaron Donaghey

    Adrian Amin

    Anthony Shields

    Austin Arbelaez

    Brenin McCaa

    Colin O'Brien

    Crews Wilkinson

    Gilberto Carlos Lopez

    Heath Bishop

    Jack Medaglia

    Jackson Bournival

    Jackson Paul Moore

    Jahdiel Caleb Aviles Pomales

    Jake Schmidt

    James Hayes

    Jason Webb

    Jaxon Lozano

    Jaydon Johnson

    Joaquin Tangonan

    John Witte

  • Kevin Foltz Cantore

    Kristian Todorov

    Ky-Mani Caines

    Larry Simmons IV

    Leo Beaumont

    Malik Johnson

    Mason Mather

    Maverick Lane

    Max McQuaid

    Michael Hendrickson III

    Raylan Scott

    Reece Herzner

    Riley Tre Martin

    Sami Sanghrajka

    Sebastian O’Neal

    Ty Tofflemoyer

    Tyler H. Anthony

    Wesley Lehman

    Weston Clark

    Xuanjin Ren