“I didn’t go into this competition half-hearted – I knew what a big deal it was and I really wanted to win,” says Taylor.

And win, he did! Of thousands of contestants from across the US, Illinois’ own Tony Taylor, Jr. took the title of 2016 Guitar Center Drum-Off winner. According to the announcement on GC’s website, young Taylor took home $25,000 cash, a Roland TD-30KV electronic drum kit, a Roland SPD-SX sampling pad, his choice of a drumset (from DW, Tama, Pearl, Gretsch or Yamaha), a full setup of drumsticks, cymbals, and drumheads, endorsement deals from some top drum manufacturers, a VIP Experience at NAMM 2016, studio time at Converse Rubber Tracks, and a feature in the Guitar Center Buyer’s Guide.

Check out Tony’s award-winning drum solo:

Judges for the Guitar Center Drum-Off included Steve Ferrone (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Matt Garstka (Animals as Leaders), George “Spanky” McCurdy (Lady Gaga), Ced Mitchell (Nick Jonas), Cora Dunham (Beyoncé), Glen Sobel (Alice Cooper), Mike Reid (Rhianna), Gerald Heyward (Chris Brown), Tony Royster Jr. (Jay Z), Jim Riley (Rascall Flatts), Dave Elitch (Antemasque) and Nisan Stewart (Dancing With The Stars).

The event also featured special performances by Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Mike Mangini (Dream Theater), Clyde Stubblefield (James Brown), Robert Spurt Searight (Snarky Puppy) and Gil Sharone (Marilyn Manson).