Drumming News :
Drumeo announces the nominees for the 2025 Drumeo Awards, the annual celebration recognizing outstanding contributions in drumming across recording, performance, innovation, and digital influence. Now entering its fifth year, the Drumeo Awards spotlight drummers who have shaped the musical landscape, whether through genre-defining work, groundbreaking technique, or viral impact. Public voting opens December 15 and closes at the end of the day December 21, inviting fans worldwide to help decide the winners.
This year’s ballot spans 15 categories, including Drummer of the Year, Drum Performance of the Year, and a full slate of genre-specific awards including Rock, Metal, Country, R&B/Hip-Hop, and Pop. Additional honors highlight the growing influence of digital creators, with recognitions for YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok Drummer of the Year.
The 2025 nominees reflect a wide range of artistry and achievements. Anika Nilles, fresh off her appointment to the drum throne for Rush’s upcoming reunion performances, is among the year’s most closely watched nominees. Mike Portnoy returns to the spotlight as the beat keeper of Dream Theater, while Eloy Casagrande is recognized for a standout year of performances with Slipknot and beyond. Social media phenoms El Estepario Siberiano and Kristina Rybalchenko continue to redefine what online drumming can be, each earning nominations after a year of explosive audience growth. Even outside traditional drumming circles, multi-platinum artist Zedd makes an appearance on the ballot following his widely discussed performance challenge at the Drumeo studios.
Key Dates:
* Voting: December 15–21, 2025
* Broadcast: January 31, 2026, at 5:00 PM PT on the Musora platform and Drumeo’s YouTube Channel
All fans who cast a vote are automatically entered into a draw for $12,000.00 in drum gear and prizes, offering additional incentive for the community to participate. Winners will be revealed during a global broadcast on January 31, featuring special guests, live commentary, and performances celebrating drumming’s most influential players and most exciting newcomers.
Presented by Musora, the Drumeo Awards continue to be one of the most prominent international recognitions for drummers, bringing together players, educators, creators, and fans in a shared celebration of the craft. Voting is open now at vote.drumeo.com.
The drummers listed for this year’s voting:
Drummer of the Year
- Ilan Rubin
- Mike Portnoy
- Anika Nilles
- Abe Cunningham
- II
Pop Drummer of the Year
- Tosh Peterson
- Brook Alexander
- Adam “Smiley” Wade
- Lucy Ritter
- Jamal Moore
Rock Drummer of the Year
- Ben Sharp
- John Dolmayan
- Abe Cunningham
- Scott Phillips
- Josh Dun
Metal Drummer of the Year
- Vice
- Zev Rose
- II
- Eloy Casagrande
- Mike Wengren
Prog Drummer of the Year
- Russell Holzman
- Mike Portnoy
- Scott Hammond
- Craig Blundell
- Kevin Alexander
Jazz Drummer of the Year
- Jonathan Barber
- Eric Harland
- Jeff Hamilton
- Justin Brown
- Matt Chamberlain
Contemporary Drummer of the Year
- Henry Cole
- Nate Wood
- Antonio Sánchez
- Tony Royster Jr.
- Robert “Sput” Searight
R&B / Hip-Hop Drummer of the Year
- Deshaun Allen
- Kendall Lewis
- Toussaint Lipton II
- Keith Harris
- Stixx Taylor
Soul / Funk Drummer of the Year
- Teddy Campbell
- Derrick McKenzie
- Noah Fürbringer
- Joshua Johnson
- Nate Smith
Country Drummer of the Year
- Spencer Bowman
- Cody Ash
- Jake Sommers
- Mark Annino
- Bobby Jarzombek
YouTube Drummer of the Year
- Matt McGuire
- 66Samus
- Kristina Rybalchenko
- Kristina Schiano
- Mauricio Weimar
Instagram Drummer of the Year
- Sam Groveman
- John Miles Brockman
- El Estepario Siberiano
- Xavier Ware
- Jonny Mathar
TikTok Drummer of the Year
- Nate Mueller
- Rafael Silva
- Domino Santantonio
- Ana Savior
- Delany Jaster
Drum Performance of the Year
- ZEDD @ Coachella
- Tyler Visser — Every Tool Song
- Max Plays Mike Portnoy
- Chris Coleman — Supercharged
- Back to the Beginning — Sabbath Drum Battle (Carey / Smith / Barker)
Drum Recording of the Year
- Mike Portnoy — Dream Theater: Parasomnia
- II — Sleep Token: Even in Arcadia
- Zev Rose — Spiritbox: Tsunami Sea
- Abe Cunningham — Deftones: Private Music
- Josh Dun — Twenty One Pilots: Breach
