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The 2025 Drumeo Awards shine a light on the drummers who shaped the sound, energy, and culture of modern music.
This year’s community-voted winners reflect a landscape where drumming is more creative, more visible, and more diverse than ever. From arena icons to jazz innovators to creators who dominate social platforms, the 2025 winners tell the story of drumming’s evolution and the players pushing it forward.
The Drumeo Awards would not be possible without the support of the amazing sponsors. Thank you to our Title Sponsor Yamaha, Gold Sponsors Sabian, Alesis, Dixon, Gretsch, Silver Sponsors Backbone Drumkeys, Istanbul Agop, and our Bronze Sponsors Mapex, Roland, TAMA, Ludwig, Paiste, SONOR
and Pearl.
Click here to watch the replay of the broadcast
Sleep Token’s II became one of the most talked about drummers of the year because of how deeply his playing connects emotionally with audiences. His parts are sculpted, atmospheric, and incredibly disciplined, yet explosive when the moment calls for it. In 2025, his performances carried a cinematic weight that listeners felt immediately. Every ghost note and rhythmic shift felt like a deliberate part of a larger musical narrative.
“Even In Arcadia” stood out for its textural richness and emotional tension. The drum parts move between minimal patterns and massive accented moments, creating a soundscape that rewards repeated listening. The recording merges intention with meticulous execution and became a reference point for modern drum production throughout the year.
This collaboration united three giants of modern drumming. Barker brought urgency, Smith delivered authority, and Carey contributed his unmistakable rhythmic language. Their combined performance felt historic and electrifying, and it quickly became one of the most replayed drum moments of 2025.
66Samus continued his momentum with a blend of technical firepower, humor, and authenticity. His channel remained a destination for drummers seeking both entertainment and serious musicianship. Samus has created a unique lane on YouTube where metal precision and comedic timing coexist perfectly.
El Estepario Siberiano reshaped the expectations of short format drumming content. His lightning fast hands, clear execution, and commanding presence made his videos impossible to scroll past. His influence on technique focused drumming content grew significantly throughout 2025.
Domino brought explosive energy to TikTok through high impact grooves and expressive performances. Her natural charisma and musical intuition allowed her to connect with millions of viewers. She elevated the platform by making short clips feel like complete rhythmic stories.
Nate Smith continued to shape the modern vocabulary of groove. His touch, feel, and rhythmic inventiveness made him one of the most studied and celebrated drummers of the year. His playing remained a masterclass in taste, intention, and dynamic expression.
Devon “Stixx” Taylor delivered a refined and modern approach to R and B and hip hop drumming. His precision, sense of space, and subtle dynamic shaping elevated every track and performance. His work in 2025 reflected the continued evolution of rhythm in contemporary music.
Jamal Moore brought clarity, consistency, and musical sensitivity to some of the biggest stages and studio sessions of the year. In a genre that demands precision and emotional connection, Jamal delivered parts that served the music while still carrying his own stylistic fingerprint.
Cody Ash’s approach to country drumming blended tight pocket playing with thoughtful dynamic control. His work this year highlighted how essential nuance and feel are in the genre. Ash supported every song with intention while allowing the stories and vocals to shine.
Tony Royster Jr. remained one of the most versatile and technically gifted drummers in the world. His performances in 2025 showcased his ability to merge speed, articulation, and musicality across genres. Tony continues to be a guiding figure for drummers exploring modern drumming vocabulary.
Jonathan Barber’s influence in modern jazz grew significantly this year. With playing that balances tradition and innovation, Barber has become a standout voice in the contemporary jazz scene. His sense of phrasing, tone, and rhythmic exploration made him essential listening in 2025.
Mike Portnoy continued to shape the progressive music landscape. His structured phrasing, rhythmic intensity, and distinctive musical storytelling reinforced his legacy. In 2025, Portnoy remained a dominant voice for drummers who push boundaries and explore complexity.
II’s work in metal contexts displayed remarkable control, intensity, and tonal awareness. His ability to blend aggression with finesse gave Sleep Token’s heaviest moments a depth that resonated deeply with fans. He stood out as a driving force in metal drumming throughout the year.
Josh Dun delivered high energy, emotionally charged drumming throughout 2025. His ability to create memorable parts that lift a song made him one of the most influential rock drummers of the year. Dun’s balance of simplicity and explosive dynamics defined his signature approach.
Scott Travis continued to be a defining influence on heavy music. His power, stamina, and clarity shaped the metal soundscape for more than three decades. A renewed appreciation for his recordings throughout 2025 highlighted his lasting contribution to modern drumming.
Terry Bozzio remains one of drumming’s most fearless innovators. His melodic approach and expansive setups turned the drum set into a full compositional instrument. Bozzio’s influence continues to inspire creative freedom in progressive and experimental drumming.
Bill Ward’s expressive, flowing drumming defined the early sound of heavy music. His feel, phrasing, and improvisational instinct remain foundational to rock and metal. Ward’s legacy continues to resonate with drummers exploring the roots of the genre.
Caleb Hayes represents the emerging generation of drummers who embody speed, expressive creativity, and modern musicality. His performances in 2025 highlighted a rising voice whose presence will shape drumming for years to come.
Ulysses Owens Jr. continued to influence the drumming community as a performer, educator, and leader. His commitment to musical excellence and mentorship reflected the spirit of Dom Famularo’s legacy and earned him deep respect across the global drumming community.
Drumeo Team - We're professional, award-winning drummers and drum teachers, coaches, recording artists, and content specialists who are passionate about drums and helping drummers around the world. This post was written and/or edited by Brandon Toews, Jared Falk, Dave Atkinson, or another pro on our team (which has a combined 1000+ years of drumming experience). Are you looking for inspiration, education, and support to take your playing to the next level? Join the Drumeo community today!
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