The inaugural South African Metal Guitar Championship 2026 has reached its final stage after four months of competition.
Founded by Clive Leslie Hendrickse, founder of the African Metal Music Organization and Guerrilla Events est. ’03, SAMGC2026 brought together 17 guitarists across three rounds, with independent judging, community participation, sponsors, builders, artists and metal fans involved in the process.
The judging panel included South African musicians Wez Aerts, Nathi Louw and Van Zyl Alberts.
The championship also featured a custom Lightning V guitar built by African Customs, the handcrafted Skull of the Victor trophy created by Ryan “Busta” Boltoon, a cash prize, a recording deal, tattoo vouchers, mentorship opportunities and other prizes.
Hendrickse said the entrant videos alone generated 34,474 reach, 28,507 engagements, 26,992 views, 1,867 reactions, 844 comments and 811 shares.
He added that one of the main outcomes of the championship was the way competitors began supporting each other during the process.
“Perhaps the most rewarding outcome has been seeing competitors become collaborators. Throughout the championship, entrants have supported one another, exchanged ideas, shared knowledge and even given each other guitar lessons. The competition became a community. The inaugural champion has now been decided and preparations are underway for the official announcement. While the championship itself is drawing to a close, there are still a few surprises waiting in the wings. The arena never sleeps.”
