Young Guitarist of the Year 2018 finalists revealed!
Who will battle it out to earn the prestigious title and walk away with a PRS guitar?

Since April this year, we’ve been on the hunt for the best amateur young guitarists around the world, to see who should be crowned Young Guitarist of the Year 2018. The winner of the event, sponsored by PRS, will join the ranks of previous winners including the fantastic James Bell.
Hundreds of entry videos were submitted, before standout performances were sent to star judges Matt Tuck, Chris Buck and Rob Chapman.
Having completed the unenviable task of selecting finalists (based on originality, technicality, musicality and feel), we can now reveal the three guitarists who will battle for the Young Guitarist of the Year title, live at the UK Guitar Show in London on Saturday 29 September.
In addition to the prestigious title, the victor will also walk away with a beautiful PRS S2 Singlecut Semi-Hollow in Scarlet Red, amongst other fantastic prizes.
In no particular order, here are your Young Guitarist of the Year 2018 finalists:
Hunter Hallberg, USA
Abigail Zachko, USA
Alex Hooi, Singapore
Want to watch the live final? The Young Guitarist of the Year 2018 final will take place on Saturday 29 September at the UK Guitar Show, held at Olympia London. Visit the UK Guitar Show website for tickets.
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
MusicRadar is the number 1 website for music makers of all kinds, be they guitarists, drummers, keyboard players, djs or producers...
- GEAR: We help musicians find the best gear with top-ranking gear round-ups and high- quality, authoritative reviews by a wide team of highly experienced experts.
- TIPS: We also provide tuition, from bite-sized tips to advanced work-outs and guidance from recognised musicians and stars.
- STARS: We talk to musicians and stars about their creative processes, and the nuts and bolts of their gear and technique. We give fans an insight into the actual craft of music making that no other music website can.

“Crafted for the true metal enthusiast, this axe embodies the soul of legendary guitarist Zakk Wylde”: Paging all “shred warriors,” Wylde Audio’s Berzerker takes the shape of metal guitars to new extremes

“A high-spec instrument at a competitive price”: Sustainiac pickups, onboard Z.Vex Fuzz Factory circuits, a Night Sky Holosparkle finish? Manson lavishes Matt Bellamy-approved specs on updated M-Series electrics