You've probably never heard of Ramon Sampson, but chances are this won't be the last time you'll see his name. The 19-year-old Cordova, TN, native out-drummed a national list of contestants--including the four other finalists, Troy Molsberry (Carlsbad, CA), Eugine McBride (Flint, MI), Stanley Jamal Hampton (Smithtown, NY) and Michael McGrath (Henderson, NV)--to win the title of Guitar Center's Drum-Off Champion.
On Friday (1/8) at The Wiltern Theater in Los Angeles, Sampson was presented with a prize package worth $40,000 at the sold out finale. Hosted by Stephen Perkins ( Jane's Addiction [ tickets ]), the show featured sets from icons of percussion like Chad Smith ( Red Hot Chili Peppers [ tickets ]), Peter Erskine ( Steely Dan [ tickets ]), Taylor Hawkins ( Foo Fighters [ tickets ]), Danny Carey ( Tool [ tickets ]) and Brann Dailor ( Mastodon [ tickets ]), as well as Jason Bonham [ tickets ], the son of Led Zeppelin's John Bonham. Topping things off, fans were treated to a duet by Max Weinberg ( Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band [ tickets ] / NBC's "The Tonight Show") and his son Jay Weinberg.