Patrick Kennedy performed a well-constructed solo that combined electronica, real-time loops, and a solid display of groove and fills.

Previously a runner-up in the 2011 semifinals, Patrick took it all the way this year, winning a TD-30KV V-Drums set with a set of Remo custom shell wraps, a complete set of DW hardware, dozens of Pat Kennedy signature sticks from Vic Firth, and a year's subscription to Drum! magazine.

Patrick will also represent the United States at the V-Drums World Championship 2, which will be held during the Musikmesse in Frankfurt, Germany in April 2013. Reflects the US champion:

"It was an honor to participate in the V-Drums national competition. (...) Performing for such a tremendous panel of judges in front of a hometown crowd was completely exhilarating. It's exciting to be blessed with the opportunity to bring the title of Roland V-Drums World Champion home to the United States of America."

Runner-up was Phillip "PJ" Hill of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, who performed with an exciting blend of technique and hip musical style.

The other competitors included Brandon Currie from Marietta, Georgia; DeCarlos Davis from Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Jeffrey Fajardo from Brooklyn, New York; Tony "TJ" Fisher from Long Beach, California; Casey Glass from Loveland, Colorado; and Reed Hayes from Deltona, Florida.

Watch the Roland V-Drums Contest 2012 highlight reel:

Right before the finals, Jeffrey Fajardo's flight from Brooklyn was cancelled due to hurricane Sandy. Undaunted, he rose to the challenge and drove all the way from his home to Austin for the competition, a journey of nearly 2,000 miles! Though he didn't win, Jeffre's dedication truly reflects the passion that the annual V-Drums World Championship inspires in its participants.

The US finals was the culmination of over four months of exciting drumming competitions in the USA.

The contestants performed in front of a lively onsite audience of over 250, while a large, worldwide audience of web viewers watched the live event stream as it was broadcast on the Roland US website.

Johnny Rabb opened the show with his unique drumming style, fascinating the crowd with his finesse, technique, and creative use of V-Drums technology.

After the eight contestants played, Thomas Lang performed an extended solo on an expanded double-bass and multi-pedal TD-30KV V-Pro Set, leaving the audience awestruck with his incredible foot technique, energy, and powerful style.

The annual Roland V-Drums World Championship gives drummers around the globe a unique opportunity to explore the flexibility and creative options of electronic percussion by competing for Roland percussion products and other prizes.

Roland Percussion Product Manager Tim Root, who once again served as the evening's emcee, says:

"We were able to introduce Roland V-Drums to a whole new group of drummers and percussionists. We were very pleased at the turnout and our partnership with the Percussive Arts Society. By streaming the contest live, we were able to reach a global audience. Now, it's on to the V-Drums World Championship 2 finals in Europe - go USA!"