The event, co-sponsored by Drum! magazine, Drum Workshop, Remo and Vic Firth, was the culmination of nearly four months of intense drumming competitions throughout the United States.

The annual V-Drums Contest started with a six-week online entry process that began in May. Over 200 drummers were chosen to compete in preliminary events before live audiences. At those competitions, judges chose over 30 contestants to advance to the regional round, where eight drummers were selected to move on to the U.S. challenge.

In addition to Jean-Pierre Bouvet, the finalists included Pat Adams from Missouri; Marvan Alexander from Texas; Josh Davidson from Florida; Clifford Jackson Jr. from Tennessee; D'Anna Kennedy from Ohio; Brannon Nelson from South Carolina; and Charles Williams from California.

Before a standing-room-only crowd of more than 400 at Sam Ash Las Vegas, each of these talented players gave an original drum performance using the TD-20SX V-Pro Series V-Drums and the Octapad SPD-30 Percussion Pad.

Jean-Pierre Bouvet's winning performance featured a spirited blend of orchestral, contemporary fusion, and Latin styles using a wide variety sounds, loops, and textures. Runner-up Pat Adams displayed a command of several musical styles with a dynamic, thoughtfully constructed drum solo.

For his victory, Jean-Pierre will receive a huge bounty of prizes: a TD-20SX V-Drums kit; a set of Remo custom shell wraps; a PM-30 Personal Monitor System; a complete set of DW hardware; dozens of personalized signature sticks from Vic Firth; and a year's subscription to Drum! magazine.

In addition to the exciting competition, the audience was treated to impressive performances from veteran drummer Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa, Allan Holdsworth, James Taylor), Tony Royster Jr. and his jazz/fusion band, and the unique group Recycled Percussion. Comments Roland Percussion Product Manager Tim Root:

"This year's Roland V-Drums Contest was the best ever, and the playing level of the contestants and use of V-Drums technology was excellent! I feel the V-Drums National Championship sets the standard for future drum competitions. The V-Drums World Championship in 2012 is going to be crazy!"