12 Oct 2026

Where It All Began: The 1st Antonio Marín Montero Guitar Building Competition in Granada (2017)

Today, the Antonio Marín Montero Guitar Building Competition is widely regarded as the most prestigious event of its kind for guitar makers. But every great tradition has a first chapter. In October 2017, luthiers from around the world gathered in Granada, Spain, for the very first edition, held October 26–29 as part of the inaugural Granada Guitar Festival and organized by the European Guitar Foundation under the direction of our longtime friend Vicente Coves.

Granada was the natural home for such an event. Few cities in the world have such a remarkable concentration of guitar makers, and few names carry as much weight there as Antonio Marín Montero. Revered as the father of the modern Granada school, Antonio has guided and encouraged generations of young makers, many of whom built their careers in the city because of his generosity and open door. Naming the competition in his honor was a fitting tribute.

The competition was open to luthiers of any age and nationality. The jury brought together distinguished makers and musicians, including José Marín Plazuelo, Edmund Blöchinger, Dr. Scott Morris, and GSI President David Collett, who has served on the jury ever since.

The Winners of the 1st Edition

1st Prize: Sergio Valverde
2nd Prize: Julia Wenzel & Oscar Muñoz
3rd Prize: Not awarded

A Commitment from Day One

GSI and the GSI Foundation were proud to sponsor the competition from its very first edition, long before it reached its current international stature. We believed in its mission then, and watching so many of its prize winners go on to build respected international careers has only strengthened that belief.

Enjoy these photos from the first edition, a look back at the moment this now-celebrated tradition began.