GFA 2026: Youth Competition Results and the ICAC Underway

The 2026 Guitar Foundation of America International Convention is in full swing, and the competitions at its heart are once again showcasing the depth of talent in the classical guitar world. Below we've gathered the results of the International Youth Competition Junior Division, the lineup of semifinalists for the International Concert Artist Competition (ICAC), and links to this year's livestreams so you can follow along.

International Youth Competition — Junior Division Results

The GFA has announced the results of the 2026 International Youth Competition Junior Division, one of the most respected events for young classical guitarists. Each year the competition brings together talented performers from around the world, offering the next generation of artists a platform to showcase their musicianship and technical achievement. The winners are:

• Savarez First Prize: Ran Wei
• Second Prize: Qiushui Yang
• Third Prize: Sien Zhang
• Fourth Prize: Axel Bastian Rosales Ascencion

The International Youth Competition has become an important part of the GFA convention, highlighting young performers at a formative stage in their development. Past finalists and prizewinners have gone on to successful careers as performers, and educators, making the event a notable milestone for aspiring guitarists. The 2026 Junior Division once again demonstrated the high level of talent emerging within the community, with finalists reflecting the dedication and artistry of a new generation of musicians.

International Youth Competition — Senior Division Results

The results of the 2026 IYC Senior Division are:

• Jim and John D'Addario First Prize: Preston Hong
• Second Place: Xuanyi Lu
• Third Place: Micah Montgomery
• Fourth Place: Alexandru Mihai Dragomirescu

First Prize winner Preston Hong has recorded multiple with us at Guitar Salon International. Here's one of his performances from our channel — Franz Schubert's "Ständchen" on a 1994 Gioachino Giussani.

ICAC Semifinalists

The semifinalists for the 2026 ICAC, in performing order, are:

1. Manuel Toucinho
2. Timothée Vinour
3. Guy Hirschberger
4. Kyle Khembunjong
5. Giovanni Martinelli
6. Ana Maria Iordache
7. Rémy Patel
8. Filippos Manoloudis
9. Alan Liu
10. Paolo Besson
11. David Manzanares-Salguero
12. Eric Wang

Watch the Competition Live

You can follow this year's competition rounds on the GFA's YouTube channel:

Several of these artists have recorded with us at Guitar Salon International. Here are some of their performances from our archive:

Congratulations to the Junior Division winners, and the very best of luck to all twelve ICAC semifinalists as they take the stage. We're looking forward to following the rounds and seeing the results of the ICAC competition.