Picking for the Prize

Picking for the Prize is a one-of-a-kind flatpicking guitar contest where five finalists are chosen from online video submissions to compete live at the IBMA World of Bluegrass® in Chattanooga, Tennessee, October 20–24, 2025.


Submission Guidelines:

  • Submit one video (max 3 minutes) showing your entire guitar. No edits, cuts, pick-syncing, or speed changes allowed.
  • Perform one traditional bluegrass fiddle tune on acoustic guitar played acoustically and using a flatpick. No vocal songs, original composition fiddle tunes, or modern fiddle tunes allowed.
  • Optional: Share your video on Instagram or YouTube using #pickingfortheprize and tag @intlbluegrass, @martinguitar, and @lukeblack_music.


Eligibility:

  • Open to U.S. residents of all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
  • Entrants must be at least 18 years old to apply and compete.
  • Finalists are responsible for their own travel to the live competition in Chattanooga, TN.


Questions? Contact Amy Combs, IBMA Business Development Director, at acombs@ibma.org.

Submissions for the 2026 contest open Summer 2026.

Prize Packages

Grand Prize:

  • Martin D-28 Billy Strings acoustic guitar from Elderly Instruments
  • One (1) guaranteed entry and one (1) festival pass to the Walnut Valley Association National Flat Pick Guitar Championship 2025 in Winfield, Kansas
  • One (1) custom HXC-Calton case
  • One (1) PaigePro Capo
  • One (1) year subscription one (1) year ToneSlab sponsorship ($2000 value)
  • IBMA World of Bluegrass® Prize Pac

First Runner Up Prize Package:

  • A Martin merch pack
  • One (1) Paige Retro capo
  • Three (3) ToneSlab guitar picks
  • IBMA World of Bluegrass® Prize Pack

Third, Fourth, and Fifth-Place Prize Packages:

  • Martin swag bag and a Paige Clik or original 6-string Guitar Capo.
  • IBMA World of Bluegrass® Prize Pack
  • From ToneSlab: The second runner-up will receive three picks, the third runner-up will receive two picks, and the fourth runner-up will receive one pick.

Luke Black

2026 IBMA World of Bluegrass Artist in Residence

Luke Black is a touring musician and online influencer who graduated from Berklee College of Music. Luke has successfully founded a band called Mountain Grass Unit that has played many nationwide tours. He has studied with guitarists such as Kevin Barry, Lyle Brewer, Norm Zocher, and Joe Walsh during his time at Berklee. This period marks his interception of bluegrass with jazz and musical theory concepts.

Luke started teaching lessons in 2024 and eventually decided to start his own Patreon, where he uploads videos, vlogs, tabs, and community meetings. Luke is a powerful hand behind the computer when working with video editing software such as DaVinci Resolve Studio, Guitar Pro 8, and the whole Google Suite. Luke also works as a recording musician, transcriptionist, performer, and video/production manager.

Following high school, Luke was awarded a scholarship from Berklee College of Music. During high school, he performed in the jazz band playing guitar and helped arrange songs and plan concerts. He was also involved in the marching band playing percussion and symphonic band. While doing this, Luke was in the process of forming the Mountain Grass Unit and also earning his Eagle Scout. While at Berklee, he has been involved with many different ensembles and projects such as The Music of David Grisman, 21st Century String Band, The Music of Tony Rice, Gypsy Jazz, Bluegrass, Old Time, Cahaba Roots, Michael Corletto, and G Rockwell.