It’s not every day you see guitarists in the Middle East handed a stage big enough to shake up the industry. Yet that’s exactly what MDLBEAST is doing with the return of PWR CHORD, the region’s premier guitar competition, set to take over Riyadh this December at XP Music Futures 2025.
More than just another music contest, PWR CHORD has become a launchpad for musicians across the MENA region. It’s a stage designed for bold expression, technical mastery, and the raw energy that only a six-string can unleash. PWR Chord is built to showcase the full spectrum of guitar artistry, swinging its doors open to guitarists of every genre. Whether your sound leans toward face-melting rock riffs, soulful jazz runs, intricate classical fingerpicking, or heavy-hitting metal solos, this is where you can prove your talent.
Applications are open to everyone. All it takes to enter is a 3–5 minute video that captures your distinct sound and personality. From there, the path gets increasingly intense. The top ten submissions will be invited to Riyadh for live semi-finals at XP Music Futures. Four will advance into a cutthroat two-versus-two face-off, before the final showdown crowns the Six-String Master of 2025.
This year, the competition will be hosted by Gigi Arabia, a key figure in the Saudi music landscape and founder of Heavy Arabia Entertainment, the country’s first heavy metal promotion company. Backing that up is a panel of judges that spans both global prestige and regional authority. Expect sharp ears and high standards from:
- Kiko Loureiro, the legendary Megadeth guitarist.
- Madani Zakri, an influential guitarist and educator in the region.
- Faisal Alami, a mentor and driving force in MENA’s music culture.
- Lilas Mayassi, known for her innovative and versatile playing.
- Asem Serah, a respected performer and instructor.
Each judge brings a different perspective, ensuring that technical skill, creative risk, and audience connection all carry weight.
In a landscape where electronic beats often dominate, PWR Chord keeps the guitar at the center of the conversation. It’s a reminder that live musicianship still has the power to shape culture, and that the Middle East has no shortage of talent waiting to be heard. For guitarists, performing at XP Music Futures means exposure to industry leaders, potential collaborations, and the chance to plug directly into one of the region’s fastest-growing creative ecosystems.
Applications are officially open, which means the clock is ticking. If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your guitar from your bedroom to a stage that matters, this is the moment to send in your clip and plug into something bigger.
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