SPL 1, the inaugural event of the Sportdrum Professional League, took place on January 3rd, 2025, marking a historic moment in drumming as a sport. This groundbreaking event transformed competitive drumming from a performance art into a structured competitive format, where skill, speed, endurance, and showmanship were judged with the precision of traditional sports. The match was held virtually and broadcasted live on YouTube, ensuring a global audience could witness the first-ever professional drum battle under SPL’s competitive format. The headliner featured an intense face-off between Australian drumming powerhouse, Alex Powys and England’s Allan Gardner, known as "The Mad Drummer Art." Originally, American drummer Irving Osuna was instated to compete, but a collarbone fracture forced him to withdraw, leading to Gardner stepping in as a short notice replacement, only heightening the tension.

Despite the short notice, Gardner delivered an electrifying performance, showcasing his signature pazazz and energy. However, Powys—renowned for his explosiveness and chops—proved why he's a top contender, demonstrating superior control, rhythmic complexity, and relentless endurance. The 10 set battle pushed both drummers to their limits, with judges analyzing every detail of their execution, stage presence, and adaptability to SPL’s structured format. When the final scores were tallied, Alex Powys emerged victorious via unanimous decision (U dec), securing his place in history as the first-ever SPL victor. His win not only solidified his status as a serious contender, but also set the bar for future competitors.

SPL 1 was more than a single matchup; it was evidence that competitive drumming could thrive as a sport. The event's live broadcast format, structured judging system, and intense head-to-head competition captivated viewers, sparking widespread discussion about the potential of sportdrumming as a legitimate competitive discipline. The success of SPL 1 paved the way for future events, inspiring drummers worldwide to train and prepare for upcoming battles. With its innovative approach and commitment to elevating drumming to a new level, SPL 1 laid the foundation for a new era in the drumming community, ensuring that the sport would only grow from here.