More than 40 participants competed in this year's contest, prompting organisers to split the competition into two rounds. During round one, participants created a light show from a music track, after which six finalists were selected. Round two was then held live at the Prolight & Sound NAMM Russia.
Contestants had at their disposal Martin MAC 101, MAC Aura and MAC Viper Profile moving heads, as well as Atomic 3000 strobes with an M1 lighting console for control. Contest rules were the same for all participants: one rig, one music track and unlimited latitude for creativity. A panel consisting of Martin executives and Russia-based Martin personnel judged the light shows.
The top prize - a Martin M2GO lighting console - went to Artem Sagaidak with second place awarded to Denis Glinka from Kemerovo, who won a Martin M2PC lighting controller. Third place went to Artem Tsuranov, last year's winner, who received a Martin M-PC Basic.
Winner Artem Sagaidak shared his impressions after the ceremony - "I feel delighted and happy. My opponents were very strong and the competition was really tough. It's a great honor to win against rivals of such a high level. I'm very grateful to Martin Professional for such a wonderful idea and for the opportunity to present myself as a professional."
(Jim Evans)
