The first round of judging for the Golden Drum Competition 2026 has placed 187 entries on the shortlist, including 16 from the Adriatic region. The same work can be entered in multiple categories, so the regional total represents nine distinct works. Another 15 entries have been shortlisted in the Young Drummers competition, including two Slovenian teams.
Croatian agencies have five works in the running. Studio Sonda is shortlisted with Label Created by the Wine Itself, Three Lions with Croatia, I Hear It’s Beautiful, and Bruketa&Žinić&Grey with The Poster That Helps Find Lost Dogs. Imago Ogilvy has two shortlisted works, A Cry for Hydration and My Connection.
McCann Skopje represents North Macedonia with The Scratching Ads Series and The Scratching Ads. Serbia is represented by McCann Beograd with Till Death Do Us Part, while Slovenia’s AV Studio is shortlisted with The Pink Receipt.
Slovenia also has finalists among the young creatives. Vito Sedej and Tit Jaklič from Agencija 101 have reached the Young Drummers Competition shortlist with Priceless Detours. Lučka Fabijan and Ivona Repše from DROM Agency are finalists with Move Contactless. Experience Contactful. Both teams responded to this year’s brief, World. One Tap Away., prepared with the support of Mastercard Slovenia. They are also the only finalists from the Adriatic region in this part of the competition.
From 29 September to 2 October, the jury will evaluate the shortlisted work again and decide who will receive this year’s awards. The winners will be announced on 13 October at the Golden Drum Award Show, powered by Mastercard. The festival takes place on 12 and 13 October in Portorož, where attendees will have the chance to meet the creators and see which works won over the jury. The full shortlist is available here, and those wishing to attend the festival can get a delegate pass.
