The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) has announced the Top 12 builders in the 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers competition. These builders represent an elite group of individuals who have demonstrated extreme talent, creativity and craftsmanship in modifying cars, trucks and SUVs, SEMA officials stated in a press release.
The 2026 SEMA Battle of the Builders Presented by Mothers Top 12 are (by category):
Hot Rod/Hot Rod Truck Finalists
- Charles Crews – 1970 Plymouth ’Cuda
- Andy Leach – 1933 Pontiac Vicky
- Eddie Pettus – 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle
Sport Compact/Import Performance Finalists
- Buddy Hale – 1955 Volkswagen Ghia
- Jordan Henke – 1974 Ford Capri MK1
- Kamaka Pocock – 1956 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud I
Off-Road Finalists
- Mark Giambalvo – 1974 Chevrolet K10
- Scott Luscombe – 1985 Chevrolet K10
- Jeremy Wessels – 1969 Ford Bronco
Young Guns Finalists
- Bryce Adams – 1972 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
- Jesse Rieger – 1969 Ford Mustang
- Dylan Russell – 1999 BMW E36
The Top 12 builders will now judge and vote on each other’s builds to narrow the field to the Top 4, with the overall winner announced during the Battle of the Builders Stage at Central Hall Booth #24743 on Friday, Nov. 6, at noon.