Bullshit, there many others who deserve much much more than steve vai…
in my opinion : Dave mustaine (#1)

People always think he’s just about fast-as-fuck playing but he’s written plenty of fantastic meaty riffs in his time … a long overdue accolade! Well done Steve!

Vai is a joke. sure he can shred but compared to a seasoned metal guitarist he has no memorable riffs to speak of. Tony Iommi, Dimebag, Zakk Wylde, basically any guitarist from the well known metal band could qualify for this award. Vai would be my last pick.

Riff Lord??? granted the guy is a fantastic soloist but riff lord? not quite sure about this one sorry.

Bad Horsie is a cracking riff by the way.

There is a connotation for famous riffs and awesome riffs. Vai has made a lot of awesome riffs, yet they are not as well known as say, “Smoke on the Water” or “Paranoid” or any of that.
Therefore it should be a question of some mindblowing amazing riffs without bias of fame. I’ve no problem with Vai winning this award.

ok guys i am a vai fan but im not just saying this because of that vai is deserving look at the riffs he did for zappa and for whitesnake and david lee roth which may not be the heaviest shit imaginable but still good he also had bad horsie and one of my favorites answers he has way harder riffs and way more technical and he is a much more well rounded player than any one like zakk wylde or dave mustaine personally i think mustaine is sloppy but he is good and i respect him but dont say vai isnt worth it if you havent really thought about his entire career he is a legend

DUDE THIS IS A JOKE RIGHT? WHAT IS THE WORLD COMING TO!!!

DAVE MUSTAINE IS THE ANSWER.
Fuck ALL.