Over 2000 barbers gathered on the Gold Coast to bring that signature barbering energy to the Convention Centre over May 3 to 5.  Engaging education, enthusiasm as well as new barber products amongst a signature ‘brotherhood’ for the second iteration of the Expo4Barbers.

Starting on Saturday evening May 3, the Barber Battle saw 23 international and local judges watch almost 100 competitors in a variety of different competitions create clean fades, strong lines and current street looks. With some as young as 16, this raw talent is all about promoting the future of the industry and this night did not disappoint while showcasing the creativity and culture of barbering.  

With Expo4Barbers starting at 8am on Suday May 4, VIP attendees were given an up-close education experience which set the standard for the day filled with on-stage education, break out education sessions with ample time to walk the exhibition floor. International educators such as
Josh O’meara-Patel and Yahia Jaber hit the floor with stand demonstrations, new electrical tools and software, while a a bingo competition offered a winning prize pool of over $15,000.

Day two of the event started with the Depot Barber Competition with six finalists vying on stage to win the coveted prize. With more stage education and opportunities to also win a chin up competition on the Blak Haircare stands, the floor was filled with business building conversations and connections which is so important for the growth of the industry. Thanks to the vision of Fraser Forsey, the creator of the event, this connection for the industry is here to stay and later in November the Expo4Barbers moves to New Zealand for it’s first event across the ditch.

To finish the weekend, the industry hit Surfers Paradise on the Island Hotel for the Australian Modern Barber Awards. Held annually, the awards were moved this year to align with the expo.

Some of the evening’s big winners included Empire Barbershop, named ANZ Modern Barber Business of the Year 2025, Matt Clarke of Esq. Male Grooming, announced as ANZ Modern Barber of the Year, Jimmy O’Brien, AKA Jimmy Rod, who was awarded Special Recognition and Clare Castles, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Congratulations to all the award winners:

AMBA Style Product of the Year
REF Rough Paste by Smiths Collective Brands

Best ANZ Barber Collection – Junior
Duncan Black, Harrison and Co Barbers

Best ANZ Barbershop Team Member of the Year
Regan Walklin, Kings Domain Barbershop

Best ANZ Business Director/Owner of the Year
Robby Lippet, Attaboy

Best ANZ Barber Educator of the Year
Damian Lai

Best ANZ Barber Collection – Classic
Gianni Sollazzo, Esq. Male Grooming 

Beat ANZ Barber Collection – Freestyle
Jordan Donegan Studio X

Best ANZ Customer Care
The Studio-X

Best ANZ Barbershop Design
Common Barbershop 

Best Educator – Organisation
The Barber Academy X 4 Barbers

Best AMBA TEAM Collection
Hearts and Minds

International Barber of the Year
Rino Riccio UK

AMBA BTS Crew
Photographer: Theresa Hall
Stylist: Ysha Giorno
MUA: Sarah  Smith
Ryan Poole, Modern Barber Collection

ANZ Modern Barber Business of the Year
Empire Barbershop

ANZ Modern Barber of the Year
Matt Clarke, Esq. Male Grooming

Special Recognition
Jimmy O’Brien, AKA Jimmy Rod

AMBA Hall of Fame
Clare Castles

Catch up with INSTYLE and Styleicons!

• Subscribe to our bi-monthly magazine
• Check out www.styleicons.com.au
• Subscribe to our twice-weekly newsletter
• View our digital magazine
• Follow us on social media on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn