The energy was electric on the Gold Coast as the best in barbering across Australia and New Zealand were crowned at the 5th annual ANZ Modern Barber Awards (AMBAs) on Monday 5 May.
The room was full of talent, and good energy as the best in the industry from across Australia and New Zealand were recognised for their creativity, business smarts, and brilliance.
A massive shoutout to Empire Barbershop, who took out ANZ Modern Barber Business of the Year, and to Matt Clarke from Esq. Male Grooming, who was crowned ANZ Modern Barber of the Year.
We also saw some well-deserved nods with Jimmy O’Brien (aka Jimmy Rod) taking home the Special Recognition award, and Clare Castles being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Both have left a big mark on the industry and continue to inspire the next wave of barbers.
This year marked the first time the AMBAs welcomed New Zealand entries, and it’s safe to say the talent pool just got a whole lot deeper.
With street art, live music, beatboxing and a crowd-pumping performance by VOLTAK, the night felt more like a mini festival than an awards ceremony. The party didn’t stop there either – the official afterparty at Duke’s Parlour kept the good times rolling.
Congratulations to the Mocha Group for pulling it all together, and to all the sponsors and judges who help make events like this possible. The AHC is proud to celebrate our industry’s rising stars, business leaders, and creative legends.
To all the barbers who entered, placed, or took out a win – we see you, and we’re cheering you on.
2025 AMBA WINNERS
Style Product of the Year
Sponsored by mocha barber magazine
REF Rough Paste by Smiths Collective Brands
Best ANZ Barber Collection – Junior
Sponsored by Hairco – JRL/Reuzel
Duncan Black, Harrison and Co Barbers
Best ANZ Barbershop Team Member of the Year
Sponsored by Dp EXO GROW
Keegan Walklin, Kings Domain Barber Shop
Best ANZ Business Director/Owner of the Year
Sponsored by Shortcuts
Robby Lippett, Attaboy
Best ANZ Barber Collection – Classic
Sponsored by Dateline Imports
Gianni Sollazzo, Esq. Male Grooming
Best ANZ Barber Collection – Freestyle
Sponsored by Gamma+
Jordan Donegan, Studio X
Best ANZ Customer Care
Sponsored by Heiniger
The Studio-X
Best ANZ Barbershop Design
Sponsored by Comfortel
Common Barbershop
Best ANZ Barber Educator of the Year – Individual
Sponsored by ZIB
Damian Lai
Best ANZ Barber Educator of the Year – Organisation
Sponsored by Depot
The Barber Academy x 4 Barbers
Best ANZ Team Collection
Sponsored by American Crew
Hearts & Minds
BTS Crew
Sponsored by mocha barber magazine
Photographer: Theresa Hall. Stylist: Ysha Giorno. MUA: Sarah Smith.
For Ryan Poole, Modern Barber Collection
International Modern Barber of the Year
Sponsored by Expo4Barbers
Rino Riccio, UK
ANZ Modern Barber Business of the Year
Sponsored by American Barber
Empire Barbershop
ANZ Modern Barber of the Year
Sponsored by mocha group
Matt Clarke, Esq. Male Grooming
Special Recognition
Sponsored by mocha group
Jimmy O’Brien, AKA Jimmy Rod
AMBA Hall of Fame
Sponsored by mocha group
Clare Castles
